Dona Paula
About Dona Paula Beach In Goa
Dona Paula Beach in Goa is a major tourist destination located in the suburbs of the beautiful city. The National Institute of Oceanography, Goa University, and the International Centre Goa are located in this area. A popular spot for lovebirds, the beach is also a busy site to enjoy water sports in Goa. Dona Paula hosts thousands of tourists every year. But did you know what makes the place so popular? Here’s the real deal about Dona Paula.
History of Dona Paula Goa
Dona Paula Beach in Goa is named after a historical figure, Paula Amaral Antonio de Souto Maior. She was the daughter of the Portuguese Viceroy who fell in love with the son of a local fisherman. She was a woman of kind nature and charity. She helped villagers and worked for their betterment. She and her lover took their lives near the beach after their families objected the love affair. The amorous history of Dona Paula Beach still serves as a romantic motivation for all the couples who visit the place.
Attractions of Dona Paula Beach
Tucked away in the southern corner of rocky Zuari and Mandovi shores, Dona Paula Beach offer some spectacular sightseeing of the places around it. Apart from a refreshing experience of the Mormugao harbor, some of the other popular attractions are -
National Oceanography Institute
A visit to this institute will enlighten you about the marine biology along with other branches of coastal and marine oceanography. Biology Museum and Taxonomy Reference Centre are the two prominent tourist attractions that lures hundreds of explorers from all around the globe.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
This sanctuary-cum-mangrove forest reserve is located at a distance of 9 kms away from the Choro Island, along the Mandovi River. Catch a glimpse of the rare and migratory birds nesting in their regular habitat.
Cabo Raj Niwas
Situated just at a distance of 500 metres away from the National Oceanography Institute, the Cabo Raj Niwas is famous for the tomb of Dona Paula de Menzes in the Cabo Chapel.
Reis Magos Church
Considered to be one of the most fascinating attractions of Goa, the Reis Magos Church is located at a distance of only 10 kms from the Dona Paula Beach. History has it that the church is dedicated to three Magi-Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar.
The stunning Raj Bhavan of Goa is located in the La Marvel Colony in Dona Paula. This rocky tourist attraction is at the spot where the river Mandovi and the river Zuari meet and the confluence with the Arabian Sea, about one kilometres from this spot. It's a popular lover's paradise offering a splendid view of the Mormugao harbour. The beach is fringed by casuarina and palm trees. Visitors at the beach can relish the view from the hillock or idle away their afternoon by sitting on the benches at the beach. Afternoon sunbathing and sunset walks are popular things to do at Dona Paula Beach. Dona Paula view point is also a popular attraction of this place from where one can cherish serene views of the vast ocean.
Activities Of Dona Paula Beach
Dona Paula Beach is also famous for local shopping. There are a number of shops that offer an array of items such as hand-woven clothes, quirky jewelry and other handicrafts. Grab these items at a reasonable rate. One can indulge in healthy bargaining with the local vendors. Apart from shopping, one can take pleasure in hunting for rare species, jute bags and summer hats, and trying out the special Goan liquor - Feni.
Tranquil in character, Dona Paula Beach is also known as a destination for aquatic fun. The Dona Paula Sports Club at the beach is home to some of the best water sports opportunities in Goa. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge a number of Dona Paula beach activities such as in water-scooter rides, motorboat rides, and swimming. Windsurfing, kayaking, water skiing, and yachting are also popular things to do in Dona Paula. The Cabo Fort along with Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, where both migratory and local birds abound, is one of the major places to visit near Dona Paula in Goa.
Other than this, there are also some seafood restaurants near the beach where you can have your lunch and relax after a day of sunbathing. There are a variety of restaurants, stalls, and accommodation options available near the Dona Paula Beach. The best time to visit Dona Paula is between November and March.
How To Reach Dona Paula Beach
Along with Miramar Beach, Dona Paula is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. Located only five kilometres from Panaji city, the beach can be reached by a short drive or bike ride. The jetty point at the beach offers a great view of Arabian Sea. Most travellers gather here to enjoy water sports or to find solace by the sea.
The distance from Goa Airport to Dona Paula is about 27 km. It takes about 45 minutes to reach this suburb of Panaji from the airport in Goa. There are cabs available to travel from Dona Paula to Goa Airport.
The road to the jetty point is lined with small shops selling souvenirs. Madgaon Junction is the nearest railway station to Dona Paula Beach. From the station, visitors can rent taxis or take buses to reach the beach. Tourists also have an option of booking pre-paid taxis, available outside the airport and railway station. Those travelling on a budget can take a bus from Panaji’s Kadamba Terminal. For those looking to explore nearby attractions in Panaji city, should rent a vehicle (preferably bike or scooter) for a couple of days.
Timings For Dona Paula Beach
The visiting timings of Dona Paula Beach are from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Moreover, one can visit this beach in Goa any day of the week. The ideal months to visit Dona Paula Beach are from October to June.
Timings
Monday to Sunday
6:00 am - 10:00 pm
Tips for Dona Paula Beach
Do not litter on the beach
Apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn and carry drinking water
The best time to visit Dona Paula Beach is just before sunset