About the Dona Paula Beach
Dona Paula beach is yet another beach in Goa that attracts numerous tourists from both India and a broad to enjoy its pretty surroundings.However, it is not just the beauty of the beach that draws tourists to this beach. There is a story attached to the beach according to which Dona Paulade Menzes, daughter of a viceroy (of pre-independent India), jumped off from the cliff when she was not allowed to marry a local fisherman, Gaspar Dias.The local people believe that Dona Paula is entombed in the Cabo Chapel of the Raj Bhawan and emerges from the moonlit waves wearing only a pearl necklace. Apart from the tourists, this beach has also been a hot spot for the Indian film industry for a long while.
Best time to visit
Dona Paula Beach is worth visiting anytime during the year, however, heavy rainfall between June to October can dampen the spirits of tourists who want to enjoy completely. So, the best time for the tourists to visit the beach is during the months of November to February.
Activities on the beach
Dona Paula Beach is hugely popular with tourists and locality alike becauseof the abundant opportunities it offers to enjoy water sports. These include windsurfing, para sailing, water-skiing, to boggan ski-biscuit, ski bob,sports fishing, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, kayaking, and yachting. The sports club of the region also provides water-scooter, cycle, and motor boatrides.
The beach also houses the National Oceanography Institute which was established in 1960s. The institute conducts studies on marine biology as well as other major branches of coastal and marine oceanography. There is a museum in this institute known as the Marine Biology Museum and a Taxonomy Reference Center on this beach.
Tourists can also visit the Cabo Raj Niwas or the Governor's House which is just half a kilometer away from the National Oceanography Institute. It is the same house which house the Cabo Chapel, believed to be the tomb of Dona Paula de Menzes. From here tourists can catch a wonderful view of nearby coastline and the Aguada Fort.
The beach also becomes a venue during the festivals of Janmashtami and the Feast of St. Lawrence. If tourists visit this beach in November, then they can also have fun participating in the colorful water sports festival. The highpoint of this festival are water scooter and cycle races along with surfing competitions.
For tourists who wish to carry back some lovely items from the beach, there are several shops that offer variety of things ranging from eatables to clothes, straw hats, lace handkerchiefs, spices and wine (Feni and port, twoof the most famous of Goan wines are available in these shops). The Indian Art Emporium is a place to buy Indian handicrafts and jewelleries.
Added Attractions
Tourists coming to Dona Paula beach can take a trip to the nearby Reis Magos Church (around 10 kms away) which is one of the oldest churches inentire Goa. The church is built in respect of the three Magi or the three wise men (Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar) who undertook an arduous journey to Bethlehem, guided by a star to welcome the newly born Jesus. At one pointof time, this church functioned as the residence of all dignitaries as well as a mission center of the Franciscan order.
Another attraction for tourists visiting the Dona Paula beach is the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Located around 9 kms from Dona Paula beach and on the western end of the island of Choro, this mangrove forest sanctuary is a residence for local and migratory birds. However, a visit to this sanctuaryis possible only after a permission is obtained from the Chief Wild lifeWarden.
For all those tourists who just did not have enough of beach fun, there are two more beaches in close proximity - the Miramar beach (4 km north) and Vainguinim Beach (1 km west).
Reaching Dona Paula Beach
» Air - Dabolim airport is the closest airport which is 29 kms away from Panjim. Dona Paula beach is seven kms away from Panjim.
» Rail - Karmali railway station is the closest railway connection to the beach with a distance of around 15 kms between them.
» Road - Regular bus services connect Dona PaulaBeach to Panjim by road.
Accommodations
Dona Paula beach has numerous place where tourists can stay during their trip to Dona Paula beach. These places suit the budget of every kind of tourists. Dona Paula beach resorts also offer a comfortable resort.
