Dona Paula Beach

Dona Paula beach is just 7 km from the Capital of Goa - Panaji (Panjim ) and has often been described as a paradise of lovers. A popular tourist destination associated with romance and myth, the beach rests on the headland that divides the Zuar and Mandovi estuaries. A complete and exciting holiday destination for tourists, Dona Paula beach is also a favourite film location of movie makers. 

There are many legends associated with this beach, the most famous is that, the daughter of a former Portuguese Governor of Goa, Dona Paula de Menzes (after whom the beach of Dona Paula is named) threw herself onto the rocks beneath the cliffs when refused permission to marry a local fisherman, Gaspar Dias.

But in the historical records, Dona Paula is not a romantic figure but a historical figure. She was the daughter of a Sri Lankan Governor and her family arrived in Goa in 1644.  Her husband was Dom Antonio Souto Maior.

At the end of the bay there is a beautiful islet-hillock. From the top of this hillock one can have views of the Marmagao harbour and the Arabian Sea up to the Zuari Bridge to the east. At the base there is a carved sculpture named ' Image of India' depicting a couple - a man facing west representing the future and a woman facing east representing the future- made by Baroness Yrsa von Leistner. But the folklore linked to the statues, often mistakenly says that these are the lovers in the Dona Paula legend. From here, one can see the Arabian Sea and the River Zuari. 

Edged with palms and vast stretches of casuarina groves, the beautiful beach offers its visitors a most relaxing holiday option facilitating sunbathing, swimming, water sports, a major attraction. At Dona Paula Beach, one can enjoy water sports like water scooter racing, motorboat riding, windsurfing, parasailing, water-skiing, skibob, sports fishing, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, kayaking and yachting. A sports club here offers motorboat excursions, water-scooters for rent, windsurfing, water skiing, para-sailing and fishing equipments. One can enjoy the hour-long sunset and sundown cruises organized by Goa Tourism Department. Most include the option of a meal. Contact Rajendra Naik, Ph: 0832- 2437496, cruises@goa-tourism.com.

Besides all these facilities, Dona Paula beach provide opportunities to the tourists to purchase cheap seaside goods from local vendors.   Along the road beside the beach, there are numerous stores where fishermen-turned-local vendors sells variety of T-shirts, swimwear, straw hats, eatables, spices etc. Shopping at Dona Paula is one of the most exotic activities. The Indian Arts Emporium in Dona Paula offers a premium choice of Indian handicrafts and jewels.  

The beach is also famous for its feast and festivals. At Dona Paula, the Festival Janmashtami (the birthday of Lord Krishna) and the feast of St. Lawrence are celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. The annual colourful water sports festival in November, also lure many visitors to Dona Paula. Water scooter and cycle races along with surfing competitions are the main attractions of this festival.