Fortress of Panikotha
PX9W+M79, Fort Rd, Diu, Daman and Diu, 362520
Just off the coast of Diu, the Fortress of Panikotha is a 500-year-old stone fortification that was used to protect the coastline and control merchant ship activities. It was built as a reinforcement of the Diu Fort on the mainland, which was constructed a couple of decades earlier.
The basics
The most popular way to experience the fortress is by viewing it from the mainland: Diu Fort offers particularly good views. However, you can also take a boat ride out to the fortress and spend some time exploring its ancient ramparts on foot. While fortress visits are not standard on all Diu tours, private guides can help you arrange a trip out. Motorboat operators wait at the Diu Jetty to take groups over.
Things to know before you go
- Entry is free.
- Make sure to wear sun protection, even on overcast days.
- Boat trips to the fortress may not be able to operate if the water is too choppy.
How to get there
The fortress is located one nautical mile (1.85 kilometers) from the Diu Jetty and you can only get there by hiring a motorboat. However, many people prefer to stay on solid ground and instead view the fortress from Diu Fort on the eastern edge of town, about a 10-minute drive from the Diu bus station and 15 minutes by taxi from the airport.
When to get there
For the best photos of the fortress, particularly if you're not visiting by boat, consider coming early in the morning when the sunrise and golden-hour light make for some great shots. Come after sunset to see the fort illuminated. For good weather in Diu, visit between October and March when temperatures are cooler and there's typically not much rain.
Visiting Diu Fort
Not to be confused with the Fortress of Panikotha, Diu Fort is a 16th-century stronghold that looks out over the sea. It was built as part of a joint initiative by Bahadur Shah and the Portuguese in order to protect Diu and its surroundings from Mughal invaders. These days, it's a popular tourist attraction, offering beautiful ocean views and lots of old structures to explore.
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