About the Dona Paula Goa in Goa :
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.
Attractions Around Dona Paula Beach :
The Reis Magos Church: Among the places of interest at the Dona Paula beach side, there's the Reis Magos Church considered to be one of the oldest churches 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.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: 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-kms, this sanctuary is a mangrove forest. Local and migratory birds are found here throughout the year, making it a bird watcher's paradise.
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.
Nearby Beach Sites :
Two more beaches are also located within the proximity of the Dona Paula Beach. These are the Miramir beach, which lies 4-km north of Dona Paula, and the Vainguinim Beach, which is situated 1-km west of the beach side.
How To Reach :
By Air : The nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji and 36 km from Anjuna.
By Rail : Goa is connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Mangalore, and Thiruvananthapuram by train. The nearest railway station at Karmali, which is 15 km from the beach.
By Road : The Dona Paula Beach is well connected by road from the capital city.
