Places to Visit Near Diu: 7 Spots Beyond the Island

The Best Places to Visit Near Diu

Diu is a wonderful island, but part of its charm is how much lies within easy reach on the Saurashtra mainland: a great Jyotirlinga, a lion sanctuary, forts, a sacred hill and hot springs, all within a day trip. I am Harsh Rawat, guiding this coast for more than 8 years and I always tell guests on the Somnath Dwarka Tour Package to use Diu as a relaxed base and explore outward. Here are the places near Diu I most recommend.

1. Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach

Right across the bridge from Diu on the mainland sits Ahmedpur Mandvi, a long, clean beach famous for its water sports and calm swimming. It faces Diu across the water and is the closest excursion of all, barely minutes from the island. It is the easiest place near Diu to spend a lazy half day on the sand and a favourite for families.

2. Somnath

About two hours west of Diu lies Somnath, home to the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Its seaside temple, the evening light and sound show and the sacred Triveni Sangam make it the most meaningful day trip from the island. Our guide on the Diu to Somnath distance shows the route and timing for the drive.

3. Veraval

The busy fishing port of Veraval, close to Somnath, is the nearest major railhead to this stretch of coast and a working town worth a short look. Its harbour is one of the largest on the Gujarat coast and it makes a natural stop on the way to or from Somnath, often combined into the same day trip from Diu.

4. Gir National Park

Around two to three hours from Diu, Gir National Park is the only home of the Asiatic lion and the region's star wildlife experience. A morning jeep safari here pairs beautifully with the beaches of Diu for a wild-and-relaxed combination. See our guide to the places to visit in Gir National Park for the safari and what else the forest offers.

5. Mool Dwarka

Near Kodinar, between Diu and Somnath, lies Mool Dwarka, believed by many to be the original Dwarka associated with Lord Krishna before the city moved to the western coast. It is a quiet, atmospheric temple by the sea, far less crowded than the famous Dwarka and a lovely offbeat stop. Our Mool Dwarka guide tells its story.

6. Junagadh and Girnar

A little further inland, about three hours from Diu, the historic city of Junagadh and the sacred hill of Girnar reward a longer day or an overnight. Junagadh holds the ancient Uparkot Fort, the Mahabat Maqbara and the Ashokan rock edicts, while Girnar offers a great pilgrimage climb of around 9,999 steps past Jain temples to its peaks, with a ropeway for those who prefer it.

7. Tulsishyam Hot Springs

On the way between Diu, Gir and Somnath, Tulsishyam is a peaceful spot known for its natural hot springs and an ancient Krishna temple, set in the hills near the edge of the Gir forest. It is an offbeat, restful stop that few island visitors make and a nice contrast to the beaches of Diu.

Places Near Diu at a Glance

How to Plan Day Trips From Diu

The easy approach is to keep Diu as your relaxed base and fan out. Ahmedpur Mandvi is a quick hop, Somnath and Mool Dwarka make one comfortable day and Gir deserves a day of its own for an early safari. Junagadh and Girnar are best as a longer day or an overnight. For where to stay across the area, our hotels overview helps you plan your bases.

If you would rather have the whole circuit arranged, our 5 Days Saurashtra Darshan Tour links Diu with Somnath, Gir and the temples, with transport, stays and the safari permit handled.

What I Tell Every Guest About Exploring Near Diu

After 8 years and more than fifty thousand travellers, my honest advice is to treat Diu as more than a beach stop. So many visitors fly in, stay on the island and never realise that the first Jyotirlinga, the last Asiatic lions and a two-thousand-year-old Ashokan edict are all within a short drive. Diu is the perfect relaxed base from which to reach some of the most important sites in all of Gujarat.

So give yourself a few days and alternate: a beach morning on the island, a temple or safari day on the mainland and back to the sea in the evening. Pair Diu with Somnath at the very least and add Gir if you possibly can. Tell me how long you have and I will build a loop that balances the island's calm with the richness of everything that surrounds it.

Plan Your Diu and Nearby Trip