| - Pragya Jhavar
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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