Dona Paula Beach Goa..........................
Popularly known as the Lovers Paradise, Dona Paula beach is named after Dona Paula de Menzes, daughter of a viceroy who ended her life by jumping from the cliff when denied permission to marry a local fisherman, Gasper Dias. According to the myth, Dona Paula is seen emerging from the moonlit waves wearing only a pearl necklace. Dona Paula beach is frequented by tourists who want to get a glimpse of the deceased beloved and to experience romantic mysticism and also by the sports freaks who want to indulge in water sports on clear waters. The Dona Paula Beach offers an opportunity to the tourists to have a sunbath and buy cheap seaside goods from local vendors.
Tourist Attractions of Dona Paula Beach Goa
Water Sports
The most important attraction of this beach is the water sport facilities available here. The Dona Paula Sports Club offers 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.
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.
Cabo Raj Niwas
The Cabo Raj Niwas (the Governor's House) is half a kilometer away from the National Oceanography Institute. It houses the tomb of Dona Paula de Menzes in the Cabo Chapel. The Raj Bhawan offers an excellent view of the nearby coastline and the Aguada Fort.
Speciality of Dona Paula Beach Goa
This beach has also been the location for many Indian movies, the most famous being Ek Duje Ke Liye. Given this dual attraction, Dona Paula Beach has become a popular tourist spot.
Location of Dona Paula Beach
Seven kilometers west of the Indian state of Goa's capital Panajim (Panaji), Dona Paula Beach is nestled on the southern side of the rocky hammer-shaped headlands that divide the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries. Providing a good view of the Mormugao harbor, this beach is fringed by palm trees and casuarina groves. The proximity of the beach to the capital city makes it a popular tourist sight.
Climate of Dona Paula Beach
The climate is equable and moist throughout the year. While it is pleasant and temperate from October to May it is rainy from June to September. Temperature variations throughout the year are mild. May is the warmest month with a temperature of around 30°C and January is coolest with a mean daily temperature of 25°C. Due to its proximity of the sea, the territory is generally humid and even during the summer months humidity is generally above 60 percent.
Excursions on Dona Paula Beach
The main attractions near Dona Paula Beach are Reis Magos Church and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Approximately 10 km from the beach is one of the oldest churches built in Goa, the Reis Magos Church.
Two other beaches are also 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.
Dona Paula Beach – 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.
Dona Paula Beach - Shopping
The several shops lined up along the beachside sell an array 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 - the two Goan liquor specialties - are popular here. Indian handicrafts and jewelery are available at the Indian Arts Emporium in Dona Paula.
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