Raj Bhavan, Official residence in Dona Paula, India
Raj Bhavan is an official residence on a cape in Dona Paula, occupying an expansive plot with double-storey structures. These buildings command views of the Arabian Sea and the confluence point where two rivers meet.
The residence was built between the 16th and 17th centuries during Portuguese rule under the name Palácio do Cabo as both fortress and palace. It functioned as the governor's home and remained an important seat of power across the centuries.
The chapel holds a wooden altar decorated in white and gold with intricate carvings that reflect Portuguese building traditions from centuries past. This religious space shows how European influence shaped the spiritual aspects of the residence.
The property features private facilities including a helipad, beach access, and jetty, alongside multiple halls for official events. Access to the grounds may be limited as it functions as a protected government facility.
A grotto near the chapel contains a statue of Santa Paula that, according to local stories, repeatedly returned to shore when thrown into the sea. Villagers made multiple attempts to dispose of it this way, but it always came back.
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