Explore The Hokka Trees; Hidden Historic Gems in Diu
Do you know where famous Bollywood movies like “ Kai Po Che”, “Agneepath” and “ Ram Setu” were shot? Nope, it wasn’t at Goa or Vietnam, it was at Daman and Diu, a quaint establishment in the Saurashtra region of India. There are some amazing things to do at Daman and Diu, including discovering the famous Hokka Trees.
Daman and Diu host various national and international tourists every year, locals visit this unique travel spot for summer vacations while tourists from abroad make it a point to keep this coastal town on their Indian travel itinerary. Today, let’s explore this region’s offbeat section and learn of its fascinating facts: Hokka Trees in Diu.
History of Hokka Trees
These plants are known as Hokka or Hyphaene Indica, and they’re a special kind of African Hokka palm tree that’s pretty rare. You won’t find them anywhere else in India except in Diu.
The Portuguese brought these trees to India, and they’re super common in Diu. The fruit of the Hokka trees in Diu looks great and tastes good too. People believe it has healing powers and can help with certain health issues.
Hoka trees Diu are unique because they have branches and offshoots that spread out from the main trunk. You can spot them around oases in the desert regions.
The Hoka seed is a beautiful red-oval shape that sticks out, high up in the palm-like trees like a cricket ball.
The ancient Egyptians used these fruits in their burial rituals. They’re packed with nutrients, and people in Diu, Saurashtra, and other places where these Hokka trees grow use parts of them in their cooking. Hoka seeds are used to make a local dish called ‘Tadi.’
We, know you must be wondering that seeing the Hokka trees in Diu is a great and unique experience but what next? What do we do after reaching the site of the Hokka trees? Here’s what you can do.
10 Best things to do at Hokka Trees:
1. Admire the natural beauty of the Hokka trees
Imagine witnessing this marvel of nature, which is no short of a miracle. You’re lucky enough to behold this one-of-a-kind tree, which grows nowhere else in India, except for in Diu.
Fascinating! Isn’t it? When visiting the Hokka Trees, you can see the structure and how these magnificent trees grow. You will also get an opportunity to see the glossy round fruits hanging in bunches from the tall Hokka Trees.
2. Go for a nature walk
The environment around the Hokka Trees is calm, serene, and therapeutic. It is the perfect place to embrace the tranquility of nature.
3. Learn of the history of Hokka Trees
Once you step close to the Hokka Trees in Diu, you’ll be compelled to understand how these trees were originally found in parts of Africa and Egypt and reached India.
The locals and nearby street vendors are the best people to ask about the history of the Hokka Trees.
They will tell you how the Portuguese got these plants to Diu in India and ever since, these trees have become an integral part of Diu.
4. Click memorable photographs
Clicking amazing shots around these trees that are only found in Diu, is a must-do activity when visiting Daman and Diu.
5. Enjoy a picnic under the Hokka Trees
If you seek offbeat destinations in India to make some unforgettable memories and have out-of-this-world experiences, then having a picnic with friends or family under these tall and magnificent Hokka Trees will surely intrigue you.
6. Taste the fruits of the Hokka Trees
Hokka Trees are not just famous for their origin and structure, their fruit holds a major significance as well.
You can find many street vendors across Diu and nearby the Hokka Trees, selling the red-ripe ball-like fruit called “Hoka’. It has a fleshy and pulpy texture and tastes like mango and custard apple. Do try this fruit when visiting the Hokka Trees.
7. Birdwatching
The Hokka Trees are filled with male and female flowers that smell heavenly.
They are laden with ripe fruits and thus attract numerous rare and local bird species. These trees give great opportunities for tourists to spot beautiful and rare birds.
Don’t forget to carry your binoculars!
8. Meditation and Yoga
Sit under these trees and inhale the sweetly scented air as you meditate and forget about all your tensions and worries.
9. Painting and Art
Hokka Trees are a great subject for artists, particularly painters and sketch artists. You can spot many such creative minds, patiently working on capturing the beauty of these trees on their canvas.
10. Try the locally prepared ‘Tadi’
If you didn’t try the local drink ‘Tadi’ then you’ve missed out on something great, in life. Tadi is prepared from the juicy flesh and pulp of the fruits of the Hokka Trees.
Are there any good places to visit near Hokka Trees:
There are many historical places to visit near Hokka Trees such as:
- Devka Beach: Devka Beach is a stunning natural wonder. Like numerous other beaches in Daman, it is vast, beautiful, and remarkably untouched.
- Nani Daman: Situated on the banks of the Daman Ganga River, Nani Daman Jetty is one of the top tourist destinations in Daman District. It has been a favored spot for locals and visitors to enjoy their free time.
- Diu Fort: Constructed in 1535, this enormous, meticulously maintained Portuguese fortress, featuring a double moat (affected by tides) was among the most significant Portuguese fortresses in Asia and continues to attract tourists to date.
- Nagao Beach: A stunning beach in the nation, Nagao Beach and its tranquil environment offer an ideal place to relax amidst the beauty of nature.
- Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple: Nestled in tranquility and natural splendor, the Gangeshwar Temple honors the deity who is part of the Hindu trinity, Lord Shiva.
This Hindu Temple is 3 km from Diu, in the Fudam Village of Gujarat. It is said to have been constructed by the Pandavas.
Tips to consider before reaching the Hokka Trees Location:
- The best time to visit Hokka Trees is when the weather and the climate are good and the best time to visit Daman and Diu. Cooler months from October to March are ideal, as summers in this region can be extremely hot.
- If you’re interested in activities like birdwatching and photography, the best time to visit Hokka Trees is in the early morning hours or late afternoon.
- There are no specific Hokka Trees timings, they can be visited anytime.
- If you’re wondering what’s the Hokka Trees Diu ticket price? Good news! It is zero. It is free.
- Lastly, let’s tell you how to reach Hokka Trees. You can easily walk towards the Hokka Trees on Nagao Beach in Diu. if you’re staying somewhere else, hire local transport and reach Nagao Beach and Hokka Trees.
What exactly are the Hokka Trees and why are they unique?
Hokka Trees are a unique species of palm trees that are found in parts of Africa and Egypt. These trees are not found anywhere else in India except in Diu and this makes them unique.
Where can I find the Hokka Trees in Diu?
You can find the Hokka Trees in Diu at Nagao Beach. It is lined with Hokka trees and is visited by many tourists every year.
Are there any activities I can do near the Hokka Trees?
You can do many things near the Hokka Trees like Birdwatching, Picnics, Photography, and Nature Walks.
What is the best time to visit the Hokka Trees?
The best time to visit the Hokka Trees is in the cooler months from October to March. If you wish to watch the stunning sunrise and capture some amazing shots or go birdwatching, then the best time to visit the Hokka Trees is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
