Quick Facts
Location - Panaji is located along the river Mandovi, on island of
Tiswadi, Goa.
How To Reach - Panaji is connected by air with Mumbai, Delhi,
Chennai, Mangalore, Trivandrum and other important cities. Panaji railhead
is connected with Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi, Pune, Secunderabad, and Jaipur.
Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka state transport corporations operate from
Panaji's Kadamba bus stand.
Where To Stay - Deluxe, resorts, mid range, budget hotels.
When To Go - October to April
Panaji, a vibrant but tiny city, is the capital of Goa. Also renowned as
Panjim, is a town utterly unique in India. This old Portuguese town has
colorful buildings, Baroque architecture, beautiful villas, narrow streets,
colorful markets and broad Mandovi river that makes is an indisputable
attraction of Goa. The city immaculately preserve the old Portuguese
ambiance. Panaji has an ancient history, dated back from 1007 AD. It was
originally a neglected ward of Taleigao village. Later on, it became an
important Konkani port walled by hill fort and marshes. After Portuguese
occupation, Panaji changed to Panjim and 1843 it was rewarded as the state
capital. In Portuguese era, Panaji got maximum impetus. They cleared the
marshes and erected public buildings. Though old Goa is much nostalgic but
Panaji has the cheerful environment and laid back atmosphere, which beckons
travelers from around the globe.
Portuguese impact still lingering in Panaji that shows in dresses and
architecture of building and houses. The famous fish market is a good place
to observe the lifestyle and culture of people. Panaji is also renowned as
the cultural capital of Goa as the rich Goa culture is prominently visible
in this small city. Also Panaji afford to have best hotels and shopping
plazas, in addition there are number of colleges and institutes located
here. To savor the cultural flavor, The Kala Academy and number of theater
complexes are built in the middle of the city.
Sights And Activities
Church Of Our Lady Of The Immaculate Conception
The city's probably prime attraction, is located at the center. The church
was originally ordained in 1541. This stunningly whitewashed church was the
main visiting place for the sailors who came from the voyages from Lisbon
before heading toward Old Goa. Mass is held here daily in English, Konkani
and Portuguese.
Goa State Museum
This unusually large museum is located in a lonely area southwest of the
Kadamba bus stand. The collections are from different era, starting from
Hindu, Jain and Christian. There are Hindu and Jain bronze sculptures and
paintings from all over India. There is an elaborate carved table used in
the Goa inquisition. A small gallery is dedicated to wildlife conservation.
Secretariat Building
Originally the palace of Muslim ruler Adil Shah in the 16th century and
later on converted to viceroy's official residence. To the west a freaky
statue of a man strangle a woman. The woman name is Abbe Faria, a famous
hypnotist and assistant of the man.
Institute Menzes Braganza
The institute houses Panaji Central Library and a nice palce to visit the
beautiful blue and white ceramic tile compositions in the entrance hall.
Public Observatory
The observatory is located on the rooftop of Junta House.
Miramar
This is an enthralling beach, located 3km southwest of the city along the
Dayanand Bandodkar Marg. The beach is a nice place for a sunset stroll and
short bike ride out of the city. Goa Marriot Resort is located on the way to
Miramar where you will find Barracuda Diving, one of the state most
professional diving cooperation.
Walking Tour
Walking down the city is also a very good option to see the unseen
attractions. Start from the main church of the city, crossing the Maruti
Temple, Bishop Palace, Chapel of St. Sebastian and finally the strange
flower and star coated Crucifix built into a wall on the right, back to
where you started at Church Square.
