About Dona Paula Beach
The Dona Paula beach is named after Dona Paula de Menzes, daughter of a viceroy
(in colonial India), who threw herself off the cliff, when refused permission
to marry a local fisherman, Gaspar Dias. The myth says that Dona Paula is entombed
in the Cabo Chapel of the Raj Bhawan and is supposed to be seen emerging from
the moonlit waves wearing only a pearl necklace. With the romance and myth attached
to it—haunted by Dona Paula de Menzes—tourists throng the Dona Paula
Beach not only in search of the deceased beloved, but also to indulge in water
sports on the clear waters. The Dona Paula Beach offers an opportunity to the
tourists to have a sunbath and buy cheap seaside goods from local vendors. This
beach has also been the location for many Indian movies, the most famous being
Ek Duje Ke Liye. Given this dual attraction, Dona Paula Beach has become a popular
tourist spot.
Climate
The climate is equable and moist throughout the year. While it is pleasant and temperate from October to May it is rainy from June to September. Temperature variations throughout the year are mild. May is the warmest month with a temperature of around 30°C and January is coolest with a mean daily temperature of 25°C. Due to its proximity of the sea, the territory is generally humid and even during the summer months humidity is generally above 60 percent.
The Legend Of Dona Paula
Named after Dona Paula de Menezes, the Dona Paula beach is popularly known as
the "
Lovers Paradise" due to a myth that has been attached
to this place. According one legend the Viceroy's daughter after facing objections
from her family about her love affair with a poor fisherman jumped of the cliff.
Excursions
The main attractions near Dona Paula Beach are Reis Magos Church and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Approximately 10 km from the beach is one of the oldest churches built in Goa, the Reis Magos Church. It is dedicated to the three Magi (the wise men of the East)—Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar who, according to a legend, were guided by a star to Bethlehem to greet the newborn Jesus. This church was once the residence of all dignitaries and a mission center of the Franciscan order. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is situated on the western tip of the island of Choro, along the Mandovi River, about 9 km from Dona Paula Beach.
Spread over 2 sq km, this sanctuary is a mangrove forest. Local and migratory birds are found here all through the year. However, permission of the Chief Wildlife Warden is required for visitors. Two other beaches are also within the proximity of the Dona Paula Beach. These are the Miramar beach, which lies 4 km north of Dona Paula, and the Vainguinim Beach, which is situated 1 km west.
National Oceanography Institute
Another nearby attraction of the Dona Paula beach site is the National Oceanography
Institute. Set up in the 1960s, the National Oceanography Institute delves not
only upon marine biology, but incorporates almost all the major branches of
coastal and marine oceanography. The major attraction of the institute is its
Marine Biology Museum and Taxonomy Reference Center.
Shopping
Shopping can become a much more enjoyable experience at the beaches of Goa. Dona Paula is one such place where several shops are located along the beachside, selling variety of goods ranging from eatables to clothes. Fishermen-turned-local vendors also sell straw hats, lace handkerchiefs, and spices in these shops. Feni and port wine, which are the two Goan liquor specialties are a must buy and local liquor is easily available. If you are interested in buying Indian handicrafts and jewellery, then visit the Indian Arts Emporium in Dona Paula.
Location
Seven kilometers west of the Indian state of Goa’s capital Panajim (Panaji), Dona Paula Beach is nestled on the southern side of the rocky hammer-shaped headlands that divide the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries.
Providing a good view of the Mormugao harbor, this beach is fringed by palm trees and casuarina groves. The proximity of the beach to the capital city makes it a popular tourist sight.
Attractions
Around Dona Paula Beach The Reis Magos Church Among the places of interest at
the Dona Paula beachside, there's the Reis Magos Church considered to be one
of the oldest churches built in Goa. It is dedicated to the three Magi (the
wise men of the East)-Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar who, according to a legend,
were guided by a star to Bethlehem to greet the newborn Jesus..
