Dona Puala Beach Travel Guide
Dona
Puala Beach
Located 7 kms west of Panaji, the state capital.The hottest tourist
spot in Goa, the Dona Paula beach, is situated seven kilometers west
of Panaji, the state capital. The Dona Paula beach is named after
the Dona Paula de Menzes, daughter of a viceroy ( in colonial
India), who jumped off the cliff, when refused permission to marry a
local fisherman, Gasper Dias. Thus, the mystery related to this
beautiful beach brings tourists from all over the world. It also
lures tourists to indulge in water sports, shopping and sun-bathing
.The beach also provides a good view of the Mormugao harbor and
enthralls everyone who visits this beautiful site.
Getting there:
By Air: The Dabolim airport is 29 kms away from
Panaji and 36 kms from Anjuna beach.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is at
Karmali, which is 15 kms from the beach. Goa connected to all the
major parts of India by train.
By Road: Regular bus and taxi services are
available for Dona Paula, from Panaji and Mormugao. Motorcycle taxi
is also available as an interesting mode of transport.
Accommodation:
There are many hotels, guest houses and beach side huts in Dona
Paula catering to the budgets and requirements of different
tourists.
Tourist attractions:
The National Oceanography:
Established in the year 1960s, the National Oceanography Institute
deals with marine biology and all the major branches of coastal and
marine oceanography. The major attraction of the institute is its
Marine Biology Museum and Taxonomy Reference Center.
The Cabo Raj Niwas:
The Cabo Raj Niwas (the Governor's House) is at distance of half
kilometer from the National Oceanography Institute. It has the tomb
of Dona Paula de Menezes in the Cabo Chapel. The Raj Bhawan offers
an excellent view of the nearby coastline and the Aguada Fort.
Beach activities:
Water sport facilities are the key attraction of this beach. The
Dona Paula Sports Club provides water-scooter, cycle, and motorboat
rides. Other water sports include windsurfing, parasailing,
water-skiing, toboggan ski-biscuit, skibob, sports fishing,
snorkeling, harpoon fishing, kayaking, and yachting.
