Dona Paula Viewpoint

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At the place where two of Goa's famous rivers meet the Arabian Sea is the secluded bay of Dona Paula with a fine view of the Marmagao Harbour. 7-km from Panjim, nestled on the south side of the rocky, hammer-shaped headland that divides the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries, this former fishing village is nowadays a commercialized resort. This is an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe. Water scootering facilities are also available over here.

Dona Paula is a village named after Dona Paula de Menezes, the wife of a noble man Antonio de Souto Maior, who died as a young woman in 1682. This place is called the Lovers Paradise due to a myth that the Viceroy's daughter after facing objections from her family about her love affair with Gasper Dias, a poor fisherman jumped of the cliff.

Another legend says that punished for captivating Francisco de Tavora, the Count of Alvor with her charm the Viceroy's daughter was pushed off a cliff to drown in the waters below. Her irrepressible spirit still continues to haunt every visitor with legends of her lovers. She is even supposed to have been seen emerging from moonlit waves wearing only a pearl necklace.

A white pavilion stands on a rocky islet at the end of the bay. In 1969, a sculpture “Image of India” was added by Yiza Von Leinstner in memory of her friends Mr. And Mrs. Robert Knox depicting the figures of Mother India and Young India, one looking to the east and the other to the west. The platform on the highest point gives pleasant views out to the Arabian sea and across the Port of Mormugao.

Dona Paula also offers possibilities for water sports like Boating, scooter driving, fishing etc. at the jetty point.