Weekend Getaways near Diu

Weekend getaways are an exciting and fun filled way to relax and rejuvenate yourselves. They help you take a much deserved break from your hectic daily routine and explore your inner self. Diu, known for its scenic beauty and replete with tourist attractions, offers the visitors numerous to enjoy, relax and unwind themselves. There are a variety of places near Diu, where you can indulge in a variety of activities and enjoy yourself to your heart’s content. Somnath, Gir National Park, Porbandar, Palitana are places of interest near Diu, where you can enjoy an array of activities with your friends and loved ones.

This beautiful temple town is lies in the Junagadh district in Gujarat. It is renowned for its Somnath temple which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The Shiv Bhajans and Aartis performed here are believed to sanctify the entire town. The annual fair held here attracts millions of devotees from far and wide. There are a number of other temples including the Gita Mandir, Surya Mandir, Parashuram Temple, Lakshminarayan Temple, Kamnath Mahadev Temple and many more.

The beautiful Somnath Beach behind the temple is a popular tourist spot, where you can enjoy camel riding and pony riding. The Panch Pandava Gufa, located atop a hill is a magnificent shrine dedicated to the five Pandava brothers. The Bhalka Torth is another popular temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, and is believed to be the place where the Lord had been shot in the foot, by mistake. It is renowned for its beautiful tribhangi idol of Lord Krishna playing the flute.

Somnath is approximately 85 kilometres away from Diu and it takes about two hours by road to reach Somnath from Diu. Gujarat State Transport buses are available at frequent intervals, connecting Diu to Somnath. The services of private luxury coaches and rental cabs can also be availed to reach Somnath.

There are plenty of standard and budget hotels, dharmashalas and guest houses, where you can stay in Somnath. Most of them have a clean ambience and are equipped with all basic amenities at nominal rates.

Hotel Somnath Sagar
Address: Beside Somnath Railway Station, Near Somnath Bypass Road Corner, Somnath, Gujarat – 362268
Phone No: 02876233255

Lords Inn
Address: Veraval Somnath by-pass, Prabhash Patan, Somnath – 362266
Phone No: 91 2876 – 232072, 73, 74

Hotel Shri Hari
Address: Veraval - Kodinar by Pass, Nr. Somnath Railway Station, Somnath Bypass Rd, Somnath, Gujarat – 362268
Phone No: 02876233255

Occupying an area of about 1412 km², this national park is home to the majestic Asiatic lions, found nowhere else. Apart from the lions, there are about 38 different species of mammals, over 300 species of birds, about 40 species of reptiles and thousands of insect species. Its rich biodiversity thus attracts hordes of visitors from nook and corners of the world. Apart from the regular animals and birds, you can find here various rare species like leopards, nilgai, chinkara, Bonneli’s eagle, paradise flycatcher, crested serpent eagle, flamingo, red headed vulture, Indian Pitta etc. It is home to one of the largest population of marsh crocodiles in the entire country. After securing permission from the Forest Office, you can head for Jeep Safari. Watching the majestic lions in their natural habitat, from open – roof jeeps is an enthralling experience. Wildlife viewing and bird watching are other activities you can enjoy here.

Sasan Gir is at a distance of about 110 kilometres from Diu. It takes approximately two hours to reach the national park from the Diu beaches. Public buses are more convenient than trains, while private taxi and cab facilities can also be availed.

There are hordes of options for the visitors, when it comes to accommodation in Sasan Gir. There are a number of luxury as well as budget hotels and resorts equipped with all basic amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay.
The Fern Gir Forest Resort
Address: Sasan Gir, Junagadh, Gujarat – 362135
Phone No: 91 – 2877285999

Gir Jungle Lodge
Address: Sasan Junagadh Road, Sasan Gir, Gujarat 362135
Phone No: 02877285600

Taj Gateway Hotel
Address: Gir National Park, Junagadh, Gujarat 362135
Phone No: 02877285551

It is considered to be an important Jain pilgrimage centre. It is said to be the only place in the world, having more than 900 temples. The Shatrunjaya Tirth, located on a hill, houses about 3500 temples. The temples have been built in marble, and are known for their architectural eloquence and splendour. The holiest among the temples is that of the first Jain tirthankar, Adishwar. 

The idol of the deity adorned with ornaments and precious jewels proves a visual treat to the visitors. Other important temples include those of Kumarpal, Vimalshah, Choumukh and Sampriti Raja. The entire hills are considered to be holy and it is believed that climbing the mountains at least once in the lifetime cleanses your sins. Try to climb at the dawn to avoid the scorching afternoon heat and keep aside enough time for exploring the mountains.

Palitana is at a distance of about 165 kilometres from Diu and it takes about 3 hours by road to reach Palitana. There are private buses as well as Gujarat State Transport buses from Diu to Palitana. You can also avail the services of private vehicles and taxis.

Palitana, being a religious place, has a number of dharmashalas and hotels. There are budget, mid-range as well as heritage hotels in Palitana, well equipped with cosy rooms and modern amenities. You can choose the appropriate one to suit your pocket.

Hotel Sumeru (TCGL)
Address: Station Road, Palitana
Phone No: (02848) 252327

Hotel Sharavak
Address: Opp. Central Bus Station
Phone No: 252428, 252241

Vijay Vilas Palace Hotel
Address: Village Adpur, P.O. Gheti, Palitana, Dist. Bhavnagar – 364265
Phone No: 91 9818336340

Renowned as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, Porbandar has numerous tourist spots places of religious significance that make it one of the most sought after cities in the country. Kirti Mandir, the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi that has been converted into a museum attracts huge crowds. Sudama Mandir is a religious shrine built in reverence of Sudama. The Porbandar Sea Beach is a beautiful white sand beach that also houses the Huzoor palace, the beautiful European mansion and attracts tourists in large numbers. 

The Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Porbandar and is quite famous for its exotic wildlife species. Bharat Mandir is renowned for its sculptures of great people and traditions of India. The Nehru Planetarium is popular for its astronomical programmes and celestial shows. Other places of interest include Kamal Nehru Park, Khadi Gran Udyod Bhavan, Rama Krishna Mission, Darbargadh and many more.

Porbandar is about 212 kilometres from Diu and takes about three and a half hours by road. Gujarat State Transport buses and private luxury coaches can be availed from Diu to reach Porbandar. You can also opt for rented cabs by private travel agencies. Regular flights are also available connecting Diu to Porbandar.

Porbandar being a historically significant city faces constant influx of tourists. To cater to the needs of different classes of people there are various accommodation options available here. From budget hotels, to private guest houses and tourism bungalows you can choose the appropriate accommodation option depending upon your needs.

Gujarat Tourism Bungalow
Address: Near Chowpaty Beach, Porbandar
Phone No: 0286 – 2245476

Hotel Indraprasth
Address: Opp. Swaminarayan Temple, S.T. Road, Porbandar
Phone No: 0286 – 2201770, 2201730, 2242681

Nilam Guest House
Address: ST Road, Porbandar
Phone No: 0286 – 2244503, 2240248