Daman & Diu - The island, the beach, the waves, the sun and the fun: daman and diu tourism, daman hotel, hotels diu, resorts, saputara, miramar daman,kohinoor diu, dariya darshan hotel daman, golden pond resort silvassa and How to reach daman and diu...

Diu has inspired me to write this post. Diu is not just another island of India. It is probably one of the most peaceful islands of Indian subcontinent. If you are a person born and raised in a metropolitan, if you are a serious traveler than you would fall in love with this paradise. I have tried my best to provide maximum travel information in this blog about Diu.

LOCATION: Diu is an Island city, district and a part on union territory. Diu is located in the southern region of Saurashtra. Saurashtra region is the western part of Gujarat state in India. Diu is separated from the mainland Gujarat by a tidal creek. With 3 beautiful beaches around it, Diu is not a part of Gujarat. Diu is administrated by the central government. It has an area of 40 square kilometers.

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HISTORY: No history is available about since when the island is inhabited. In 1535 the emperor of Gujarat allowed Portuguese to construct a fort and maintain a garrison on the island. He allowed Portuguese to build a fort as a part of building a defensive alliance against the emperor of India, Humayun. Diu was under the Portuguese rule from 1545 until 1961.The Indian army got the island back from Portuguese in 1961

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A MAJOR TOURIST SPOT : Because of sunny beaches and beautiful sunset, Diu attracts a lot of tourists. Nagoa beach, Chakrateerth beach and Ghoghla beach are 3 best beaches in Diu. There are 3 churches and a Shiv Temple. A seashell museum, bird watch tower, Diu fort, fortim-do-mar (Pani kotha), the caves of Nayda are main attractions of Diu. Tourism is the heart of Diu. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/

BEACHES:

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Nagoa beach: is a horseshoe shaped beach with various water sports facilities. A perfect and safe beach to swim and rest in the sunny weather. Napping under palm trees in cool breeze makes the experience memorable.

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Ghoghla beach: is the largest and gentlest beach of Diu. You can do swimming, sunbathing, parasailing, surfing etc.

Chakrateerth beach: although no watersports and other activities are available, you can love the sandy beach. It has a beautiful sunset point and a memorial of Indian battleship INS Khukri which was destroyed by Pakistan in the 1971 war (It was the only Indian ship destroyed by Pakistan in the battle) http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/

RELIGIOUS PLACES: 

Gangeshwar Mahadev: Gangeshwar Mahadev is 3 kilometers from the Jethibai Bus Terminus of Diu. This beautiful and sacred place has 5 shiv-lingams. The Shiv-lingam gets an abhishek by the ocean when it is on high tide. The legend is that the Pandavas worshipped load Shiva here during their exile.

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St.Paul's Church: St.Paul is a beautiful church dedicated to Virgin Mary. Built in 1610. It is perhaps one of the most elaborated Portuguese churches in India. The architecture style is lot like the churches of Goa. It is known for one of the best craftsmanship on the wood. St.Paul church would attract those seeking peace and god.

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St.Francis Church: This church was built in 1593. It is still a place to worship. However, the cloister is used as a hospital.

St.Thomas Church: It was built in Gothic style in 1598. Been converted into a museum, it has stone carving from earlier rulers, wooding carving, idols and antique statues. It looks beautiful in the evening when multicolored fountains and special lighting decorates the building.

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OTHER PLACES:

Fortim-do-mar (Pani kotha) : A stone structure (a fort) built between the sea. Approximately a nautical mile from the mainland Diu. It also has a lighthouse and a place dedicated to the lady of the sea. Tourist boats are available to reach the Pani kotha.

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Sea Shell museum: A unique and amazing museum for lovers of ocean life. Sea shells and several interesting sea creatures are displayed under the magnifying glass. There are approximately 2500 seashells in the museum.

Diu Fort: Among all the places, the Diu fort has a prominent position in the places of tourist interest. It is a huge and impressive structure. It was constructed between 1535 and 1541 by the Portuguese, the fort has gorgeous view of the sea and Panikotha. You feel the history and battle fought by gallant soldiers.

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INS Khukri Memorial: It was inaugurated on 15th December, 1999 in memory of the heroic sailors and officer who chose not to stop fighting and leave ship until it completely sank. INS Khukri was a frigate of the Indian navy. In the war of 1971 three torpedoes shot by Pakistani navy sank it. It sank 40 nautical miles from Diu taking down 8 officers and 186 sailors. Except having a chance to save his life, captain Mahendra Nath Mulla (Mahavir Chakra winner) chose to go down with the warship. An example of spirit and courage of Indian navy officers. It was the one and the only ship destroyed by the Pakistani navy. Indian navy finished the whole Pakistani navy and the port of Karachi in just 48 hours. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/

SPEACIAITY - Those who are interested in food, Diu has a special variety for them which is found no where else in the country. It is called Hoka (Hyphoena indica) the only Indian tree which has African genus. Portuguese brought them from Africa. Surprisingly Diu has a great number of these trees. Probably because it is believed that the western part of Gujarat (the Saurashtra region) was the part of African mainland in Triassic age. The fruit of Hoka tree is tasty and edible. Hoka fruits are believed to be good for hearts. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/

TRANSPORTATION: Rickshaws, private buses and cars are available in Diu. However, the best way to explore Diu is on Bicycle or a motorcycle. Your can hire a Bicycle at $1.00 (approximately Rs.50.00) a day and Motorcycle at $3.00 (approximately Rs.150.00) a day.

HOW TO GET THERE:

By air: Diu has an operational airport of Jet airways. There is a flight from Mumbai to Diu twice a week.

