Where is Dona Paula?
The Dona Paula beach is located in the state of Goa in India. The beach
lies on the southern side of the rocky headlands that divide the Zuari and
Mandovi estuaries. It is seven kilometres west of the Goan capital Panjim.
How will you gain access?
Dabolim (29 km from Panaji) is the closest airport from Dona Paula. The
nearest railway station lies at Karmali which is 15 km from the beach. By
train, Goa is linked with places like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Mangalore
and Thiruvananthapuram. The Kadamba Transport Corporation and Maharashtra
and Karnataka State Road Transport ply regular buses connecting the state
with other key destination of the country. From Panjim's Kadamba stand,
buses to Dona Paula leave every fifteen minutes.
What magnetises people?
» National Oceanography Institute
Established in the 1960s, the National Oceanography Institute digs into
almost all the major branches of coastal and marine oceanography. The Marine
Biology Museum and the Taxonomy Reference Centre are the key attractions of
the institute.
» Cabo Raj Niwas
Half a kilometre away from the National Oceanography Institute is the Cabo
Raj Niwas or the Governer's House. The Niwas houses the tomb of Dona Paula
de Menzes in the Cabo Chapel. Impressive views of the nearby coastline and
the Aguada Fort can be had from here.
» Reis Magos Church
At a distance of 10 km from the beach lies the Reis Magos Church, one of
the oldest churches in the state of Goa. Dedicated to the three Magi (The
Wise Men from the East), the church was once the residence of all the
dignitaries and a mission centre of the Franciscan order.
» Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located on the western tip of the island of
Choro, along the Mandovi river. Spreading over an area of 2m sq km, the
sanctuary is home to a large number of native and migratory birds. Visitors
require permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden.
What are the beach sports in store?
While at Dona Paula, adventure-lovers and visitors need not worry a bit, as
there are ample options to keep them involved all day. The Dona Paula Sports
Club offers water-scooter, cycle and motorboat rides. There are a number of
other water sports options like windsurfing, parasailing, water-skiing,
sports fishing, snorkelling, harpoon fishing, kayaking etc. The beach also
organises the famous Annual Water Sports Festival in the month of November.
Which are the nearby hotels?
Dona Paula Beach Resort (26 km from the airport) is a 2-star offering money
exchange, doctor on call, travel assistance, safe deposit, telephone, TV,
balcony or terrace, multi-cuisine restaurant, bar etc. There are a number of
guest houses available. The Zuari View is a popular guest house providing
facilities like entrance hall, living area, dining area, large balcony
overlooking the bay, cable TV etc. The Baywatch Guest House is another guest
house at Dona Paula.
What is the best time?
To speak the truth, there is no bad time to pay a visit to the
beach. However, the ideal time is to arrive between the months of November
and March.
