DONA PAULA
Area: Goa
Country: India


Location:
Central Goa, straddling the tip of a peninsula between the estuaries of two large rivers. 5 miles S of Panjim; 20 miles NW of the airport.

Telephone code from UK:
91 832

Website:
http://www.goacom.com (commercial site)

Position:
Occupying a S-facing cove, with low hills rising behind.

Description:
A small fishing village with a harbour and pier; the atmosphere is relaxed and not particularly touristy, except that the beachfront road has become cluttered with tatty stalls. The main beach and two of the hotels are in a more residential sector nearly a mile to the E.

Suitability:
Middle-aged and active elderly. Few attractions for nightlife-orientated youngsters or children. Modest beaches are unsuited to those seeking powdery white sands.

Accommodation:
Middle to upper-middlemarket categories predominate, with a few simpler options.

Shopping:
Market stalls line the seafront; several general stores, but a visit to one of the recognised markets is best for souvenirs. There are few beach vendors here, which most would consider an advantage.

Beach:
Harbour has jet boats and water sports equipment for hire, but beach here is poor; better at the small cove behind the Prainha hotel. Main beach of damp, compact sand 1 mile E at Vainguinim, in front of Cidade de Goa. Good diving and water sports centre.

Entertainments:
Limited to hotels, concentrated in Cidade de Goa.

Eating:
A handful of modest waterfront restaurants supplements the offerings of the hotels.

Public-transport:
Regular bus to Panjim leaves the village approximately every half hour.

Local-excursions:
See Panjim.