The short answer
INS Khukri Memorial: what visitors should know first
A short, moving stop that pairs well with Chakratirth Beach at sunset. Go quietly, read the plaque and the story, and check the opening hours locally as they are not published on the official page.
History and context
The story behind INS Khukri Memorial
According to the Diu district tourism page, INS Khukri was a frigate of the Indian Navy that was struck by three torpedoes fired by a Pakistani submarine on 9 December 1971 and sank about 40 nautical miles off the coast of Diu. Eighteen officers and 176 sailors died, along with the commanding officer, Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, who went down with the vessel.
The memorial stands on a hillock at Chakratirth Beach and was inaugurated on 15 December 1999. It features a replica of the ship and a plaque with the names of those lost.
Useful facts
INS Khukri Memorial facts at a glance
- Location
- Hillock at Chakratirth Beach, Diu
- Experience type
- Short memorial visit with sea views
- Commemorates
- INS Khukri, sunk 9 December 1971
- Features
- Scale model of the frigate and a names plaque
- Opened
- 15 December 1999
Why it matters
Why INS Khukri Memorial is worth your time
Diu is better known for Portuguese churches than for naval history, so the memorial adds a modern chapter. INS Khukri was lost during the 1971 war, and the memorial, opened on 15 December 1999, honours the officers and sailors who died.
For Indian visitors in particular it is a place of quiet pride and remembrance, and for others it is a simple, informative stop. It also fits naturally with Chakratirth Beach, so the visit costs little time and offers real context for the island's coast.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The ship model
A scale model of the frigate stands at the centre of the memorial.
- 02
The honour plaque
A plaque lists the officers and sailors who died.
- 03
Sea view
The hillock gives wide views of the Arabian Sea.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Drive or walk up to the hillock above Chakratirth Beach, and begin at the scale model of the frigate, which is the centrepiece. Take a few minutes to look at the shape of the ship and then read the plaque that lists the lives lost in the sinking.
The story is brief and clear. On 9 December 1971, during the war between India and Pakistan, INS Khukri was struck by torpedoes from a submarine and sank about 40 nautical miles off Diu. Eighteen officers and 176 sailors were lost along with the commanding officer, Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, who stayed with his ship.
After the memorial, look out over the sea. The hillock gives wide views and a quiet moment to reflect before you go down to the beach for sunset.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Check timings locally before you go
- Keep voices low and dress respectfully
- Combine with Chakratirth Beach at sunset
- Read the plaque and story before you leave
- Carry water; there is little shade
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Hillock at Chakratirth Beach, Diu
- Time needed
- 20–40 minutes
- Best time
- Late afternoon, combined with the sunset at Chakratirth
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The memorial sits on a low hillock with a short climb from the road. Paths are generally easy, but there is limited seating and little shade. Older visitors usually manage fine with a pause at the top.
- Tickets and access
- Entry fee and timings are not specified on the official page, so confirm locally. Maintain a quiet, respectful atmosphere; this is a memorial site.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near INS Khukri Memorial
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The memorial sits on a low hillock with a short climb from the road. Paths are generally easy, but there is limited seating and little shade. Older visitors usually manage fine with a pause at the top.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
What happened to INS Khukri?
It was hit by torpedoes from a Pakistani submarine on 9 December 1971 and sank about 40 nautical miles off Diu, per district tourism.
When did the memorial open?
It was inaugurated on 15 December 1999.
Where is it?
On a hillock at Chakratirth Beach, close to Diu town.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
