Dona Paula beach


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.