23-04-2025
Into the maze
'Can you believe this place? It feels like we are in some adventure movie, except it's all real!' Taran and his family had just explored the Portuguese fort in Diu and were making their way to the Naida caves close by. With unique rock formations, hollows, arches and maze-like tunnels, it was nothing like they had seen before.
'I think I have lost track of time and gone back centuries to solve an intricate puzzle or game,' Amma was looking up at the gigantic holes in the ceiling of the caves. Light streamed in, illuminating the sand-coloured rock formations in different hues of brown, cream mauve. It was surreal and beautiful.
'I feel like I'm in the Jumanji game and my fate will be decided by the roll of a dice,' whispered Appa. 'Also, why am I whispering?' Amma and Taran smiled, as they continued exploring Naida caves.
'These caves were hacked by the Portuguese to build the fort; hence the holes and steps,' said Appa.
'It's like a labyrinth. How did anyone make their way around?' wondered Taran.
'Well, the Portuguese soldiers were known to hide here during wars. I'm sure they had their way of marking the caves,' replied Amma.
Natural wonder
'Some scientists say these cave formations are all natural. There are about 19 interlinked caves. These trees growing out of the rock formations shows the symbiotic relationship of Nature. Everything coexists side by side,' remarked Appa, as he continued, 'Speleology is the scientific study of caves. The science incorporates the study of geology, archaeology and biology, and the processes by which they form and change over time.'
He was still whispering, almost as if he didn't want to wake up the 'caves'. There were no religious symbols anywhere, but still there was a special aura about the place.
'What a cool job to have studying caves,' whistled Taran. He took lots of photographs of light streaming in through openings and hollows. They spent over three hours exploring the place. It was a warm and humid day but it was cool in the confines of the rock formations.
'What a wonder of Nature. And so little publicity about it. They are indeed a silent witness to time gone by. I cannot wait to tell my friends all about it!' remarked Taran, as he made his way out.
'Next stop, Chakratirth beach and INS Khukri memorial,' said Appa. 'But first, a pitstop for some snacks of Diu. I was reading something about a Jetty Roll.'
'Yay! Let's go,' said Taran.
