Panaji

Panaji
Panaji or Panjim is the Capital city of Goa and is also the headquarters of the North Goa district. Located on the banks of the river Mandovi, it is a beautiful and a small city. With an area of 35.99 sq kms, it has a population of 100,000 (approx.). Panaji has a lot of Portuguese influence on its culture, food and architecture because of the Portuguese reign. Portuguese liberated Panaji in the year 1961 and it became the Capital of Goa in the year 1987. People of Panaji are very easy going and peace loving. Music and dance is an integral part of their lives. Major languages spoken here are Konkani, Portuguese, Marathi, Hindi and English.

With beautiful and charming locations Panaji invites tourists from all over the world to explore its charm. It provides a perfect blend of sun, sand and fun. Panaji has lots to offer, you name it and you've got it....temples, forts, beaches ........

Location: Capital city of Goa, located on the west coast of India.

Tourist destinations:
1.Church Square
2.Lady of Immaculate Conception Church
3.Adilshah Palace
4.State of Abba Faria
5.Goa state museum
6.Biocholim - Mayem lake
7.Menezes Braganza Institute
8.Central Library
9.Hindu Mahalaxmi temple
10.Jama Masjid Mosque
11.Chapel of St. Sebastian and the Miramar beach.

Best activities: Water sports like water skiing, wind surfing, yachting, rafting. Other activities include Football, Golf, Trekking, Bullfighting and many more such adventure sports.

Major Highlights: Nightlife and Goa Carnival.

Nearby tourist destinations: Dona Paula beach, Anjuna beach, Old Goa, Vasco Da Gama, Mapusa, Ponda, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Molen and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best time to visit: Late September till early March

Major Tourist Attraction
The Church square: The Church Square is the center of attraction, it forms the heart of Panaji. It has the church of The Lady of Immaculate Conception which is absolutely spell bounding and photogenic.

The Archaeological museum: The museum has been maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and it has been functioning since 1964 in the abandoned convent of St. Francis of Assisi. The museum has a good collection of sculptures, paintings, old coins and other ancient items.

Miramar Beach: Its the nearest beach from Panaji. It is a marsh beach encircled by Palm trees. This beach also provides the enchanting view of the Aguada fort lying across the Mandovi river.

Anjuna beach: This beach is famous for its Flea market held every Wednesday. It also provides a mesmerizing view of nearby Chapora fort and the Vagator. Anjuna Beach is the favorite of all kinds of tourists.

Biocholim: Biocholim is known for waterfalls and Mayem lake, which is a popular picnic spot. It has temples like Shri Datta Mandir, Vithal Mandir, Saptakoteshwar temple and Aravlem caves.

Other hot spots in Panaji are the Mahalaxmi temple, the Jama Masjid Mosque, the Menezes Braganza Institute, the Chapel of St. Sebastian, the Adilshah's Palace and many more such exciting places.