By train: The nearest major railway station is Veraval which is 90 kilometers from Diu. Veraval is connected to major cities like Ahmedabad and Mumbai. There are two daily trains to Veraval from Ahmedabad. More information on Indian Railways Website

By road: Private Luxury Coaches, Gujarat State transport buses are available from every major city of western India. Gujarat State Road Transport (Bus) Website

WHERE TO STAY: Diu has a wide range of hotels offering comfortable accommodation and food. From a 3 star hotel costing $60.00 per day to a discount hotel costing $6.00 per day. Below is the list of good hotels to stay:

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3 star hotels and Resorts : (Rs.1400 to Rs.3000. Approximately $30.00 to $70.00) The Azzaro resort , The Radhika beach resort , The Sugati beach resort and Hotel Kohinoor

Delux hotels : (Rs,1000 to Rs.1700. Approximately $20.00 to $34.00) The Hoka resort, Hotel Ankur, Hotel Galaxy, Hotel Triveni and Hotel Alishan

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Discount / Budget hotels : (Rs.500 to Rs.800. Approximately $12.00 to $20.00) -Hotel Aavkar and Hotel Sukoon.

FAMOUS PLACE NEARBY : The Jyotirlingam of Somnath is 2 hours from Diu. It is one of most important Shiva temples in India. It attracts 100,000 tourists every year.

Diu is also known for its seafood and liquor. As the Gujarat state has prohibition on liquor, the liquor lovers visit Diu to enjoy.

Trekking to Mt. Everest Base Camp, Regional Highlights, Experience and Equipment Required and Total Cost

A trek to Mount Everest remains a dream for many, and achieving the summit of the highest mountain in the world will always be the ultimate prize for experienced mountaineers. Standing at 8,848 metres above sea level, Everest defeated attempts from climbers for over thirty years until Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay made it to the top in 1953. Since then, several thousand people have made it to the summit; but the skills required, the danger of the climb and the considerable expense of an Everest expedition put a trip to the top of the mountain out of the reach of most people. Treks to Everest Base Camp, however, continue to grow in popularity, giving travellers to this region an unforgettable glimpse of the world's highest

mountain.

Everest Base Camp

Contrary to popular perception, there are in fact two Everest Base Camps that Everest expeditions can set off from: the South camp in Nepal (5,360 metres) and the North camp in Tibet (5,208 metres). At both of them, mountaineers preparing to attempt the summit stay to acclimatise to the altitude and wait for favourable weather conditions before leaving to make an attempt on the summit. The South camp tends to be the more commonly used by Everest expeditions for practical reasons – the southern ridge is the easier and safer route to the summit, and climbing from the Tibetan side requires a special visa from China.

To see and visit one of these Everest Base Camps is to step onto the stage of mountaineering history – the world's greatest climbers have passed through the camps at one point or another in search of their moment of glory.

Regional Highlights

As well as the awe inspiring views of Everest itself and the historical significance of seeing Everest Base Camp, treks to this region typically take in several other summits and sights. Most treks to Everest Base Camp will follow the classic route from Lukla, through pretty Sherpa villages and dramatic high mountain scenery, whilst other Everest Base Camp treks will follow a longer route to Everest, giving the opportunity to retrace the steps of the great explorers all the way from Jiri to the Base Camp itself. Other trekking routes in this region can also include a visit to the spectacular Gokyo Lakes, a series of high altitude lakes that offer breathtaking views out over the region.

Almost all Everest Base Camp treks in Nepal will include an ascent of nearby Kala Pattar (5,545 metres), which offers great views down over the base camp and up to Everest itself.

Experience and Equipment Required

Trekking to Everest Base Camp does not require mountaineering experience. The walking though is challenging due to the terrain and the altitude. Organised trips should give visitors time to acclimatise to the altitude. Although altitude sickness is unpredictable and affects different people in different ways, simple precautions can minimise the chance of experiencing this. Previous experience of high level trekking is not a requirement for an Everest Base Camp trek, just a good general level of fitness and a spirit of adventure.

Tour operators will be able to provide a more complete list of the equipment required for individual treks, but a good waterproof jacket, clothes that will provide sufficient warmth at high altitudes, sunglasses and good quality walking boots will be a bare minimum. The cost of a trek varies from company to company but, due to the distances covered in a typical trek, and the need to gradually acclimatise to the altitude, a complete trip will take around three weeks and usually costs between £1,900 and £2,500, including flights.

Everest Base Camp has been drawing in walkers and climbers for years, and it remains an essential destination for the trekking enthusiast – spectacular scenery, challenging walking and a once in a lifetime chance to stand beside the highest mountain in the world.

some important links:

• How Climbing Mount Everest Works

Railway Tatkal ticket booking schedule prior to day of journey on 27,28,29 july

The Railways on Monday announced that Tatkal reservation on trains will open only two days before the journey, instead of the past practice of when Tatkal tickets were available five days in advance. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/
The new rule, announced by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee [ Images ] in the Railway Budget presented to Parliament early this month, comes into effect from July 29.
So, if you book Tatkal tickets on July 29, you can do so for journey commencing latest by July 31.
The advance reservation period under Tatkal scheme is being tapered from :

July 27 when one can buy the Tatkal ticket up to four days: that is, for journey up to July 31. The period gets reduced to three days on tickets bought on July 28, and becomes two days from July 29.

• 27 july: 4 days
• 28 july: 3 days
• 29 july onwards: 2 days

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For instance, the Tatkal tickets will, thereafter, be available for journey on or up to August 1 from July 30, for journey on or up to August 2 from July 31, for journey on or up to August 3 from August 1 and so on.