Diu Fort (Fortim de Diu)
Somnath, Gujarat · fort
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry Fee₹0
Anchoring the eastern tip of Diu island, roughly 90 km down the coast from Somnath, Diu Fort (Fortim de Diu) is one of the most complete Portuguese sea fortresses surviving in India. Ringed by the Arabian Sea on three sides and cut off from the town by a tidal moat, the fort presents a long sweep of honey-coloured ramparts, bastions and gateways that catch the salt wind and the late-afternoon light. It makes an easy, atmospheric day trip from the Somnath pilgrim belt for travellers who want a change of scene between temple visits.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Pure-veg Gujarati and Kathiyawadi thali houses around Diu town's central market
- ✦Simple vegetarian bhojanalayas on the main road near the fort
- ✦Jain-friendly veg meals and farsan stalls in central Diu
- ✦Fresh fruit and chai-and-snack counters along the fort road
About
Anchoring the eastern tip of Diu island, roughly 90 km down the coast from Somnath, Diu Fort (Fortim de Diu) is one of the most complete Portuguese sea fortresses surviving in India.
- Ringed by the Arabian Sea on three sides and cut off from the town by a tidal moat, the fort presents a long sweep of honey-coloured ramparts, bastions and gateways that catch the salt wind and the late-afternoon light.
- It makes an easy, atmospheric day trip from the Somnath pilgrim belt for travellers who want a change of scene between temple visits.
- The fortress dates from the mid-16th century, begun by the Portuguese around 1535 following an alliance with the Sultan of Gujarat and expanded over the following decades to guard the sea approaches.
- Diu remained a Portuguese enclave for centuries, and the fort stayed under Portuguese administration until Diu was integrated into the Indian Union in 1961, after which it became part of a Union Territory.
- That long, layered history is best read here as neutral heritage: successive rulers, traders and garrisons who used this strategic harbour on the route between the Gulf and the Indian coast.
- Inside, visitors can walk the ramparts past rows of weathered iron cannons, peer into the double moat, and look out to the small offshore fort of Panikotha (Fortim-do-Mar) rising from the water.
- A colonial-era lighthouse still crowns the seaward wall, and there are ruined chapels, a chapel bell, old barracks and a former jail to explore.
- Sunset over the ramparts is the standout moment.
- Entry is generally free, wear sturdy shoes, and mind the unfenced edges near the sea wall.
- For food, keep to Diu town's pure-vegetarian options: look for pure-veg Gujarati and Kathiyawadi thali houses and simple bhojanalayas around the central market and main road, where you can order an unlimited thali of rotli, shaak, dal, rice and farsan.
- Jain-friendly meals, fresh fruit and farsan stalls, and chai-and-snack counters near the fort road round out easy, satisfying vegetarian eating within a short walk.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Diu Fort, eastern tip of Diu island, Diu, Somnath, Gujarat, 362520
How to Reach: Diu lies about 90 km southwest of Somnath, around 2–2.5 hours by road via Una. Regular buses and taxis run from Somnath, Veraval and Una; the fort sits on the eastern edge of Diu town, an easy walk or short auto-rickshaw ride from the town centre. Diu also has a small airport with limited flights and is reachable from Delwada railway station near Una.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who built Diu Fort and when?
The fort was built by the Portuguese, begun around 1535 after an alliance with the Sultanate of Gujarat and expanded over following decades to guard the harbour. Diu remained a Portuguese enclave until it was integrated into the Indian Union in 1961.
Is there an entry fee for Diu Fort?
Entry to the fort is generally free. There is no ticket to walk the ramparts, though timings run roughly from morning until dusk, so it is best visited in daylight. Confirm current timings locally before you go.
How far is Diu Fort from Somnath?
Diu is about 90 km from Somnath, roughly a 2 to 2.5 hour drive via Una. Buses and taxis run regularly, making it a comfortable day trip from the Somnath pilgrimage circuit.
What is there to see inside the fort?
Highlights include the long sea-facing ramparts, rows of old iron cannons, the double moat, a colonial-era lighthouse, ruined chapels and a former jail, plus views of the small offshore fort of Panikotha. Sunset over the walls is a favourite moment.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Diu Fort?
Stick to Diu town's pure-vegetarian options a short distance from the fort. Look for pure-veg Gujarati and Kathiyawadi thali houses and simple bhojanalayas near the central market and main road, serving unlimited thalis of rotli, shaak, dal, rice and farsan, along with Jain-friendly meals and farsan stalls.
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