Dona Paula Beach, Panjim - Timings, Water Sports, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 9 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 30 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 38 km from Mapusa, Dona Paula Beach is one of the famous beachs in Goa.

Dona Paula Beach has a very romantic legend attached to it. It is believed that Dona Paula De Menzes, daughter of a viceroy, threw herself off the cliff when she was not allowed to marry a local fisherman whom she loved. It is said that she is still seen emerging from the moonlit waves wearing only a pearl necklace.

This idyllic rocky tourist attraction lies at the spot where the Mandovi and the Zuari rivers meet the Arabian Sea. This is a spot to sunbathe and relax. At the end of the bay there is a beautiful islet-hillock. From the top of this hillock one can have views of the Marmugao Harbour and the Arabian Sea up to the Zuari Bridge to the east. At the base there is a carved sculpture named ' Image of India' depicting a couple, a man facing west and a woman facing east. It was made by Baroness von Leistner.

The Dona Paula Sports Club offers some of the best water sports facilities like Water scooter rides, Motor boat rides, etc. Other water sports like boating, parasailing, yachting, swimming, wind surfing and fishing are available in the area. Dona Paula is also famous for the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, where you can spot both migratory and local birds.

The Dona Paula-Mormugao Harbour Ferry takes passengers across the bay every day of the week between the months of October and May.

At Dona Paula the Festival Janmashtami (the birthday of Lord Krishna) and the feast of St. Lawrence are celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. The annual colorful water sports festival in November also held at Dona Paula.

The official residence of the Governor of Goa, Known as Raj Bhavan is situated on the westernmost tip of Dona Paula. The National Oceanography Institute (NIO) is also nearby on the road to Cabo Raj Niwas.

Best time to Visit: November to February.