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Emerald Island Gujarat, Island in Gujarat, Travel to Gujarat Island, Emerald Island in Gujarat, Travel to Gujarat Emerald Island . |
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Articles » Emerald Island in Gujarat
DIE THE EMERALD ISLAND - GUJARAT
Situated on the West Coast of Gujarat, Diu is-one of the undiscovered gems of India. Inhabited by only 31,000 people and just 11 kilometres long and three kilometers wide, geographically, this island city is hardly of any importance but being a Portuguese colony in the past for more than four centuries, this Island has a distinct place in history. Thus, having a distinct history and culture, Diu is not a part of Gujarat, but a separate Union Territory along with Daman.
Diu was the first landing point for the Parsis when they fled from Persia, although they stayed here only for three years. In the 16th century, it became a Portuguese colony along with Daman and Goa. In the present time, it is very hard to understand why the Portuguese should have been interested in capturing and fortifying such an apparently unimportant and isolated outpost. But, Diu of the 14th and 16th centuries produced a different, picture both politically and economically. Those days Diu was an important trading post and naval base from which the Ottoman Turks controlled the shipping route in the northern part of the Arabian Sea. So, to fulfil their colonial interest in West and South Asia, it was essential for the Portuguese, to control Diu.
The Portuguese captured this Island, and it remained a Portuguese colony until 1961.
This tiny emerald island with its natural scenic beauty, attractive beaches, churches and forts famous for its architecture, feasts and festivals and above all a hospitable people with a rich culture is an ideal place to be visited. The northern side of the island facing Gujarat is tidal marsh and saltpans while the southern coast alternates between limestone cliffs, rocky coves and sandy beaches. The somewhat windswept and and island is riddled with quarries where the Portuguese removed vast quantities of limestone to construct huge monuments and buildings. Branching Palm (Hyphaene species) are very much a feature of the island and were originally introduced from Africa by the Portuguese.
The Island comprises five villages besides Diu town. Diu proper is sandwiched between a massive fort in the East and a huge city gait-in the west. An old gateway in the wall has some nice carvings of lions, angels and a priest, while just inside the date is a miniature chapel with an icon, dating to 1702. The town has two churches — St. Paul’s and St. Francis of Assisi.
The town is a maze of meandering and often leafy lanes. Many of the houses are well ornamented and brightly painted, a legacy of the Portuguese era. The main occupation of the people is fishing, booze and salt.
The massive fort constructed by the Portuguese in 1547 is the main attraction of the island. Piles of cannon balls litter the area and the ramparts have a superb array of cannons, many old and still in good condition.
Among the places of natural beauty, Nagoa occupies the first place. Having a beautiful palm fringed beach, Nagoa is an ideal place for picnics and sea bathing.
Situated on the West Coast of Gujarat, Diu is-one of the undiscovered gems of India. Inhabited by only 31,000 people and just 11 kilometres long and three kilometers wide, geographically, this island city is hardly of any importance but being a Portuguese colony in the past for more than four centuries, this Island has a distinct place in history. Thus, having a distinct history and culture, Diu is not a part of Gujarat, but a separate Union Territory along with Daman.
Diu was the first landing point for the Parsis when they fled from Persia, although they stayed here only for three years. In the 16th century, it became a Portuguese colony along with Daman and Goa. In the present time, it is very hard to understand why the Portuguese should have been interested in capturing and fortifying such an apparently unimportant and isolated outpost. But, Diu of the 14th and 16th centuries produced a different, picture both politically and economically. Those days Diu was an important trading post and naval base from which the Ottoman Turks controlled the shipping route in the northern part of the Arabian Sea. So, to fulfil their colonial interest in West and South Asia, it was essential for the Portuguese, to control Diu.
The Portuguese captured this Island, and it remained a Portuguese colony until 1961.
This tiny emerald island with its natural scenic beauty, attractive beaches, churches and forts famous for its architecture, feasts and festivals and above all a hospitable people with a rich culture is an ideal place to be visited. The northern side of the island facing Gujarat is tidal marsh and saltpans while the southern coast alternates between limestone cliffs, rocky coves and sandy beaches. The somewhat windswept and and island is riddled with quarries where the Portuguese removed vast quantities of limestone to construct huge monuments and buildings. Branching Palm (Hyphaene species) are very much a feature of the island and were originally introduced from Africa by the Portuguese.
The Island comprises five villages besides Diu town. Diu proper is sandwiched between a massive fort in the East and a huge city gait-in the west. An old gateway in the wall has some nice carvings of lions, angels and a priest, while just inside the date is a miniature chapel with an icon, dating to 1702. The town has two churches — St. Paul’s and St. Francis of Assisi.
The town is a maze of meandering and often leafy lanes. Many of the houses are well ornamented and brightly painted, a legacy of the Portuguese era. The main occupation of the people is fishing, booze and salt.
The massive fort constructed by the Portuguese in 1547 is the main attraction of the island. Piles of cannon balls litter the area and the ramparts have a superb array of cannons, many old and still in good condition.
Among the places of natural beauty, Nagoa occupies the first place. Having a beautiful palm fringed beach, Nagoa is an ideal place for picnics and sea bathing.
For Gujarat Emerald Island
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