Location:
7 kilometers from Panaji, North Goa
Highlights: Water sports, National Oceanography Institute, Cabo
Raj Niwas
How to Reach: Dona Paula beach can be easily reached from Panaji
or any nearby city by hiring local transport like a cab or a taxi. There
is regular bus service to the Dona Paula beach from any nearby place in
north Goa.
The Dona Paula beach is one of the most famous beaches of India. The
beach is definitely one of the most happening in Goa and for all the
right reasons. The Dona Paula beach of Goa is one of the most popular
beaches that provide opportunities for trying out water sports in Goa.
It is located at a convenient site, at distance of around 7 kilometers
from Panaji. This makes it easily accessible as almost every mode of
local transport shall take you to the Dona Paula beach. The Dona Paula
beach in Goa has an interesting story behind its name. Read about it in
the following lines.
According to legends, Dona Paula was the name of the daughter of a
viceroy who came to Goa during the colonial period. She fell in love
with a local fisherman named Gasper Dias. The viceroy did not approve of
their union and prohibited Dona Paula from having any kind of contact
with him. Depressed and dejected, she jumped off the cliff into the sea.
It is said that even today during a moonlit night, one can suddenly see
a faint figure of a woman rising from the waves wearing a pearl
necklace. This haunting love story attracts many people to this beach
who come here just to feel the haunting presence of a broken heart.
Besides this interesting past, what attracts tourists here is the
plethora of water sports that are provided here. One can choose from the
milder ones like kayaking, snorkeling, motor boat rides to the wilder
ones like windsurfing, parasailing, yachting, etc. It is sure to set
your adrenalin rushing and this will be one holiday that you are not
going to forget for a long time to come. If you are not the one with an
adventure streak, worry not. Visit the National Oceanography Institute
and check out the impressive Marine Biology Museum there. You can also
check out Cabo Raj Niwas which is the Governor's house and it is said
that Dona Paula was entombed here. So visit Dona Paula beach of Goa and
have the experience of a lifetime.
