Dona Paula beach lies seven kilometer west from the capital of the Indian State of Goa – Panaji. It is situated on the southern side of the rocky hammer shaped headlands that divide the two estuaries called Zuari and Mandovi estuaries. The beach provides the finest view of the Mormugao harbour. The best time to holiday at the Dona Paula beach lies from October to May. Dona Paula is one of the hottest holiday spot in Goa.
Climate of Dona Paula :
Dona Paula enjoys the balanced climate throughout the year. May is the hottest month of the year, while January and February are the coldest months. Monsoon rests from June to September.
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History behind Dona Paula : The area around the Dona Paula is named after the Dona Paula de Menzes, who was the daughter of the viceroy then. Shew was very depressed with her life, as she could not marry the man whom she loved. He was the local fisherman of the area named Gaspar Dias. Because of him Dona Paula de Menzes decided to put an end to her life and jumped off the cliff. The local inhabitants say that Dona Paula can be seen walking out of the sea wearing through the moon light waves, wearing just the pearl necklace. The story is quite popular among the visitors.
Water Sports at Dona Paula :
Dona Paula has the facilities for the safe and adventure water sports such as para sailing, toboggan ski-biscuit, ski bob, kayaking, and yachting. Tourists can enjoy the under water marine life by snorkeling in its water. For those who love to fly through the waves of water, water skiing is the good opportunity for them to grab. Wind surfing is also quite famous among the water sports enthusiast. A unique combination of sailing and surfing, which requires the surfer to balance his body against the changing currents of air and water. Dona Paula also provides you the unique opportunity for fishing and angling. Apart from the water sports you can hire the camps if you wish to enjoy sand, sun and pristine beauty of the beach.
Attractions of Dona Paula :
The main attractions in and around Dona Paula include National Oceanography Institute, which was established in the 1960's. The institute incorporates almost all the major branches of coastal and marine oceanography. Tourists can also visit the Marine Biology Museum on their visit to the institute. Another attraction of the around the beach is Cabo Raj Niwas, which houses the tomb of the of Dona Paula de Menzes.
Fairs and Festivals :
Dona Paula beach is also quite popular for the fairs and festivals celebrated on it. Feast of St. Lawrence is the most important among them all. It is celebrated at the end of the monsoon. The locals also celebrate Janmashtami here . Major attraction of the beach are the colourful water sports festival held in the month of November. Shopping : Tourists can also shop for the wide variety of goods and eatables from the from the shops selling along the beach sides. Local vendors are seen selling gems, hankerchiefs, straws, and spices. Feni – the most popular drink of Goa is recommendable to all the tourists.
