Isla de Calma: Diu

Isla de Calma or the isle of calm, is how the tiny island of Diu, off the coast of Gujarat is advertised. And coming from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, this tiny island with a population of 21,000 seems an altogether different world - an island of calm and tranquility.

The little island packs in something for everyone - modern water sports, with Hindu temples, a 400 year old Portugese church, an old fort, a war memorial, clean empty beaches and even a natural cave system all within its 40 square kilometers area. Little tourist attractions are coming up all over the township.  It even has its own music festival (Missed that one)

It can be accessed via road from Gujarat being connected via a bridge and has its own little airport as well. And being an Union territory, there is no prohibition here. What you don't see are people and traffic. The best way to move around the island is to hire a two-wheeler (which is not that expensive). There is not much of a market here. 

Here is a small pictorial journey of the place.

A Model of the INS Khukri on display at the War Memorial

INS Khukri remains India's only warship to be sunk in battle. It was torpedoed by Pakistani submarines during the 1971 War. 194 men aboard the ship lost their lives.

Plaque commerorating the sailors of INS Khukri

The Naida Caves - natural wonders created by the forces of nature over millions of years -  a geologists' delight

The 5 Shiv Lingas - and it gets washed by the waves during high tides

Lord Shiva - with the backdrop of the Arabian Sea

Roads of Diu - Clean, tree-lined, well-lit and mostly empty 

St. Paul's Church - built in early 17th century

The fort bells - ringing in since 1720

Zampa Gateway - entrance to the walled town 

The twin-branching Hokka trees - found all over the island

Diu tourism building small tourist attractions like a dinosaur park all over the island

Sunset Point - there is something beautiful about lying back on the sand and watching the sun go down the horizon across the sea

Best part of the trip, hardly any crowds. You can easily become one with the nature. A perfect getaway from the maddening rush of the daily life. And as this ad says. it is the isle of calm.