Exploring Beyond Diu: A Guide to Must-Visit Nearby Destinations

Diu is considered as one of those few places that offer an ample number of options to visit. It is located near Gujarat, Daman and Diu together form a union territory. You can visit a lot of things from the Little Rann of Kutch to Gir National Park and from Delwara to Somnath, there are many fantastic places to visit near Diu. In the blog, we have tried to compile a list of the top places to visit near Diu that are a perfect choice for your holiday trip with our India tour packages. 

Discover the charm and beauty of the area surrounding Diu with our detailed guide to nearby destinations along with the places to visit in daman and Diu. While Diu itself is a serene coastal town known for its fortress and sandy beaches, the regions around it offer a blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. 

Top 12 Places to Visit Near Diu

From the architectural marvels of Junagadh to the beautiful beaches of Somnath, this guide of best places to visit near Diu will help you explore the hidden gems and most popular tourists places in Gujarat just a short drive from Diu, ensuring a memorable extension to your trip. It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper understanding of local history, the areas near Diu have something to offer every traveller.

Like the top things to do in Daman and Diu, there are several beautiful places to visit in Diu. But as a curious traveller, you would not want to explore further. So here are all the activities, attractions, and travel inspirations offered put together in a list of sightseeing places near Diu.

• • Somnath – A Temple Hub
  • Little Rann Of Kutch – A White Desert
  • Junagadh – A Fort City
  • Gir National Park – Lions And More
  • Dwarka – An Ancient City 
  • Kalyan – For Forts And Temples
  • Delwara – Architectural Wonders
  • Bhavnagar – For Temples And Lakes
  • Vadodara – On The Banks Of Vishwamitri
  • Rajkot – A Large City
  • Gomtimata Beach- A Scenic Beach 
  • Porbandar – The birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi

Suggested Read : Adventure activities in diu.

Somnath – A Temple Hub

It was created back in ancient times “Somnath” is one place that has an incredibly important place in the history of India. Apart from being an important border town, Somnath was also home to the richest and the most amazing temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

Among the various temples in Somnath, a very significant one is the Somnath temple. It was looted many times in history, the first time dating back to 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni. It is amongst the best places to visit near Diu. The last loot was done under the rule of Aurangzeb who also built a mosque there. Somnath has a wonderful beach. 

Best time to visit: September to March
Best for: Adventure, beach vacation, pilgrimage, friends, families, and solo travellers.
Must-visit places in Somnath: Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Somnath Beach, Surya Mandir, Panch Pandav Gufa, Triveni Sangam, Buddhist Caves, Prabhas Patan Museum and Bhalka Tirth.

Little Rann Of Kutch – A White Desert

Little Rann of Kutch is one of the best road trip destinations from Diu, though the distance is big. The place is highly popular among the youngsters that enjoy the long drives passing through various landforms and sights. 

It is amongst the best places to visit near Diu. The place is a salt wetland which is being considered for a biosphere reserve. The region has many wildlife reserves and rare animal species that attract thousands of tourists every year. Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary is one of the largest wildlife reserves in India and is a must-visit place. 

Banjana Creek is yet another famous place to spot birds. There are some good places to visit like Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Banjana Creek, Chakkdo tours, visiting the salt pans, and Rabadi Tribal Area.

Best time to visit: November to February
Best for: Road trips, wildlife photographers, families, and solo travellers

Junagadh

Junagarh has some of the best places to visit near Diu. The place is a walled city in the foothills of Mount Girnar. Junagadh has the Arabian Sea in its Northwest direction, and the city itself is dotted with lots of historical sites to visit and explore. The place also offers adventurous activities and vibrant local markets to explore.

There are some other must to visit places like Holy Hill of Girnar, Amba Ji Mandir, Adi-Kadi Vav, Jama Masjid, Navghan Kuvo, Jain temples, Dattatray Mandir, Tomb of Nuri Shah, Junagadh Museum and Uparkot Fort.

Best time to visit: October to March
Best for: Families, history fanatics, adventure seekers, solo travellers, friends, day trips, road trips

Gir National Park 

Gir National Park in Gujarat is one of the best places to visit near Diu and make up for an exciting and thrilling weekend trip. Lion Safari, Camping, Forest Walks and enjoying the thrill of roaming in the land ruled by mighty lions. 

Gir is one of the places to explore. Apart from being home to lions, Gir is also home to more than 250 species of birds, leopards, nilgai, hyenas, chinkaras, antelopes and crocodiles. You can also visit other amazing places like Mahabat Maqbara, Nalsarovar Lake, and Uperkot Fort.

Timings to visit: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Best time to visit: December to March
Best for: Safari, camping, families, friends, solo travellers, and photography lovers.

Dwarka

Dwarka is also one of the best places to visit near Diu. As of now, more than half of this ancient town was submerged under the water, and the remaining part is known as Bet Dwarka. 

