Dona Paula Beach, Goa

A former village, Dona Paula Beach is one of the most popular areas of the beautiful state of Goa. Not only it is home to National Institute of Oceanography but also alongside it lie two of the very important buildings, International Centre Goa and Goa University.

Initially known as Oddavell, this village was renamed paying a tribute to Paula Amaral Antonio de Souto Maior, a portuguese woman who worked for the villagers' betterment. It is believed that this woman emerges from the glistening waves on a moonlit night wearing only a pearl necklace. After the Portuguese rule ended over Goa, Dona Paula emerged as a posh and fashionable residential area in the state. It houses most of the luxurious hotels and resorts in the state including the very popular Cidade de Goa. A quiet stretch of pristine beauty in monsoons turns into a crowded tourist mad house during the peak season.

The Bollywood cult movie, Ekk Duje ke Liye was majorly shot on location here which further raised the graph of popularity for this beach. The Zuari estuary at Dona Paula is considered to be an excellent learning spot for the unique Dinghy Sailing. It is because the calm water here is the kindest that Goa has to offer. Also, Dona Paula is famous for being a windsurfing spot along with being a stretch where you will see dozen of water scooters in action. Not to miss is the whitewashed statue of Mother India and Young India facing towards east and west respectively.

NEARBY PLACES
Located around 7 km away from Panaji, Dona Paula can be reached by availing a bus or motorcycle-taxi from Panaji or the ferry service from Mormugao. Buses to Dona Paula depart every 15 minutes from Panaji's popular bus stand, Kadamba.