Few More Pics Of Dona Paula

Some More Pics Of Dona Beach

Pictures Of Dona Paula

Dona Paula Pier And Harbour

Dona Paula Shore

Tourists At Dona Paula

Pictures Of Dona Paula

Water Sports At Dona Paula

Boats At Dona Paula

Evening Pictures Of Dona Paula

Dona Paula Shore

Sunset At Dona Paula

Dona Paula Beach And Its Activities

The Beach

Water Sports On Dona Paula

Dona Paula Beach:

Dona Paula is 7-km from Panjim and is different from other Goan beaches in the sense that this is one of the beaches that’s washed by both the Goan sea and the Goan rivers. This beach of Goa carries with it an aura of both romance and myth. This place is called the "Lovers Paradise" and the beach is named after Dona Paula de Menzes. She was the daughter of a viceroy (in colonial India). A myth has been attached to this place and according to one legend the Viceroy's daughter threw herself off the cliff, when refused permission to marry a local fisherman, Gaspar Dias.
Another legend says that punished for captivating Francisco de Tavora- the Count of Alvor with her charm, the Viceroy's daughter was pushed off a cliff to drown in the waters below. Her irrepressible spirit still continues to haunt every visitor with legends of her lovers. She is even supposed to have been seen emerging from the moonlit waves wearing only a pearl necklace.
The place where two of Goa's famous rivers meet the Arabian Sea is the bay of Dona Paula with a very good view of the Marmagao Harbour. 7-km from Panjim, situated on the south side of the, hammer-shaped headland that divides the Zuari and Mandovi, is this fishing village which is a commercial resort. This is a spot to sunbathe and relax. Water scootering is a very common sport at this beach.
The official residence of the Governor of Goa, which is known as Cabo Raj Bhavan is situated here on the westernmostside of Dona Paula. Along the roadside which leads to this place lies the remains of the military cemetery built by the British at their brief occupation of the Cabo, to stop France from invading Goa.
Activities:

Water Sports: Tranquil and blue, Dona Paula unravels the ultimate in aquatic sport and fun. The Dona Paula Sports Club at Dona Paula offers some of the best water sports facilities to the sports enthusiasts including Water-scooter rides, Motor-boat rides, etc.

Attractions Around Dona Paula

The Reis Magos Church

National Oceanography Institute

The Reis Magos Church:

Among the places of interest at the Dona Paula beachside, there's the Reis Magos Church considered to be one of the oldest churches built in Goa. It is dedicated to the three Magi (the wise men of the East)-Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar who, according to a legend, were guided by a star to Bethlehem to greet the newborn Jesus.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary:

The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is situated on the western tip of the island of Choro, along the Mandovi River, about 9-km from Dona Paula beach. Spread over 2-sq-kms, this sanctuary is a mangrove forest. Local and migratory birds are found here throughout the year, making it a bird watcher's paradise.
National Oceanography Institute:

Another nearby attraction of the Dona Paula beach site is the National Oceanography Institute. Set up in the 1960s, the National Oceanography Institute delves not only upon marine biology, but incorporates almost all the major branches of coastal and marine oceanography. The major attraction of the institute is its Marine Biology Museum and Taxonomy Reference Center.

Attractions On Dona Paula Beach

Nearby Beach Sites:

Two more beaches are also located within the proximity of the Dona Paula Beach. These are the Miramar beach, which lies 4-km north of Dona Paula, and the Vainguinim Beach, which is situated 1-km west of the beach side.
Shopping At Dona Paula:

Shopping can become a much more enjoyable experience at the beaches of Goa. Dona Paula is one such place where several shops are located along the beachside, selling variety of goods ranging from eatables to clothes. Fishermen-turned-local vendors also sell straw hats, lace handkerchiefs, and spices in these shops. Feni and port wine, which are the two Goan liquor specialties are a must buy and local liquor is easily available. If you are interested in buying Indian handicrafts and jewellery, then visit the Indian Arts Emporium in Dona Paula.
Fairs And Festivals:

The festivals of Janmashtami and the Feast of St. Lawrence are particular to the Dona Paula Beach. In addition, the beach also has a colorful water sports festival in November. The highlights of this festival are the water scooter and cycle races and surfing competitions.

Pictures Of Dona Paula Beach Resort

Pictures Of Dona Paula Beach Resort

Accommodation And Access To Dona Paula Beach

Vainguinim Valley Resort

Accommodation:

There are a host of hotels, guesthouses, and beachside huts available at the beach that cater to the budgets of different tourists. Featured hotels and resorts are:
1. Dona Paula Beach Resort

2. Vainguinim Valley Resort

3. Swimsea Beach Resort

4. Villa Sol Hotel

5. Prainha Goa

6. Sea View Hotel

7. O Pescador

Access:

By Air: The nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji and 36 km from Anjuna.
By Rail: Goa is connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Mangalore, and Thiruvananthapuram by train. The nearest railway station is at Karmali, which is 15 km from the beach.
By Road: The Dona Paula Beach is well connected by road. Seven kilometers from the capital city, regular bus and taxi services are easily available. The Kadamba Transport Corporation (Government of Goa Undertaking), and Maharashtra and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporations operate buses from and to Goa.
An interesting mode of conveyance in Goa is the motorcycle taxi. Unique to this state, these “taxis” carry only one passenger. However motorcycles can also be hired for personal use, on the basis of financial guarantee.