Diu Fort
The Diu Fort, also known as Praça de Diu, is situated on the southernmost tip of Diu Island, offering breathtaking views of the sea. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, the fort’s outer wall runs along the coastline, while the inner wall features bastions equipped with historic cannons.
Diu Fort Surroundings:
West: Faces the serene Arabian Sea.
North: Flanked by the scenic Kolak River.
South: Guarded by the tranquil Kalai River.
The fort boasts three entry gates, with the main gate featuring five large windows and stone galleries. From the fortress, you can enjoy a glittering view of the Panikotha Fort, located in the sea opposite Diu Fort, which is especially enchanting in the evenings.
You’ll find well-preserved bronze cannons and scattered iron shells inside the fort. The entrance gateway, accessible via a permanent bridge, has an inscription in Portuguese, and the gate’s bastion is named St. George.
A large lighthouse stands at one end of the fortress, and the ruins of walls, gateways, arches, ramps, and bastions offer an impressive glimpse into the fort’s military past. Within the fort, beautifully laid-out gardens with paths bordered by old cannons add to its charm.
The fort’s strategic location made it a crucial hub for sea trade with cities like Cambay (Khambhat), Broach (Bharuch), and Surat. Two bridges connect the town and the fort, making it easily accessible for visitors.
My Experience of Diu Fort
Diu was always on my bucket list of traveling, and while exploring Gujarat, I got the opportunity to fulfill this. We wanted to explore the most famous tourist attraction in Diu and understand its history and culture. So, DIU FORT chose to be the first spot to explore.
How to Reach Diu Fort?
We reached the Fort by car using the roadways. Diu is well-connected to the cities of Gujarat and other states via highways without any traffic issues. Many government and private buses, taxis, and rental vehicles are also available from the major cities of Gujarat. We can also reach Diu by other means of transport and easily accessible by air and sea routes.
By Air: Diu Airport is the nearest airport to Nagoa Beach, around 1.5 km, and tourists can easily explore the Beach without entering Diu City. Regular flights are available from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Porbandar.
By Sea: Ferry services from nearby ports like Mumbai, Veraval, and Porbandar are especially available to reach Diu more magnificently. Travelers and Explorers love ferry rides as they offer an opportunity to experience the amazing panoramic view of the coastline and the sea horizon.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Veraval, which is 90 km away. Diu is not well connected to the railway network and later uses roadways. It is recommended to reach Diu by air, by sea, or by road, which makes the journey smooth and convenient.
Arriving at Diu Fort, amazed by a large fortified area touching the sea shore. We loved the place and eagerly wanted to know more about it.
Diu Fort History
Diu Fort, a magnificent symbol of Portuguese colonial architecture, stands as a sentinel on the picturesque shores of Diu, India. This historic fortress, constructed in the 16th century, is a testament to the region’s strategic importance and rich maritime heritage.
Ancient Dynasties
Before the Portuguese era, Diu was ruled by several powerful dynasties:
- Mauryans (322 to 320 BC)
- Kshatrapas (1 to 415 AD)
- Guptas (415 to 467 AD)
- Maitrakas (470 to 788 AD)
- Chavda Dynasty (789 to 941 AD)
Muslim Rule: In 1297, Alauddin Khilji defeated the Rajputs and took control of Diu, which remained under Muslim rule for about 150 years.
The Portuguese Influence
Early Struggles: The Portuguese made several attempts to capture Diu, starting in 1531 when they bombarded the island but failed to occupy it.
Treaty of Bassein: In 1534, the Portuguese signed a treaty with Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, allowing them to build a fort in Diu to protect their trade routes.
Fort Construction: The fort was built with robust sandstone and lime mortar, featuring massive bastions and intricate stonework, blending Portuguese artistry with local craftsmanship.
Key Historical Events
Bahadur Shah’s Demise: Distrustful of the Portuguese, Bahadur Shah attacked them but was killed in the ensuing battle. His body was thrown into the sea, and his nephew, Mahmud Shah III, succeeded him.
Portuguese Rule: Diu remained under Portuguese control from 1537 until 1961, when the Indian government reclaimed it through Operation Vijay.
Exploring Diu Fort
Diu Fort mesmerized me and my friends with its greatness. It was really huge and spread over a large area, which provided us with a feeling of the past.
Outside the fort, there were many small shops, and hawkers were selling different attractive items. We also bought many items, including goggles, writing materials, and electronic items. It was like a small fair located just beside Diu Fort.
The most important thing about the fort ithattt it was free for all the visitors and there was no entry ticket required to explore the fort.
Inside the Fort, every wall gives the vibe of old architecture and a kingdom look, which helps us connect to the past of the place. There are also guides available that explain the incidents that happened in Diu Fort.
There is also an entry from the sea route in the fort, which is now the best photography spot for travelers. That passage connects the fort to the sea routes.
Many old items and symbols are also preserved inside the Diu Fort area to maintain the authenticity of the fort.
Climbing above the fort, we find many cannons that protect the Fort from invaders and attackers.
The fort really amazed us with its architecture and history.
What's Special about Diu Fort
The fort is free to visit, a nd no ticket is required.
The fort is located at the seashore and surrounded by the sea on three sides. On the fourth side large trench was dug and filled with water and crocodiles to fully protect the fort from all sides.
The history of the fort is really interesting, and there are many lessons to be learned from it.
The fort is now the best tourist attraction in Diu, and people love to visit the Fort and explore it.
The fort has many photography spots, and the sea, along with the fort, makes it even more beautiful and scenic. People love to click photos and make this a memorable one.
Shops outside the fort are open markets, and easy to buy things at high bargains. No guarantee on items, so check the items properly before buying them.
My Thoughts on Diu Fort
As said above, it is really a wonderful place to visit in Diu and connect with our Past. It has old items present that remind us of our great Past.
We explored Diu Fort and also clicked many Photographs and Videos to preserve them in our memories.
It's a peaceful place surrounded by the sea with very beautiful scenery.
I love exploring historical places, and "Diu Fort" made me even more enthusiastic about exploring more places to explore and understand the great history of INDIA.
FAQ's
Diu Fort is free for all visitors and there is no ticket is required. Do not fall into the fraud of people which tells you about packages to visit Diu Fort.
Very good Hotels and Restaurants are available in the 2 km area of Diu Fort. As it is a historical place, not much urbanization is done near it.
Just outside the Fort, many private taxis and vehicles will be available that will drop you off at the desired place in Diu. Please be cautious with them and always find the current rate with the locals there to avoid falling into scams.