Dona Paula Beach

Dona Paula is a former village, and tourist destination, in the suburbs of Panaji, Goa, India. Dona Paula is a very famous area frequented by tourists. During the tourist season, Dona Paula transforms into a crowded stretch which is otherwise a calm beautiful place during monsoons. It is today home to the National Institute of Oceanography, and just alongside it lie the Goa University and the International Centre Goa. Dona Paula is the home to some of the top Industrialists and policy makers of the state. It is also the most expensive residential location in Goa. The Raj Bhavan of Goa is located near the La Marvel Colony in Dona Paula.

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 rename the village as Dona Paula. One of the most curious attractions in Dona Paula is a whitewashed statue perched on the rocks near the popular ferry jetty. It is also home to a number of hotels, small and large, and the luxury Cidade de Goa is situated in the area.