Dona Paula Beach has been rechristened after Dona Paula de Menezes. This place is known as the Lovers Paradise because of a famous fable attached with this place. This beach is counted among the most conspicuous beaches belonging to Goa.

Dona Paula Beach is a tranquil place, where tourists in thousands pay visit for relaxing and enjoying the warmth of sun. Besides, they also indulge themselves in water sports, which are carried out on crystal clear water.

Dona Paula Beach proffers a chance to the visitors for local shopping and sunbathing. In addition to this, there are many shops, which are situated on the beachside. These shops sell different kinds of goods, which range from clothes to eatables.

Because of proximity of Panaji, this beach is a conspicuous spot for the purpose of sightseeing. There lies a tiny military cemetery in dilapidated condition on the road, which leads to this particular place. It is believed that this cemetery was constructed by the British from deterring the French from assaulting Goa.

Location

Dona Paula Beach lies at a distance of seven kilometers Panaji, the state capital of Goa. As far as its surrounding is concerned, is nestled in hammer-shaped headlands, which bifurcate Mandovi and Zurari estuaries. This beach, being fringed by casuarinas groves and palm trees, proffer an excellent view of the Mormugao harbor.

How to Reach

Travel by Airway

The airport belonging to Dabolim lies at a distance of 36 km from this beach. The airport runs many international flights from the countries like Russia, Netherlands, Germany, Britain, Kuwait, Sharjah, Dubai, Qatar etc. One can reach there from any metropolitan cities belonging to India like Pune, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi etc. After getting to the airport, one can easily go to Dona Paula Beach by bus or private car.

Travel by Roadway

Dona Paula Beach is located at a distance of 6 km from Panaji, the capital of Goa. The private bus operator and Kadamba Transport Corporation have provided many buses from the bus station of Panaji to the town of Dona Paula. One can also travel by private cabs for reaching there. The time taken during the whole journey by the bus from Panaji is nearly sixteen minutes.

Travel by Railway

The closest railway station of Dona Paula Beach is Karmali railway station, which lies at adistance of 14 km from here. The time taken in reaching this beach from the railway station through Panaji bus station is about 35 minutes. The other major railway stations are situated a bit away at Vasco Da Gama and Margao.

Local Transport

Motorcycle, auto-rickshaw, taxi and bus services are available all the time for the purpose of transportation in the area. Ferry service from Mormugao or motorcycle-taxi or bus from Panaji can be availed for reaching to this place. The buses coming to Dona Paula depart every fifteen minutes from the bus stand of Panaji Kadamba.

An exciting conveyance available in Goa is the motorcycle taxi. These taxis are distinct in their qualities and lift only one passenger. Nevertheless, motorcycles too can be hired on the ground of financial guarantee.

Temperature and Weather

The weather condition of Dona Paula remains humid and hot except in the month of winter. It also experiences heavy downpours because of its nearness to the Arabian Sea. The finest season is winter which ranges from the months of December to March, when the temperature remains pleasant and cool.

Summer at Dona Paula

This season often remains for a long period of time. The duration of summer starts from early March and lasts up to 15th June. The temperature may go as high as 35 degree centigrade with great humidity in the month of May. An average temperature during summer remains nearly 30 degree centigrade.

Monsoon at Dona Paula

The rainfall often starts from 15th June and lasts up to early October. Because of nearness of the Arabian Sea, this town gets heavy downpours and also thunder storms during this particular season. An average yearly rainfall of this town is nearly 298 cm.

Winter at Dona Paula

The month of winter stays for brief period. It starts from late November and lasts up to the month of February with a pleasant and suitable temperature. An average temperature varies from 15 degree centigrade to 27 degree centigrade.

Attractions

The principal attractions nearby Dona Paula Beach are Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and Reis Magos Church.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

The Bird Sanctuary is located along the famous river, Mandovi, which is close to Choro Island. It lies at a distance of 9 km from this beach. If one is travelling to this beach, one should not miss this place. One will also come across migratory as local birds inside this sanctuary.

The Reis Mages Church

The Reis Mages Church is counted among the most ancient churches of Goa. The Church is devoted to three Magi, Melchior, Gasper and Balthazar. These three prominent men went ahead after being given guidance by the star.

National Oceanography Institute

Apart from the above, there exists another tourist attraction by the name of National Oceanography Institute. It was set up during the years of 1960s. This institute deals with aquatic life and also several other branches pertaining to oceanography.

Activities

Dona Paula Beach explores the ultimate existing in marine sport and proffers the facilities of best quality to the young. The sports include yachting on the beach, kayaking, snorkeling, sports fishing, motor boat rides, water skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and water scooter rides. Besides, the tourist can also enjoy river cruises on the Mondovi River for complete natural enjoyment.

There are also many shops, which are situated on the beachside. These shops sell different kinds of goods, which range from tasty eatables to fantastic clothes. The local vendors do brisk business of spices, lace handkerchiefs and straw hats. Port and Feni wine are two Goan liquor specialties. Ornaments and handicrafts often remain available at the Indian Arts Emporium belonging to Dona Paula.

Nearby Hotels

There exist many beach side huts, guesthouses and hotels on the beach, which cater according to the budgets of tourists.

Nearness of Dona Paula Beach to Panaji, the state capital of Goa, makes this beach one of the most visited spots of the Goa. Numerous beachside huts, resorts and hotels have come up in this region which proffers a good quality of facilities to the tourists. One such hotel is Cidadede hotel in Goa. It is a five star hotel, which proffers good facilities for water sports. The other options of accommodation include Villa Sol, Three Seasons Vainguinim Valley resort, O Prescador Dona Paula Beach Resort and Hotel Bernado.

Nightlife

The nightlife of Dona Paula Beach is astonishingly tame and proffers a good break from wild parties taking place at Dona Paula. Many bars close by 10.00 pm. Only one bar, named as Tito’s, which is located at the Baga end of the beach, remains open up to midnight in the months of December and January.

Fairs And Festivals

The grand feast of St. Lawrence and festivals of Janmashtami are popular in Dona Paula Beach. Besides, this beach also boasts of water sport festivals, which are very colorful in nature. It is celebrated in the month of November. The major highlights of this festival are surfing competitions, cycle races and water scooter.

Photo Gallery