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Panjim is the capital of Goa, the focal point of tourism
in Goa, situated on the banks of the Mandovi river.
The charm of Panjim is a that it is avery small city
and has little scope for growth as it is bordered by
Altinho (a hillock), on one side, the Arabian sea on
the other, Mandovi River on the third side, and Ourem
Creek on the fourth.
Panjim, as a city, is a paradox. It can offer the bright
lights and thumping music of discos and classy restaurants,
mingling with the glitterati, shopping malls and all
the facilities of a keyed up tourist destination that
some people look for while holidaying, while also offering
the peace and solitude, which is a priority on other
holidayers’ list.
Panjim was taken over by the Portugese in 1510. It
has preserved its Portuguese heritage remarkably well
and parts of it still consist of narrow winding streets,
old houses with over hanging balconies, red-tiled roofs
and numerous small bars and cafe's. Many signs in Portuguese
are still visible over shops, cafes and administrative
buildings. People are friendly and the atmosphere is
easygoing silence. The Campal, as the riverside boulevard
is called, is one of the most picturesque spots in Panjim.
While Panjim does not have too many tourist spots in
the way of monuments or well-known picnic sites, what
it does have is a singularity of character that exudes
a sense of hospitality. The best way to explore the
town is by foot, wandering around the old cobbled alleyways,
colonial villas, red-roofed houses, taverns and cafes,
much like any small Portuguese town.
Miramar Beach:
Just 3 km from Panjim is the Miramar beach. The Miramar
beach is one of the many beaches of Goa. The long walks
on the silvery sands of the Miramar are the best way
to enjoy the beach. Further ahead there is the fishing
village of Dona Paula around Panaji. The Dona Paula
beach is a place that attracts several tourists. The
Marine Biology Museum and Taxonomy Reference Center
of the National Oceanography Institute is a must see
while at the Dona Paula. The old Goa or the Golden Goa
lies around Panjim and is also worth a visit.
The Church Square:
The Church Square is a fine illustration of the Portuguese
Baroque style. The Church of the Immaculate Conception
is easily one of the most elegant and picturesque monuments
in Goa. Built in 1541 AD, atop a high, symmetrical,
crisscrossing stairway, the church is a white edifice
topped with a huge bell that stands in between two delicate
Baroque style towers.
The Idalcao or Adilshahi Palace:
The Idalcao or Adilshahi Palace was rebuilt by the
Portuguese Viceroy, Jeronimo de Azevedo. It is part
of the sequence of handsome buildings, which has now
become the secretariat. At Cabo, on the western tip
lies the Raj Niwas, which was built in mud and laterite
with beautifully landscaped gardens.
Fontainhas:
The old district, Fontainhas, is to the west of the
Queen River. It is an interesting area to walk around,
with narrow streets, title buildings with overhanging
balconies and an atmosphere more reminiscent of the
Mediterranean than of India. There are numerous little
bars in this old-world district.
Seasons to visit:
Panjim is pleasant throughout the year, so one can
visit it as per one’s convenience.
Getting there:
By Air: Goa is connected by flights from Mumbai, Bangalore,
Cochin, Delhi, Chennai, Mangalore and Trivandrum. Gateway
for Goa is Dabolim Airport not far away from the city
of Panjim.
By Rail: Panjim is connected with Mumbai, Delhi, Pune,
Secunderabad, and Jaipur. Madgaon is the nearest railway
station.
By Road: Panjim is well connected by road to all major
cities in India.
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