There is a lighthouse from where you can enjoy an amazing view of the region. There are plenty of places to visit in Dwarka. The place is undoubtedly one of the best sightseeing places near Diu. There are other places as well which you can explore like Gopi Talav, Hanuman Mandir, Dwarka Beach, Nageshwar Mandir, Shree Dwarkadhish Temple, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple, and Tulamandir.

Best time to visit: October to March
Best for: Families with kids, religious groups, sightseeing, and historical places.

Kalyan – For Forts And Temples

The best place to visit near Diu is Kalyan which is famous for its fort, ghats, and trekking. There are amusement park and recreation spots that offer the perfect options for picnics and day excursions with the family. It is located in Thane and is another impressive road trip destination from Diu. 

It is also one of the best places to visit near Diu for the youth that offers adventurous activities such as hiking and water activities. Some of the must visit places are Durgadi Fort, Kala Talao, Birla Mandir, Shiv Mandir, Chikhloli Dam, Shiv Mandir, Ganesh Ghat, Durgadi Killa and Ambernath Shiv Mandir.

Best time to visit: October to December and February to May
Best for: Family getaways, adventure, groups, solo travellers, road trips

Delwara – Architectural Wonders

Delwara is one of the good sightseeing places near Diu, which is also famous for its architectural wonders. The Delwara Temples is the place was initially known as Devkul Paton Nagri. It is amongst the good places to visit near Diu.

There was a time when Delwara used to house 1000 religious buildings or temples of which 400 were Jain temples. It is a fantastic destination if you want to take road trips to tourist places around Diu. There are some amazing places like Art Haveli, Jain Sanctuaries and temples where you can visit.

Best time to visit: November to March
Best for: Road trips, families, groups, solo travellers, and temple visits.

Bhavnagar – For Temples And Lakes

Bhavnagar is an old city in Gujarat which offers many amazing tourist attractions and historical landmarks to visit. Some amazing places apart from  Bhavnagar are :Ferry Boat In Gadaria, Bortalav Lake, Nilambagh Palace, Shree Takhteshwar Temple, Mahuva, Gauri Shankar Lake, Velavadar National Park, Victoria Park, Trambak Falls, Ganga Deri, and Shree Khodiyar Mata Mandir

This is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Diu that is just less than 250 KM from Diu. It offers attractions for the adventurous travellers, history fanatics, nature lovers, families, solo travellers and all other kinds of travellers. 

Best time to visit: October to January
Best for: Families, friends, history geeks, wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers

Vadodara

Vadodara is also called Baroda and is one of the royal states of Gujarat that offers many attractions for history and art lovers. Vadodara is rightfully called a royal city and among the top places to visit near Diu. It is a perfect destination to explore over a weekend and can be explored in just over one day.

Other best places to visit near Diu in Vadodara are Sayaji Baug, Laxmi Vilas Palace, Fateh Singh Museum, EME Temple, Kirti Mandir, Tambekar Wada, Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery.

Best time to visit: October to March
Best for: Families, art enthusiasts, history lovers, families, groups, and solo travellers.

Rajkot

Rajkot offers an amazing mix of cultural elements inspired and influenced by Gandhi, British Raj and traditional times. Folk music, handicrafts, lively celebrations of Navratri, Garba and the true essence of the place.  Rajkot is a perfect weekend getaway from places to visit near Diu.

There are other places to explore like Watson Museum, Gandhi Museum, Jubilee garden, Rotary Dolls Museum, Lang Library, and Aaji Dam.

Best time to visit: October to March
Best for: Families with kids, sightseeing, gastronomic tours, history fanatics, group, and solo travellers.

Gomtimata Beach

The Gomtimata beach is located on the western end of the Diu in the village Vanakbara. Gomtimata Beach is one of the best beaches in the region and a popular among places to visit near Diu. Surrounded with natural white sand, this beach is however not safe for swimming as it is prone to high tides. It is named after the Gomtimata Temple that’s dedicated to Devi Gomti. This beach is an ideal place for picnic and sunset view.

Best time to visit:  October – February

Best for: Families with kids, sightseeing, gastronomic tours, history fanatics, group, and solo travellers.

Porbandar

Porbandar, well known as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. It is a beautiful beach town with some temples and dams and is now also a popular trading hub. Apart from the haveli where Gandhiji was born which has now been converted into a temple, there are a few more temples, dams, reservoirs, serene beaches and wildlife spots as well to add to your experience in Porbandar. It attracts pilgrims with temples such as the Sudama Mandir, Bharat Mandir, Ram Dhoon Mandir, Hanuman temple and more.

Best time to visit:  July to February

Best for: Families with kids, sightseeing, gastronomic tours, history fanatics, group, and solo travellers.

Religious places to visit in Diu

• Gangeshwar Temple 

Gangeshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple which is situated on the island of Diu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is revered for its unique setting. It is located amidst the rocky sea shore, where the waves of the Arabian Sea constantly touch the Shiva Lingas. 

Five well-defined lingas, believed to have been installed by the five Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharata during their exile, are the central attractions of this temple. 

These Shiva Lingas are nestled in a cave-like formation and are constantly washed by the sea waves, creating a tranquil yet powerful spiritual ambiance.

