Dona Paula Beach, Goa

Dona Paula is a tranquil and blue beach located near Panaji in Goa, the smallest state in India. One can have a good view of Mormugao harbour from here. The beach is fringed by palm trees and casuarina groves.

The beach is named after Dona Paula de Menezes, the daughter of a Portuguese Viceroy. After facing objections from her family about her love affair with a poor fisherman she is said to have jumped of a cliff. The legend says that Dona Paula is entombed in the Cabo Chapel of the Raj Bhavan. She is supposed to be seen emerging from the moonlit waves wearing only a pearl necklace. The place is called the Lovers’ Paradise because of this story attached to the Dona Paula beach.