indian global tours -----> Goa Tourism

Panaji is the official capital of Goa. It was called Panjim

during the times of the Portuguese and was one of the three principal Portuguese cities along with Velha Goa (Old Goa) and Margao. Though it began as a suburb of Velha Goa it ended up becoming the capital of Goa in 1843 when the Portuguese Old Goa. It is also one of India's smallest and most charming state capitals.
Best viewed in I.E.5.0 & above in 800X600 resolution Travel Tools Resources Railway Timetable Currency Converter Distance Chart Weather Visa Info Passport Info Panaji has carefully managed to preserve its Portuguese heritage and parts of this quaint town still consist of narrow winding streets, old houses with over hanging balconies and red-tiled roofs, and many small bars and cafe's. Signs written in Portuguese still hang over shops, cafes and administrative buildings. The people of Panaji are friendly with an easygoing attitude.

Attractions

The Idalcao Palace was once the castle of the Adil Shahis of Bijapur. It served as the Viceregal Palace until 1759 after the Portuguese rebuilt it in 1615. In 1843 it housed the secretariat and now it is the Passport office.

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is Panaji's main church, which was built in 1541 and enlarged in 1619. it is modeled after the church at Reis Magos, and the second largest bell in Goa that was salvaged from the ruins of the Augustian Monastery in Velha Goa is now placed here.

The main attraction of the Braganza Institute is a blue tiled frieze depicting the Portuguese colonization of India.

The Jama Masjid located in Panaji is one of the few mosques in coastal Goa. It was built after the Inquisition.

The Chapel of St Sebastian is a relatively new structure that was built in the 1880's. It has the crucifix that was originally in the Palace of Inquisition in Velha Goa.

A Hindu temple, the Mahalaxmi Temple stands as a reminder of the Hindu population and its dominance in Goa.

The carnival held in the month of February lasts 3 days and is begun on Sabado Gordo (Fat Saturday) when colorful floats parade and celebrate on the streets of Panaji.

The nearest beach form Panaji is at Miramar, about 3 Km along the road to Dona Paula.

The most charming attractions of Panaji are still its narrow winding streets, small cafes and bars, and occasional old stone buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

Location and climate

Panaji is located on the South Bank of Mandovi Estuary. It enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year, with the temperatures falling to 21.3 C in the winters and rising to up to 32.7 C in the summers. The best season for tourists to visit is between September and June.

Flights

The nearest International Airport is the Madras International Airport.