Location: Located 7
kms west of Panaji, the state capital.
Tourist Attractions: The National Oceanography, The Cabo
Raj Niwas, Reis Magos Church, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
Beach Activities: Windsurfing, parasailing,
water-skiing, toboggan ski-biscuit, skibob, sports fishing, snorkeling,
harpoon fishing, kayaking, and yachting. Water-scooter, cycle, and motorboat
rides.
About Dona Paula Beach
The hottest tourist spot in Goa, the Dona Paula beach, is situated seven
kilometers west of Panaji, the state capital. The Dona Paula beach is named
after the Dona Paula de Menzes, daughter of a viceroy ( in colonial India),
who jumped off the cliff, when refused permission to marry a local
fisherman, Gasper Dias. Thus, the mystery related to this beautiful beach
brings tourists from all over the world. It also lures tourists to indulge
in water sports, shopping and sun-bathing .
The beach also provides a good view of the Mormugao harbour and enthralls
everyone who visits this beautiful site.
Major Tourist Attractions
The National Oceanography
Established in the year 1960s, the National Oceanography Institute deals
with marine biology and all the major branches of coastal and marine
oceanography. The major attraction of the institute is its Marine Biology
Museum and Taxonomy Reference Center.
The Cabo Raj Niwas
The Cabo Raj Niwas (the Governor's House) is at distance of half kilometer
from the National Oceanography Institute. It has the tomb of Dona Paula de
Menezes in the Cabo Chapel. The Raj Bhawan offers an excellent view of the
nearby coastline and the Aguada Fort.
Beach Activities
Water sport facilities are the key attraction of this beach. The Dona Paula
Sports Club provides water-scooter, cycle, and motorboat rides. Other water
sports include windsurfing, parasailing, water-skiing, toboggan ski-biscuit,
skibob, sports fishing, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, kayaking, and yachting.
Getting There
Air: The Dabolim airport is 29 kms away from Panaji and 36 kms from
Anjuna beach.
Rail: The nearest railway station is at Karmali, which is 15 kms
from the beach. Goa connected to all the major parts of India by train.
Road: Regular bus and taxi services are available for Dona Paula,
from Panaji and Mormugao. Motorcycle taxi is also available as an
interesting mode of transport.
Accommodation
There are many hotels, guest houses and beach side huts in Dona Paula
catering to the budgets and requirements of different tourists.
