INS Khukri Memorial
INS Khukri was torpedoed by the Pakistani submarine PNS Hangor on 9 December. 1971, going down with its captain and around 194 crew in one of. The Indian Navy’s heaviest single losses of the war. Its wreck still resting on the seabed off Diu’s coast. The memorial on the town promenade, shaped in tribute to the sunk vessel. Commemorates the crew and is a solemn stop. Also offers open sea views along the waterfront. INS Khukri Memorial is typically explored in about 30-60 minutes.
INS Khukri Memorial at a Glance
Essential information about INS Khukri Memorial.
Overview
INS Khukri was torpedoed by the Pakistani submarine PNS Hangor on 9 December 1971, going down with its captain and around 194 crew in one of the Indian Navy’s heaviest single losses of the war, its wreck still resting on the seabed off Diu’s coast. The memorial on the town promenade, shaped in tribute to the sunk vessel, commemorates the crew and is a solemn stop that also offers open sea views along the waterfront. INS Khukri Memorial is typically explored in about 30-60 minutes. The best time to visit is October to March. Other notable highlights include bow-shaped memorial overlooking the Arabian Sea, anchor and propeller from the original ship, and commemorative plaques listing 18 officers and sailors. It falls within Diu (Union Territory) district and Gujarat.
Highlights
- Bow-shaped memorial overlooking the Arabian Sea
- Anchor and propeller from the original ship
- Commemorative plaques listing 18 officers and sailors
- Sunset view of Diu fort across the water
- Staircase descent to the wave-washed promenade
- Quiet benches for reflection near the flagpole
Getting There
Things To Do
View the scale model of INS Khukri (frigate) inside the small pavilion
Look at the detailed model of the Leander-class frigate, complete with its guns, radar, and helicopter deck, which helps visitors visualise the ship’s size and layout. A small glass case also holds a piece of the ship’s hull recovered from the seabed during a navy salvage operation.
20 minutes
Attend the daily flag-lowering ceremony at sunset (if timing permits)
Arrive by 5:45 PM to watch the small guard of honour (two navy personnel stationed at the memorial) lower the Indian flag and sound a bugle, a moving tribute that lasts about 10 minutes. Visitors are invited to stand in a marked area and observe the ritual, which is followed by a minute of silence.
15 minutes
Observe the distant wreck site from the dedicated lookout platform
Climb the low, shaded platform (about 8 feet high) that has a fixed telescope pointing toward the approximate location of the wreck, marked by a small buoy in the water on clear days. A signboard explains that the wreck, resting at 25 metres depth, is now a protected war grave and a popular diving site for experienced scuba divers (though diving itself is not offered here).
20 minutes
Read the detailed storyboards on the 1971 war and the ship’s final hours
Follow the sequence of weatherproof information panels that describe how INS Khukri, under Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, was hit while escorting a convoy off Diu. The boards include a timeline, a map of the sinking location (about 30 nautical miles from the coast), and details of the rescue efforts by INS Kirpan.
45 minutes
Walk the short memorial garden path with naval flags and a bell
Stroll along the paved walkway lined with Indian Navy flags and a brass ship’s bell, which is rung ceremonially at 9:00 AM on Navy Day (December 4) each year. Benches under neem trees allow you to sit and reflect while watching the sea breeze move the flags.
30 minutes
Pay respects at the central memorial anchor and plaque
Walk to the main memorial structure, where a ship’s anchor and a bronze plaque list the names of the 18 officers and 176 sailors who lost their lives when INS Khukri was torpedoed by a Pakistani submarine on December 9, 1971. Stand quietly for a moment, as many veterans and families do, to honour their sacrifice.
30 minutes
Travel Tips
Coordinate with a local guide or your hotel for accessibility help
The memorial does not have a wheelchair ramp or lift, so if any group member uses a walker or has limited mobility, ask your Diu hotel to arrange a small vehicle that can drop you at the closest entry point. Also, request a guide who can narrate the story of INS Khukri while you sit at the central plaza, rather than walking and talking at the same time.
Visit in the morning to avoid heat and crowds
Plan your visit right after opening hours (around 9 AM) when the sun is milder and the memorial is quieter. This makes walking around the outdoor exhibits much easier for senior travellers and allows for unhurried group photos.
Use the railing and walk slowly near the sea-facing walls
The memorial overlooks the Arabian Sea, and strong winds can be sudden. Always hold the provided railings when walking along the edge, and avoid standing too close to the low walls for photos—especially in groups where someone might get jostled.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear
The memorial has paved but uneven pathways, and some areas near the waterfront can be slippery. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential to prevent falls, especially for those with balance concerns.
Carry water and take breaks at shaded spots
There is limited shade on the open deck areas, so bring your own water bottles and plan to rest on the benches near the memorial’s entrance. Group leaders should set a slow pace and schedule short rest stops every 15–20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The memorial is open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, all days of the week. Entry is free for all visitors, including senior citizens. However, you may need to show a valid ID at the security gate, as it is near a naval area.
The memorial is located at the Diu jetty area, near the mouth of the harbour, about 2-3 kilometres from Diu town centre. You can easily hire an auto-rickshaw, taxi, or take a short walk along the coastal road. It is well signposted, and most local drivers know the exact spot.
Yes, the memorial is largely flat and wheelchair-friendly, with ramps leading to the main viewing platform and museum. There are benches for resting, and the walk from the parking area is short. Staff are helpful and can assist if you need extra time or support.
There are clean restrooms near the entrance, but no food stalls inside, so carry water and snacks if needed. The memorial has shaded walkways and a small pavilion where you can sit and enjoy the sea breeze. For meals, you can head back to Diu town, which is only a 10-minute drive away and has many restaurants serving local Gujarati and Goan cuisine.
The INS Khukri Memorial is a war memorial in Diu dedicated to the Indian Navy frigate INS Khukri, which was sunk by a Pakistani submarine during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. It honours the 18 officers and 176 sailors who lost their lives, making it a poignant site for patriotic reflection. The memorial features a replica of the ship's bow and a museum with artefacts and photographs.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in INS Khukri Memorial
Day 1
Arrive in Diu in the morning and ease into the day with a relaxed visit to the historic Diu Fort, which offers panoramic sea views. In the late afternoon, head to the INS Khukri Memorial, located near the jetty, to pay respects and learn about the ship’s heroic story. End the day with a quiet walk along the nearby promenade as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea.
- Visit Diu Fort and its lighthouse, exploring the ramparts and old cannons
- Stop at the INS Khukri Memorial, read the plaques, and spend quiet time at the memorial garden
- Take a leisurely stroll along the sea-facing walkway near the memorial, watching fishing boats return
Day 2
Spend the morning exploring Diu’s Portuguese-era churches and narrow lanes, then relax at a calm beach like Nagoa or Ghoghla. In the late afternoon, return to the INS Khukri Memorial for a second, more reflective visit—perhaps to see it in different light and absorb the story of the 1971 war. Conclude with a simple dinner at a local eatery, reminiscing about the day.
- Tour St. Paul’s Church and the Diu Museum (inside the old St. Thomas Church), viewing Indo-Portuguese artefacts
- Relax at Nagoa Beach, with a gentle swim or a shaded sit under palm trees
- Revisit INS Khukri Memorial at golden hour, offering a moment of silence and taking photos of the memorial’s anchor and ship model
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Tour Packages for INS Khukri Memorial
Diu
Gujarat
4 place(s) covered within Diu
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