Dona Paula Goa

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.

Chapora Beach Goa

About the Chapora Beach Goa :

Chapora beach situate din goa stretches about 10 Kms from Mapusa, North Goa. Tourist has tagged this beach to be one of the most intriguing, fascinating beaches of Goa. Apart form this, it is also considered to be one of the most mind blowing parts of the Goan coastline. Chapora Fort which is situated very close to this beach is one of the most famous local attractions among the tourist. It is constructed in a thick wood of coconut palms. Some of the other popular beaches surrounding this place include the Vagator Beach and Anjuna Beach. It is recommended that you visit these beaches anywhere from November to March.

Moreover this beach is also regarded as one of the beaches where you can plan a long stay and plan out visiting some of the best attractions located in goa. There are not many high class luxury hotels nearby but you could always opt for the rented houses and cottages that provide the best view of the beaches. Most of the houses are provide shelter of the tall coconut palms. Very closely a village is set on the estuary of the Chapora River and is outshined by a rocky hill where the Portuguese fort is situated.

This is one of the ideal places to feast on different kind of cuisse. Restaurants and different kind of eateries are available that serve some of the best food items that one can’t resist to drool over. You could choose to catch one of the buses that regularly come in from Mapusa and Calangute Beach to Chapora beach. However, there are direct buses running from Panjim. If it suits your convenience then you could also rent Motorcycles as well as taxis. There are also other types of transportation that charge reasonable fee to move the tourist up and down.

Tourist Attractions :

Some of the tourist attractions which make Chapora beach, an eminent getaway are very many. Primary among them is the Chapora fort, which was built by Portuguese around 500 years ago. Then, some other places are the folk and local market places where one can buy the local trinkets. Then, one can go for the Goan delight of Bebinca, which is found, on the sea shore. The village life along the beaches is a treat for the eyes.

Facitlies of Chapora Beach :

There are guesthouses that take care of budget accommodation at Chapora. There are even some of the local houses that may be hired. The beautiful beaches of Chapora are well connected with the rest of the places. The Dabolim airport is the nearest. The Karmali railway station takes care of the tourists who travel by train. For road transport there are plenty of bus services available. In order to make the most of your holiday at the Chapora beaches keep away from drugs and nudity. Even though swimming is considered safe you must check out with the lifeguards for the strength of the undercurrents.

Best time to Visit :

Any time of the year best for trip to Chapora Beaches but the months from June to October may be avoided owing to the heavy rainfall. Rests of the months are pleasant and it’s a pleasure to be Chapora.

How To Reach :

By Road : Direct buses arrive at Chapora three times daily from Panjim, and every fifteen minutes from Mapusa, with departures until 7.00 pm. Motorcycle taxis hang around the old banyan tree at the far end of the main street, near where the buses pull in.