Take time to visit – 1 to 2 hours and opens all year

• Jallandhar Shrine 

Jallandhar Shrine is a religious site situated on a hill near the beach in the union territory of Diu, off the southern coast of Gujarat, India. This shrine is dedicated to a mythical demon named Jallandhar, mentioned in Indian mythology, who was believed to have been killed by Lord Krishna. 

The temple holds a prominent place among the local population and tourists for its mythological importance and the panoramic view it offers of the surrounding landscape and the Arabian Sea. 

The small structure with its simple yet meaningful architecture stands in the middle of a well-maintained garden area, making it an amazing location for photography and nature lovers. The site is easily accessible from the main town by local transport.

Take time to visit – 1 to 2 hours and open all year.

• Samudra Narayan Temple

Located near the Arabian Sea in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu union territory of India, Samudra Narayan Temple is a popular Hindu temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is known for its unique architecture and serene surroundings that offer visitors a peaceful and spiritual experience.

The temple was built around 300 years ago by the Portuguese rulers who once occupied the region. It is believed the temple was made  to appease the local people, who were predominantly Hindus. Since then it has been renovated and expanded over the years and now stands as a testament to the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The temple has a large statue of Lord Shiva and several smaller shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities. Most of the travellers can participate in the daily prayer rituals to get the blessings from lord Shiva.

Samudra Narayan Temple is a beautiful and peaceful place of worship and a must-visit destination for those interested in culture, history, and spirituality. Visitors can also explore the nearby attractions and immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty.

What is the best time to visit Diu?

The winter season is the best time to visit Diu. The months between October to February display an average Diu temperature ranging between 15-23 degrees keeping the days pleasantly warm and nights comfortably cool. You can also check for places to visit in February in India. Most of the people also look for nightlife in Daman and Diu.

How to reach Diu?

Diu can be easily connected via roadways in spite of being an island. There is good connectivity from Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Baroda. There are flights as well except on Saturdays, but they are usually expensive. There are no direct trains to Diu from Mumbai.

What are the must try foods in Diu?

1. Prawn Curry – Rich in flavours, this Goan-inspired dish is made using prawns cooked in a tangy coconut milk-based gravy.
2. Parotha – Though typical to the region, this creates a blend with the spices of Diu. The fried bread is a favourite accompaniment to curries.
3. Crab Masala – Fresh crabs cooked in a spicy masala which is a signature delicacy of Diu.
4. Bangda Fish Fry – Mackerel marinated in spices and fried. It reflects the strong fishing culture of the island.
5. Gujarati Kadhi – A sweet and tangy yoghurt-based soup flavoured with spices and often enjoyed with rice.
6. Daal Dhokli – A traditional Gujarati dish made with pieces of seasoned dough cooked in lentil curry.
7. Sukha Bhaji – Dry potato curry with local spices, sometimes enjoyed with puri.
8. Vegetable Pulao – Aromatic rice dish cooked with a variety of vegetables and Gujarati spices.
9. Butter Garlic Squid – Tender squid pieces tossed in butter and garlic, a delightful treat for seafood lovers.
10. Gulab Jamun – Deep-fried khoya balls soaked in sweet syrup, this dessert is a sweet end to any Diu meal. 

Famous places to eat in Diu

• O’Coqueiro Restaurant

Address: Main Bazaar, Diu

Famous Food: Prawn Curry (Non-Veg)

• Apana Foodland

Address: Fort Road, Near Vegetable Market, Diu

Famous Food: Gujarati Thali (Veg)

• The Cats Eye Restaurant

Address: Ghoghla Beach, Diu

Famous Food: Bangda Fish Fry (Non-Veg)

• Khareks Restaurant

Address: Near Diu Fort, Diu

Famous Food: Crab Masala (Non-Veg)

• Rasoi Restaurant

Address: Bunder Chowk, Diu

Famous Food: Butter Garlic Squid (Non-Veg)

• Hoka Island Villa

Address: Nagoa Beach, Diu

Famous Food: Dal Dhokli (Veg)

• Riviera Restaurant

Address: Nagoa Beach Road, Diu

Famous Food: Vegetable Pulao (Veg)

• Khajura Bar & Restaurant

Address: Fort Road, Diu

Famous Food: Sukha Bhaji (Veg)

• Hotel Palms

Address: Khodidhar Beach, Diu

Famous Food: SeaFood Platter (Non-Veg)

• Ganga Restaurant

Address: Diu Jetty, Diu

Famous Food: Parotha with Various Curries (Veg/Non-Veg)

Conclusion

Yes! We know after reading all these, you too are filled with the thrill to explore more of Diu. Now, you have too many places in your wishlist which you can visit while planning your next trip. People also look for 15 best places to visit in Daman and Diu. 

Wait! Are you still waiting for something? Come On! Hurry up, pack your bags today and plan your trip now. Diu is beyond any place, travellers encounter the amazing views and will love to stay in the clean city and will be delighted to feel the warm hospitality. Must read about honeymoon places in India.