Location : Goa
Beach Activities : Water Sports, Swimming, Fishing
Best time to Visit : November to February
About Dona Paula Beach
The beach at Dona Paula is actually a combination of three different
beaches of Dona Paula, Hawaii and Vainguinim. Located close to the state
capital Panjim, Dona Paula is one of the busiest beaches in Goa. Rated as
one of the most attractive beaches in the state, it is here that the
tourists can enjoy a refreshing sun bath and buy attractive souvenirs from
seaside vendors to take back home. The palm fringed beach from where you can
watch the mesmerising view of the sun setting behind the shimmering blues of
the Arabian Sea make it a perfect romantic destination. The beach with its
calm and clear waters is also a favored destination for fishing enthusiasts.
Although the place can be visited anytime of the year, the best time to
visit are the months from November to February when the climate is at its
best and which is also the time for the annual water sports festival. Other
times to frequent the beach include the festivals like Janamashtmi and St.
Lawrence feast when the beach is visited by a large number of tourists and
locals.
Location of Dona Paula Beach
Dona Paula beach is located just 7 km south of Panjim, the capital of Goa,
in the west Tiswadi taluka. Other beaches lying around the area are the
Miramar beach (3 km north of Dona Paula) and Vainguinim beach (1 km west).
Local buses and auto rickshaws connect Dona Paula with major neighbouring
cities including Panjim.
Attractions at Dona Paula Beach
Dona Paula is a fun filled beach which offers immense opportunities of
frolic for the entire family. For thrill seekers and adventure sports
enthusiasts there are plenty of attractions in the form of water scooter and
motor boat rides. Other available water sports include windsurfing,
parasailing, kayaking, yatching and snorkeling. The calmer stretch of water
close to the shore make an excellent spot for swimming.
A long stretch at the beach is lined with shops where you can buy
everything from souvenirs to eatables. The silver and sea shell jewellery is
a local specialty and a must buy while Feni, the local liquor should also be
tried atleast once.
Stay At
Dona Paula's proximity to the capital of Goa, Panaji makes it one of the
most frequented beaches in the state. A number of hotels, resorts and
beachside huts have sprung up in the region which provide excellent
facilities for the tourists. Cidade de Goa is a five star hotel which also
offers excellent water sports facilities. Other accommodation options at
Dona Paula include Hotel Bernardo, O Prescador Dona Paula Beach Resort,
Three Seasons Vainguinim Valley Resort, Villa Sol and Sea View.
Getting There
By Air : Dabolim airport is located just 32 km from Dona
Paula from where you will have to hire a taxi to reach Dona Paula.
By Rail : The nearest railhead is located at Karmali,
just 19 km from Dona Paula beach. The nearest major railhead is Margao (37
km) which is connected to all the major Indian cities through a number of
regular trains. Taxis and local buses are conveniently available for Dona
Paula from both these places.
By Road : Several buses each day operate between the main
bus stand at Panjim and Dona Paula. Margao is connected with Dona Paula
through a ferry service. Local transport options include auto rickshaws,
taxis, and motorcycle taxis.
