Dona Paula Beach Location of Beach Dona Paula Beach - GoaDona Paula is located in west Tiswadi Taluka, just

7 kms south of Panaji, the capital of Goa. The Miramar beach is 3 kms north of Dona Paula and the Vainguinim beach is one km west. Dona Paula beach lies on the southern side of the rocky hammer-shaped headlands which seperate the Mandovi and Zuari river. Beach Overview If you want some relief from the boring visits to churches and temples, head towards the romantic Dona Paula beach. Due to its proximity to Goa's capital Panaji, you will find Dona Paula active throughout the year. Considered among the most attractive beaches of Goa, Dona Paula will offer you excellent opportunities to enjoy a sunbath and buy cheap goods from the seaside vendors. Walk along the palm and casuarina fringed beach and get wonderful views of the Mormugao harbour and the sunset on Arabian Sea. Dona Paula offers great fishing prospects also, while strolling along the beach you can often see anglers waiting for a bite. Dona Paula beach is actually a combination of three beaches - Dona Paula, Hawaii beach and Vainguinim beach. Hawaii is just 200 m long and most of Goa's sailing activities take place here, while the Vainguinim beach is much longer and totally encircled by the Cidade de Goa resort, with two entrances for public. Many legends are attached to Dona Paula and the most popular among them is the romance between Dona Paula de Menzes, the daughter of Portuguese Governor and a young Goanese fisherman, Gasper Dias. As Dona Paula's desire was not fulfilled due to family bar, she committed suicide by drowning herself in the Arabian Sea. Later, the city was named after her to commemorate her sacrifice. The myth says that on full-moon nights, Dona Paula emerges from the sea wearing only a pearl necklace. With the romance and myth attached to it - thousands of tourists throng the beach not only in search of the deceased lovers, but also to indulge themselves in water sports. Beach Attractions Water Sports: Dona Paula Beach is known for availability of plenty of water sports facilities. There are several sports club in Dona Paula which offer in-house and beachside water sports. You can enjoy popular water sports like water-scooter, cycle and motor-boat rides. Apart from these, you can also indulge in other water sports like windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, snorkelling, toboggan ski-biscuit, ski-bob, kayaking, yachting, sports fishing and harpoon fishing. Swimming: The Dona Paula beach is very safe for swimming, but you should maintain a distance of 300 m away from the river.

Leisure Activities: Shopping is the main leisure activity at Dona Paula beach. The beach is lined with a number of shops where you can buy a variety of items, right from eatables to clothes. On the beach, you will find vendors selling straw hats, handkerchiefs and spices. You must buy the Goan liquor specialties Feni and port wine and also the local liquor. If you want to buy handicrafts and jewellery, visit the Indian Arts Emporium. Fairs and Festivals at Dona Paula: Janmashtami and the Feast of St. Lawrence are the two main festivals of Dona Paula beach. If you visit Dona Paula in November, the colourful water sports festival will captivate your eyes. Apart from watching the colourful activities, you can also take part in the exciting events like water scooter, cycle races and surfing. Nearby Attractions National Oceanography Institute: Established in the year 1960, the National Oceanography Institute works in the field of Marine Biology and also in the major branches of Coastal and Marine Oceanography. While you are in the institute, you must visit the Marine Biology Museum and Taxonomy Reference Centre. Cabo Raj Niwas (Raj Bhawan): From the National Oceanography Institute move half a kilometre further to reach the Cabo Raj Nivas. Here, you will see the tomb of Dona Paula de Menzes housed in the Cabo Chapel. Also, get the spectacular views of the coastline and the magnificent Aguada Fort. Excursions Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (9 kms): If you want to see a variety of domestic and migratory birds in their natural habitat, visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Situated on the western tip of Choro Island, along the Mandovi River, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a mangrove forest. Take the permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden and venture inside the bird sanctuary to watch numerous local and migratory avian species. Reis Magos Church (10 kms): Visit Reis Magos Church, one of the oldest churches built in Goa, which was once the residence of dignitaries and a mission center of the Franciscan order. The Reis Magos Church is dedicated to three Magi (the wise men of the East) - Melchior, Balthazar and Gaspar. Legend has it that three Magi were guided by a star to Bethlehem to greet the infant Jesus. Best Time to Visit Dona Paula Beach Goa November to February is the best time to visit the Dona Paula Beach. This is the time when you can also participate in the water sports festival. You can also visit Dona Paula during the festivals like Janmashtami festival and the Feast of St. Lawrence to immerse yourself in the colours of festivity. How to Reach Dabolim airport is 32 kms away from Dona Paula and 29 kms from Panaji. The airport has flights from major cities of India as well as Gulf countries like Kuwait and Sarjah. From Dabolim airport you have to

hire a pre-paid or private taxi to reach Dona Paula. Karmali is the nearest railway station, which is 19 kms from the Beach. Goa's main railway station, Margao is 37 kms away and is connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Mangalore and Thiruvananthapuram. Buses operate at every five minute from the Panaji bus stand to the Dona Paula bus stand. For local transport bus, taxi, auto-rickshaw and and motorcycle taxi services available. Ferry service are also available from Mormugao to Dona Paula Beach. Source: http://www.vacationsindia.com/goa/beaches/dona-paula-beach.html Where can I find accommodation near Dona Paula beach? For <a href="http://serviceapartmentsinnorthgoa.weebly.com/"> Dona Paula accommodation</a>, <a href="http://serviceapartmentsinnorthgoa.weebly.com/"> Dona Paula accommodation</a>, <a href="http://serviceapartmentsinnorthgoa.weebly.com/">villas in Dona Paula </a> visit our website.