January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Diu Airport (DIU)
Delvada Railway Station (DVA)
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Whatsapp
Copy Link
Diu
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Whatsapp
Copy Link
Diu Airport (DIU)
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Whatsapp
Copy Link
Mysterious, shadowy and shrouded in history and legend, the Naida Caves offer a unique experience that transcends the ordinary. The origins of Naida Caves are as interesting as the caves themselves. Some contend that they are man-made, while others attribute their existence to natural forces.
During the Portuguese colonial era, Diu Fort served as their stronghold. Legend has it that the Portuguese extracted building materials from these very caves to construct the fort. Over time, the caves underwent natural wear and tear, sculpting their present form that include a big maze of tunnels with square hewn steps. Whether shaped by human hands or nature’s whims, Naida Caves stand as silent witnesses to centuries gone by.
As you step into Naida Caves, a sense of otherworldliness envelops you. The irregular ground surface, interconnected tunnels, and hidden grottoes create an intricate maze waiting to be explored.
The Portuguese legacy echoes within these limestone walls. The fort’s construction materials, pilfered from the caves, left behind troughs and crests that define the cave’s contours.
Opening time - 08:00 AM
Closing time - 06:00 PM
Some entrances boast proper rectangular steps, guiding visitors through the rocky terrain. Others reveal wide openings, inviting explorers to venture deeper. Follow the red arrows etched into the stone to navigate this subterranean wonder.
Naida Caves’ enigmatic past fuels curiosity. Was it a secret refuge? A clandestine meeting place? Local folklore has it that when the Portuguese were adamant about not leaving Diu, and when Operation Vijay was launched to seize control by the Indian Army, several Portuguese soldiers hid in these caves. The whispers of time remain locked within these walls.
For shutterbugs, Naida Caves offer a visual feast. Sunlight filters through crevices, illuminating the rugged surfaces. Capture the interplay of light and shadow as you wander through the dimly lit passages.
Amid Diu’s sun-kissed beaches and ancient forts, Naida Caves provide an escape into the unknown. Their cool, damp interiors offer respite from the scorching sun, inviting contemplation and wonder.
Diu offers many other attractions nearby that you can explore, complementing the dramatic beauty of the caves. Here are some notable places:
Diu Fort: An impressive structure built in the 16th century by the Portuguese, offering panoramic views of the sea and housing several old cannons and a lighthouse.
Gangeshwar Temple: Situated about 3 km from Diu town, this temple is famous for the five shivlings located amidst rocks on the seashore, which are washed by the waves of the sea.
St. Paul’s Church: Known for its exquisite baroque architecture, this church was built in the 17th century and is dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.
INS Khukri Memorial: This memorial honours the crew of the INS Khukri, an Indian naval ship that sank during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
Diu Museum: Located inside the St. Thomas Church, this museum displays antique statues, various stone inscriptions of ancient rulers, wooden carvings, idols, shadow clocks, and other important artifacts.
Zampa Gateway: An important historical landmark in Diu, featuring a chapel inside the gateway that dates to the medieval era.
Jalandhar Shrine: Situated on a hill near the beach, this shrine features a mythological connection to the demon Jalandhar and offers splendid views of the surrounding area.
Chakratirth Beach: Close to the town centre, this beach is well maintained and perfect for relaxing and watching sunsets.
Ghoghla Beach: One of the less crowded beaches in Diu, known for its golden sand and offers various water sports activities.
Simbor Beach: Located near the Gujarat border, this is a pristine beach known for its tranquility and scenic beauty.
As the Arabian Sea whispers its secrets to the rocky shores, Naida Caves remain a testament to resilience and transformation. Whether man-made or shaped by nature’s hand, these caverns invite us to explore, imagine, and connect with the past.
