Legend of Dona Paula
There are many popular myths and romantic legends that surround this famous tourist spot. One legend has it that Dona Paula was the lady-in-waiting of the Governor-General's wife. The Governor fell in love with Dona's beauty and charm, and when the infuriated wife found out about the affair, she commanded that Dona be stripped, bound and rolled over the cliff into the sea, wearing only the string of pearls that the Governor had gifted her. Local fishers have marvellous ghost stories to relate to this incident. Some say that Dona's ghost appears on moonlit nights, while others say that it appears on pitch dark nights. Nevertheless, the consensus is that the spirit seems to rise from the sea at the stroke of midnight and can be seen wearing nothing but the necklace.
According to other legends, Dona Paula was the daughter of a Portuguese Viceroy who fell in love with a local Goan fisherman. When the Viceroy forbade his daughter from visiting her lover ever again, the lady was so fraught with sorrow that she jumped off the cliff and committed suicide. The beach was then named in her honour as a symbol of her eternal love. Gasper Dias, a nobleman, is often considered to have been Dona Paula's lover. People say that her ghost appears at midnight in search of the nobleman.
Activities at Dona Paula
The fun and frenzy of the Dona Paula beach can be explored through the range of water sports and activities that the visitors can indulge in. Windsurfing, water-skiing, swimming, parasailing, ski-bob, kayaking, yachting, sports fishing, toboggan ski-biscuit and snorkelling can be enjoyed here for those who want to experience an adrenaline rush. The Dona Paula Sports Club also offers a water-scooter, cycle and motorboat ride.
It is a good idea to go for shopping at Dona Paula. Local vendors sell straw hats, spices and lace handkerchiefs. The two Goan Liquor specialities, Feni and Port Wine, apart from local liquor, are also widely available. If you are on the lookout for Indian handicrafts and jewellery, then the Indian Arts Emporium in Dona Paula is the place for you.
Fairs and Festivals at Dona Paula
The beach has a colourful water sports festival in November, the highlights of which are water scooter and cycle races and surfing competitions. Janmashtami and the Feast of St. Lawrence are the two most important festivals that are celebrated here each year with great zeal and passion. During the festive season, exciting events like races take place.
Places To Visit In and Around Dona Paula
When at the Dona Paula Beach, do not forget to visit these marvellous places to learn more about the rich history and past of Goa.
1. One of the unique attractions at Dona Paula is a whitewashed statue located near the famous ferry jetty. No one knows the exact reason why the statue was erected, but it is believed that the statue depicts Mother India and Young India, looking to the East and West respectively. The Wheel of Ashoka is representative of the ancient culture of this place.
2.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary:Around 9 kilometres away from Dona Paula, the sanctuary is situated on the western tip of the Choro Island, alongside the Mandovi River. This mangrove forest is home to a variety of domestic and migratory birds.
3. Reis Magos Church:10 kilometres away from the Dona Paula beach lies this famous church, which is dedicated to the three wise men of the East who brought the baby Jesus gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh.
4. Ruins of the Cabo Fort:The Cabo Fort was erected in 1540, and its ruins are a must visit place. The site also houses a 180-year-old cemetery with the memorial tomb of Dona Paula de Menezes in it.
5. National Oceanography Institute:This institute was opened in 1960 to study local Goan marine life. The Marine Biology Museum and Taxonomy Reference Centre in this Institute attract travellers from all around the globe.
How to Reach Dona Paula
It is located 7 km away from the capital of Goa, Panaji. It could be reached by local buses and taxis very easily. Bus from Panaji's Kadamba bus stand to Dona Paula beach leaves in every 15 minutes. You can also hire a bike and reach by yourself.
Top Tourist Places in Goa
Baga Beach
Water Sports in Goa
Cruise
Anjuna Beach
Casino
Basilica of Bom Jesus
All Tourist Places in Goa
Where to Stay
From luxury hotels to deluxe and standard ones, all kinds of accommodation facilities are offered at Dona Paula Beach to suit your budget and preference. Dona Paula Beach Resort, Hotel O'Pescador, Cidade de Goa, Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat, Hotel Bernardo, Cabana Dempo and Hotel Fidalgo are some good options that you can choose from.
Best Restaurants Nearby
To give your grumbling stomach a treat, visit the seafood restaurants and indulge in tempting food at the shacks on Dona Paula. Martin's Beach Corner, Sea Pebble, Sea View and Menino's are excellent options to enjoy the local delicacies that they specialise in.
Tips
If you want to view the sunset you need to reach the viewpoint half an hour before because it only has a space for 50 people.
Photos of Dona Paula
Comments on Dona Paula
Post Your Comment
