Vacations in the Dona Paula Beach, Goa
Dona Paula De Menzes, daughter of a viceroy in Colonial India killed herself jumping of the rocks of this beach, as she was not allowed to get along with her beloved Gasper Dias who was a local fisherman, hence the name Dona Paula. Climate here is cloudy throughout the year. People say that they have seen Dona Paula with the pearl necklace coming up from the waves searching for her love. Apart from the myth you can find a variety of water sports played here. Parasailing is the most common. The natural beauty, sports then the myth will pull you to this beach. This beach has been locations for many movies and Ek Duje Ke Liye is the most famous.
Accommodation:
Compared to the other beaches this beach is more commercialized and hence accommodation must be a problem. There are number of cottages, hotels and guesthouses. The Inns are rented by the natives at lower rates. Or if you are looking for luxury then you can get into the modern resorts that offer with all your necessities. And remember Goa has got something for all the budgets.
Some of the major list resorts and hotels include following:
- Hotel O’Pescador
- L’Hotel Eden
- Hotel Villa Sol
- Cidade de Goa
- Hotel Bernardo
- Cabana Dempo
- Hotel Fidalgo
- Ginger Goa
- Villa at Dona Paula
- Dona Paula Beach Resort
- O PescadorDona Paula Beach Resort
- Casa Amarilla- Serviced Suites
- Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat
- Hawaii The Sea-Side Village Retreat
Water Sports:
The foremost pull of this beach is the water sports that is taken care by The Dona Paula Sports Club. They provide with all the things necessary for harpoon fishing, diving and snorkeling. You can race over the blue waters with the water scooters, cycles or the motorboats. Enjoy the kayaking, yachting windsurfing and the skibob you are provided with. The enjoyment is never ending in this beach. At the end of the day take a walk in the seashore that would take away all the tiredness.
Attractions:
Governor’s House or the Cabo Raj Niwas is the foremost place you need to visit after the water sports in the beach. This place has the tomb of Dona Paula and is considered to be a museum as it consists the most beautiful and ancient architecture of India. Move into the Aguada fort after this. The Raj Bhawan lets you to view the adjacent coastline. Later on get into the National Oceanography Institute, Marine Biology Museum and Taxonomy Reference Centre that makes it a well educated trip. Visit the oldest churches of Goa, the Reis Magos. There is a bird sanctuary that stretches over two miles near Choro by the Mandovi called the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. They hold both migratory and the local breeds. Moreover official consent should be taken to visit this sanctuary as security has been strengthened due to poaching. You can experience the best vacation if you turn up to this beach.
How to Reach?
Dona Paula Beach is well-connected to the rest of Goa. Madgaon Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Dona Paula Beach, which is located at a distance of 41km from Dona Paula. From the station, tourists can take taxis and buses to reach the beach. Dabolim airport, located at a distance of 27km from Dona Paula Beach. Tourists have the option of taking pre-paid taxis which are available outside the airport and railway station. It is also easy to reach the beach via road as a number of buses operate from Panaji’s Kadamba Bus Terminal on a regular basis. Tourists also have the option of renting a vehicle on per day basis (scooter, bike, car or jeep).
