Dona Paula Holidays

Located just 7km from the capital, Panjim, the beach resort of Dona Paula is the perfect base for a quiet holiday by the sea, and offers a relaxing option just a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The beach sits in a picturesque bay where the Mandovi and the Zuari Rivers meet, and boasts golden sands backed by swaying coconut trees. Perfect for a taste of Goan beach life, Dona Paula remains a local fishing village with plenty of convenient tourist facilities and a relaxed laid-back vibe, and has also been the location for many Indian films in the past.

 

The main focus of holidays in Dona Paula is the sandy beach which offers ample room for lazy sunbathing and leisurely swimming in the warm sea. Water sports such as jet-skiing, windsurfing, water skiing, kayaking, water-scooters and parasailing can all be enjoyed in Dona Paula, with boat trips and fishing excursions available. Other activities for more energetic guests include volleyball and tennis, and for those searching for the ultimate in relaxation, there's ample opportunity for beauty treatments and traditional ayurvedic therapies. Accommodation in Dona Paula ranges from basic lodgings and bed-and-breakfast guest houses to resort-style hotels, available on a convenient all-inclusive basis and offering luxury facilities.

 

The bay has an air of mystery about it, named after the aristocrat Dona Paula de Menezes, who once lived in the nearby fortress of Cabo Raj Niswas (the old Governor’s Office) and her tragic story. She was said to have jumped to her death from the cliffs after her father, a viceroy, refused to let her marry a local fisherman, and legend has it she can still be seen walking through the waves on moonlit nights. Just a few minutes away, colourful Panjim offers a host of sightseeing options, from churches and temples to shops and markets, with other day trips including the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, home to species such as kingfisher and eagles, and the tranquil Divar Island. Other places to visit include the market town of Mapusa, and the famous beach resorts of Baga, Calangute and Candolim.