Panaji, which means "the land that does not flood" is the state capital of Goa. Unlike many capital cities, Panaji has a distinct unhurried character. It is situated on the southern banks of the Mandovi River, which makes this town all the more charming.
The European Ambience Typical of a Goan town, Panaji is built around a church facing a prominent square. The town has some beautiful Portuguese Baroque style buildings and enchanting old villas.the Largo Da Igreja Church Square is a fine illustration of the awesome Portuguese Baroque style. Panjim expanded rapidly in the 1960s and 1970s, without reaching the unmanageable proportions of other Indian state capitals. After Mumbai or even Bangalore, its uncongested streets seem easygoing and pleasantly parochial. Sights are thin on the ground but the palm-linth squares and atmospheric Latin Quarter with its picturesque neoclassical houses and catholic churches make a pleasant backdrop for aimless wandering.
The area around Panjim attracts far fewer visitors than the coastal resorts, yet its paddy fields and wooded valley harbour several attractions worth a day or two's break from the beach. Old Goa is just a bus ride away, as are the unique temples around Ponda, an hour or so southeast, to where Hindus smuggled their deities during the inquisition.
Places to see
Dona Paula || Ruins Of St. Augustine's Tower || The Chapel Of Our Lady Of The Mount || The Church And Convent Of St. Monica || The Church Of Our Lady Of The Rosary || The Church Of St. Francis Of Assisi || The Church Of St. Francis Xavier || Aguada Fort || Bondla Forest || Calangute || Miramar Beach || Se Cathedral || Sri Devaki Krishna Temple || Sri Mahadev Tambadi Surla Temple || Sri Mahalakshmi Temple || Sri Saptakoteshwara Temple || Sri Vithal Temple || The Church Of The Carmelites || Cabo Palace || Corambolin Lake || Kesarval Springs || Mayem Lake || The Pillory || The Viceroy Arch
How to reach :
Local Transport The most convenient way of getting around Panjim is by auto rickshaw; flag one down at the roadside or head for one of the ranks around the city. The only city buses likely to be of use to visitors run to Dona Paula from the main bus stand via several stops along the esplanade, and Miramar beachfront. If you feel up to taking on Panjim's anarchic traffic, bicycles can be rented from a stall up the lane opposite the head post office.
By Air European Charter planes and domestic flights from Mumbai, Bangalore, Kochi (Cochin), Delhi, Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram arrive at Goa's Dabolim airport, 29-km south of Panjim on the outskirts of Vasco Da Gama, Goa's second city. Pre-paid taxis into town booked at the counter in the forecourt, can be shared by up to four people.
By Rail Panjim is also connected by rail from Bombay, Bangalore, Hyderabad and New Delhi. The nearest railway station is Vasco-da-Gama, which is situated 30-km away from the capital city.
By Road Long-distance and local buses pull into Panjim at the town's busy Kadamba Bus Terminal, 1-km east of the centre in the district of Pato.
