Dona Paula Beach

Dona Paula Beach is reckoned among the most famous beaches of Goa. The scenic landscape of the beach dotted with casuarinas groves and palm trees is enough to attract anybody towards it. According to the locals, the name of the beach originated from Dona Paula de Menzes, the viceroy’s daughter. It is said she was no allowed to marry Gaspar Dias, the local fisherman. This broke her heart and she killed herself by jumping down off a cliff.

The beach is also one of the popular shooting destinations for the Bollywood movies. Big names of the Bollywood industry come to this beach in search for a beautiful shooting venue. The beach is also a paradise for water sport lovers. Here one can enjoy various water-sports like water-scooter, yachting, snorkeling, parasailing, motorboat rides, kayaking, water-skiing, windsurfing etc. Large number of participants takes part in the water sports festival, which is held in the month of November.

One can also stroll on the beach front or visit the nearby shops and buy beautiful artifacts and souvenirs. These shops are owned by local people, who sell lace handkerchiefs, straw hats, spices etc. The beach is also famous for it two Goan liquor i.e. the port wine and Feni.
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Institute Menezes Braganza

The Institute Menezes Braganza was established in the year 1871 and contains various priceless antiques and paintings, which dates back to Portuguese rule. Originally it was known as institute Vasco da Gama but afterwards the name was changed to Menezes Braganza (Goan freedom fighter). The institute forms a significant part of the cultural landscape of Goa.

The museum comprises of various valuable drawings, paintings and sculptures. The museum displays around 250 original works, which are in the form of prints, oil paintings and sculptures of Portuguese and European masters belonging to the 19th century. Some of the famous artists whose works are displayed here are Cezanne, Henry Russo, Mattis Broque, Groze, Reonar, Pissaro and many more.

The institute houses more than 50 collections of the Indian masters like Prafull Dahanukar, Souza, Raza, Laxman Pai, M F Hussain etc. Amongst the historical artifacts, piece-de-resistance is the well known Inquisition table and it was on it that the proceedings of council of Inquisition were conducted. The central library founded in the year 1832 is India’s oldest public library.
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Miramar Beach

The Miramar Beach is situated at a distance of around 3kms from Panaji and is one of the favorite tourist hubs because of its proximity to Panaji. In Portuguese, Miramar means viewing the sea. Earlier the beach was known as Gaspar Dias beach.

The beach stretches over 2km and is always full of tourists and locals. It would not suit all those people who seek peace. The beach is a good place for locals, who usually come here during the evening time for a walk.

The town of Panaji is just 15minustes walk beside the riverfront avenue named Dayanand Bandodker Marg. From the beach one can enjoy the beautiful view of Aguada fort, which lies across the river Mandovi. One can easily find a comfortable lodging in any hotel or resort situated near the beach.
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