Visit the ruins of the Cabo Fort, which was built in 1540 and see the imposing building of the Cabo Raj Niwas, which is now housed in a former convent, and one of the most elegant Governor's residences in India. There is a 180-year-old British cemetery, open to the public and a Chapel, which also has the tomb of Dona Paula with her history engraved on the tombstone.

The National Oceanography Institute, set up in 1960 to study marine life is also situated in Dona Paula; visit the Marine Biology Museum here. Another attraction is the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, 9km from Dona Paula, in the island of Choro, by the side of the river Mandovi. Spread over an area of 2 sq km, it is a delight for bird lovers.

The famous Reis Magos Church is 10km away. It is one of the oldest churches in Goa, dedicated to the 3 wise men of the East, who brought gifts to the infant Jesus.

If you want some more experiences of the surf and sand hit the nearby beaches of Miramir, 4km north of Dona Paula, and Vainguinim, 1-km west of the beach.

Activities: 

Dona Paula beach is one of Goa?s best spots for water sports like windsurfing, water-skiing, para sailing, motor boat rides, etc. There are several organised water sports facilities available here. There are several good seafood restaurants lining the stretch between Miramar and Dona Paula - the more famous ones are Martin's Beach Corner, Sea Pebble, Menino's and Sea View.

Tourism Info:

Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd
Trionora Apartments
Dr Alvares Costa Road
Panaji
Goa- 403001
Tel: 91-832-2420779, 2427972, 2436666.
Website: www.goa-tourism.com

The bay of Dona Paula, lies at the meeting point of the two rivers Zuari and Mandovi, and the Arabian Sea. It is in the suburbs of the capital city Panaji and is also a fashionable residential area. Once a fishing village, Dona Paula, attracts throngs of visitors not only for its status as a beach resort, but also for its natural beauty and the many legends attached to it. The beach is named after a Viceroy's daughter Dona Paula de Menzes, who according to legend threw herself off a cliff for not being allowed to marry a local fisherman she was in love with. There is a black stone statue of the lady and her lover on a rocky promontory jutting into the sea, back dropped by a panoramic view of Marmagao harbour.