Diu

Diu, a narrow island measuring 11 by 3 km (7 by 2 mi), is an early Portuguese enclave that was taken over by the Indian government in 1961 and is now administered as a federal Union Territory, separate from Gujarat. Today it's popular with budget travelers as well as Gujaratis taking advantage of its free-flowing liquor laws, a stark contrast with the officially sober state of Gujarat. Once you cross the short causeway that separates Diu from the mainland, you'll feel as though you've entered a sleepy Mediterranean market town. The streets are lined with two- and three-story buildings bearing the names of similar towns in Portuguese Africa.

If you come to Diu expecting a Goa, you will be disappointed. Or relieved. Anonymous Diu has none of the happy-go-lucky, hyper-partying, carefree air of its former sister colony, but it is a lovely, sunny, cheerful, and rather drowsy spot with great beaches. This former colony has not changed much with the times. It hasn't suffered the commercialization that much of Goa has undergone, and neither has it suffered an invasion of mangy, trance-happy beach bums. At this very tiny outpost the sights are few and can be covered in hours. For the rest of your time, be prepared to settle down on the beach and sunbathe and enjoy the calm.

A walk around the small ocean-side market can be appealing. Everything from clothing to cheap, made-in-China toys is on sale. Close to the airport at Nagoa Beach is a small seashell museum run by a former ship caption. Its 2,000 shells from around the world are worth a chota (small) peep. Hop over to the fishing village of Vanakbara in western Diu also near Nagoa to catch a flavor of the life of the traditional fisherfolk.