Dona Paula Beach, Popular beaches of Goa, Hotels in Dona Paula beach

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Dona Paula Beach
	Dona Paula beach is one of the most popular beaches of Goa, known for its unique local history and charming heritage, a hub of water sports and a place of geographical significance. Known as Lovers' Paradise, Dona Paula beach is known for its popular folklores and local myth. Named after Dona Paula de Menzes, the daughter of a viceroy in colonial India, the beach is supposed to be haunted by Dona Paula, who committed suicide when she was not allowed to marry a local fisherman. It is believed that the spirit of Dona Paula rises from the Sea in a moonlit night, wearing nothing but a necklace. This has made the Dona Paula beach a popular destination with honeymooning couples.

Besides the romantic charm of the Dona Paula beach, the region is the meeting point of the two Goan rivers of Mandovi and Zuari, on one hand, and the Arabian Sea, on the other hand. The beach provides an excellent view of the Marmagao Harbor. There are lot of things to do in the Dona Paula Beach. While water scootering is the most famous beach activity in the area, the beach is also known for its excellent facilities of water sports such as motorboat rides, windsurfing, para-sailing, water-skiing, toboggan ski-biscuit, ski bob, sports fishing, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, kayaking and yachting, besides the other beach activities such as sun-bathing and swimming off course. Dona Paula beach has been an important location for many Hollywood movies, another reason for the beach being a popular tourist destination in Goa.

There are many other historical attractions in Dona Paula beach. This includes National Oceanography Institute which houses the renowned Marine Biology Museum and Taxonomy Reference Center, the Cabo Raj Niwas known for the tomb of Dona Paula de Menzes in the Cabo Chapel and the excellent view it offers of the Dona Paula coastline, the Reis Magos Church, the Choro Island and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. It is easy to get to Dona Paula Beach. Located only seven kilometers from Panaji, the capital city of Goa, there are many buses, taxis and motorcycles available from Panaji. Also, you have the option of taking a ferry service from Marmagao. Some of the beach resorts and hotels in Dona Paula beach are Vainguinim Valley Resort, Dona Paula Beach Resort and the Prainha Cottages.

Dona Paula beach, with its rich architectural history and cultural heritage, lovely stretch of beach and its natural beauty, ensures a throng of visitors all round the year.