Dona Paula Beach, Panjim, Goa India

Within the seashore paradise that is Goa, lays a truly dainty beach . The Dona Paula beach is a rare beach, a piece of nature whose aura pertains not just to its characteristics, but also to how the beach came about. Legend has it that in the 17th century, when the entire landmass of Goa was part of the Portuguese territory, Dona Paula de Menze, the daughter of the then Governor of Goa fell in love with a local fisherman by the name of Gasper Dias. Fate unfortunately had other plans, and the lovers fearing persecution, decided to embrace death in the sea that surrounded them.

Chilling as it may be, it is still believed that Dona Paula emerges out on full moon nights clad in nothing but a pearl necklace. Recently the beach has also gained popularity within the Bollywood film fraternity, with several film makers choosing to shoot sequences of their films here. For a traveller though, the beach offers plenty. One can either choose to bathe in the sun, on the sun kissed beaches, or traverse through the local market, selling beautiful straw hats, printed handkerchiefs, fine wine, or exotic spices. For those with an affinity for adventure, the beach has options unmatched in the form of jet skiing and parasailing.

Although Goa enjoys pleasant climate throughout the year, with the sea breeze providing respite from the heat in summers, the best time to visit Dona Paula and indeed Goa is either during the monsoons when the area abounds in lush greenery, or during the festive period of Christmas and New Year, when the entire city takes a life of its own.