Dona Paula Beach
The Dona Paula Beach is aptly referred to as Lover’s Paradise and happens to be one of the most popular beaches in the Beach Capital of India Goa. The swaying palm tress and the casuarinas groves add to the holiday mood on the shore of the Arabian Sea.



The hottest tourist spot in Goa, the Dona Paula beach, is situated 7 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.

Tourist attractions:
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is situated on the western tip of the island of Choro, along the Mandovi River, about 9-km from Dona Paula beach. Spread over 2-sq-kms, this sanctuary is a mangrove forest. Local and migratory birds are found here throughout the year, making it a bird watcher's paradise.



National Oceanography Institute: Another nearby attraction of the Dona Paula beach site is the National Oceanography Institute. Set up in the 1960s, the National Oceanography Institute delves not only upon marine biology, but incorporates almost all the major branches of coastal and marine oceanography. The major attraction of the institute is its Marine Biology Museum and Taxonomy Reference Center.