Diu Hotels

Diu Island is located south of Gujarat, India, and is connected to the mainland by bridges and a ferry. Diu was under Portuguese occupation from 1539 to 1961, when the Indian government used military action to retake all the Portgese enclaves. Apart from Diu, also Daman, Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli were "liberated" in this conflict. This area used to be a part of a larger union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu before Goa became a state by itself. Union territory of Daman and Diu is still administrated from Delhi. Diu has fine but not so spectacular beaches, Diu town, some villages and all in all very relaxed atmosphere compared to most of India. Diu is not anything like Goa for example and those expecting to find a similar place on a smaller scale might be disappointed. What is Diu? For better or worse, this tiny ex-Portuguese island is the reason most travellers come to Gujarat. And while it might not quite be the tropical paradise they imagined, it has a quirky charm that will tame you from asking too many questions.Diu also has fine beaches, whitewashed churches, an imposing fort, colourful Lisboa streets, a gorgeous climate, lush seafood and giggly Gujarati weekenders who flock for the cheap booze and sunshine. Plus it's the safest place to ride a scooter in all of India, with minimum traffic and excellent roads.Like Daman and Goa, Diu was a Portuguese colony until taken over by India in 1961. With Daman, it is still governed from Delhi as a Union Territory. It includes Diu island, about 11km by 3km, separated from the coast by a narrow channel, and two tiny mainland enclaves. One of these, housing the village of Ghoghla, is the entry point to Diu from Una.The northern side of the island, facing Gujarat, is tidal marsh and salt pans, while the southern coast alternates between limestone cliffs, rocky coves and sandy beaches.The island's main industries are fishing, tourism, booze and salt. Kalpana Distillery at Malala produces rum from sugar cane.