Dona Paula is a former village, and tourist destination, in the suburbs of Panaji. Dona Paula located on the beautiful and famous sea stretch that spans from Panjim, Miramar, and Dona Paula is a very famous area frequented by tourists. This place is called the Lovers Paradise in Goa. During the tourist season, Dona Paula transforms into a crowded stretch which is otherwise a calm beautiful place during monsoons. Dona Paula was a woman of charity and is known to have helped the villagers and worked a lot for their betterment, so after her death, the villagers decided to re-name the village as Dona Paula. Initially, the village was called Oddavell.
The idyllic rocky tourist attraction lies at the spot where two of Goa’s famous rivers Mandovi and the Zuari river meet and confluences with the Arabian Sea at a distance of 1 Km from this point. The Arabian Sea is the bay of Dona Paula with a very good view of the Marmagao Harbour. 7-km from Panjim, situated on the south side of the hammer-shaped headland that divides the Zuari and Mandovi, is a Fishing Village. This is a spot to sunbathe and relax. Jet Skiing is a very common sport at this beach.
Activities:
From its high point can be seen the confluence of River Zuari, Mandovi with the Arabian Sea & Mormugoa Harbour. People like to be here not only to enjoy the sunset and view but also to indulge in water sports on the clear waters. Tourists also get an opportunity here to buy local items from local vendors.
Safety:
Always Swim between Red and Yellow Flags, as this area is safe and constantly watched by the Lifeguards.
Red Flags means No Swimming, which means this beach is closed and dangerous.
Do not mix alcohol/Drugs with Swimming, as 80% of drowning victims are between the age of 20 to 40 and have consumed alcohol or drugs.
If in troubled not panic. Just raise one arm and wait for the lifeguard to rescue you.
Never Swim after Sunset.
Never Swim Alone.
Keep your cell phone in your language or hand out another person before going in the water.
In the case of crimes, victims are advised to report to the nearest Police Station.
How to Reach:
You can either hire yourself some transport or use public transport, there are lots of choices available. For taxis, motorbike taxis and autorickshaws you can nearly always find some available near and it’s best to negotiate the price before you get in. The nearest Train station is Pernem or Tivim near Mapusa and the nearest Kadamba bus stand is in central Mapusa. To reach Dona Paula from Mapusa or Pernem you can continue by local bus or taxi. If you planning to just have a ride then either take a Taxi, Cab or rent a Bike. So you can view the rest all nearest beaches and other attractions.