Located just beyond the ancient walls of Diu Fort, the Naida Caves stand as one of the Union Territory’s most photogenic attractions. This sprawling network of interconnected tunnels (temporarily closed for visitors), carved from soft golden limestone, offers a blend of natural wonder and historical intrigue—perfect for explorers, photographers, and history buffs alike.
The origins of the Naida Caves are as layered as the rock formations themselves. Local lore suggests that sections of this immense rock formation were quarried during the Portuguese colonial era to construct the formidable Diu Fort.
Over time, nature took over, sculpting the remaining stone into a maze of passageways, chambers, and skylights. Some believe these caves were also used as hideouts by Portuguese soldiers during Operation Vijay in 1961, when India reclaimed Diu from colonial rule.
Visitors can navigate the caves via square-hewn steps and winding pathways. Red arrows painted on the walls guide explorers through the complex network, but it's easy to feel lost in this subterranean world. The cool, damp interiors offer a refreshing escape from the coastal heat, and the silence within is punctuated only by the occasional drip of water or the echo of footsteps.
While in Diu, consider exploring other nearby sites:
Diu Fort: A massive fort offering panoramic views of the sea.
Ghoghla Beach: Known for its golden sands and water sports activities.
INS Khukri Memorial: A poignant tribute to the Indian Navy ship sunk during the 1971 war.
St. Paul’s Church: An exquisite example of Baroque architecture.
Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
Lighting: Carry a flashlight to explore dimly lit sections safely.
Navigation: Stick to marked paths to avoid getting lost.
Photography: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best natural lighting conditions.
Timings: Temporarily closed for visitors
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: Preferably October to February, when the weather is pleasant
Getting There: The Diu Airport at Nagoa has direct flights from Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The nearest major junction for train travellers is Veraval, 90 km away, with direct connections to cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Jabalpur, Dwarka, and Thiruvananthapuram. Closer still is Delwada station, just eight km from Diu, linked to Junagadh and Veraval by two daily trains.
By road, Diu is accessible from Gujarat and Maharashtra via key national highways, with distances of 370 km from Ahmedabad, 595 km from Vadodara, 768 km from Daman, and 950 km from Mumbai. Regular state-run and private buses operate from Ahmedabad and Mumbai, with the journey from Ahmedabad taking around 10 hours.
