panaji

Panaji, also known as Panjim, is the capital of Goa . The city is located on the banks of the Mandovi River and has cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings from the Portuguese colonial era.

Panaji features a hot climate in summer which ranges from 32 Degree celcius and heavy rainfall and gusty winds during monsoon.

Panaji has pedestrian-friendly streets which makes it possible for the visitors to explore the city either by a walk or a bicycle. But, one can always explore other attractions by car.

Panaji is a place where fun never stops. Offering everything from beachside bliss to nightlife thrills, Panji is a paradise for entertainment lovers.

If you wish to try your luck in the city, than below are some of the casinos where you should head to:

• Deltin Royale (The largest luxury floating casino in Goa)
• Casino Pride (Spread over three floors and can indulge 500 guests at a time)
• Deltin Jaqk (Once you are inside the casino, you can try your luck at 350 varied gaming positions)
• Deltin Caravela (India’s only luxury floating casino hotel)

Whenever we think of beaches, the only one place that comes to mind is Goa.

Panjim is immersed in rich cultural history which is still eminent in the churches and buildings. Some of the best beaches to explore are:

• Miramar Beach (The golden beach that features an array of palm trees)
• Dona Paula Beach (Famous for Boating, Para-sailing, Water scooters, Yatching, Swimming, Wind surfing etc)
• Coco Beach (A serene palm-fringed beach with food shacks, boat rentals & swimming areas)
• Odxel Beach (A very small beach famous for picnic spot of the local people)
• Siridao Beach (The beach sand looks like crystals in sunset)

Panjim is known for the serene palm-fringed Miramar Beach. The city is also popular for it’s street and shopping spots. This small city has everything in store that can convince you to stay a little longer. Some of the best shopping destinations are:

• Municipal Market (Known for wines, Goan spices, cashew nuts, seafood, grocery, and fresh vegetables and fruits)
• Khadi India (Known for hand-woven cotton clothes including shirts, kurtas, kurtas, skirts and other dress materials)
• Singbal’s Book House (Famous for a collection of international magazines and newspapers)
• Velha Goa Galeria (Known for ceramic objects made in the old style by Portuguese artist)
• Marcou Artifacts (Known for glazed tiles, hand-crafted Portuguese and Goan ceramics including figures of fish, frog, vegetable and kitchen utensils)

The Portuguese ruled Goa for 450 years. They were the first ones to introduce european architecture in Goa and its cities by building numerous churches and monuments. Some of the famous attractions are:

• Fort Aguada, Sinquerim (An old Portuguese lighthouse built in 1864)
• St. Augustine Tower (The church was constructed in 1602, One can see the ruins of eight chapels, four altars)
• Corjuem Fort, Aldona (The fort offers breathtaking views of the Goan landscape and the Mapusa river)
• Reis Magos Fort (The place gives you an idea of how Goa has evolved over the years since the Portuguese rule)

Panji is a place which is not just about Partying but it is also a perfect place to find a lively cultural scene, where local artists come together to promote international and Indian art. Some of the museums where you can explore art includes:

• Goa State Museum (Known to display different aspects of the culture and traditions of Goa)
• Museum of Christian Art (Home to heritage monuments)
• Archaeological Museum (It houses lovely fragments of sculpture from Hindu temple sites in Goa, Sati stones and some prominent statues)

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is the only bird sanctuary in Goa, just 15 minutes drive from Panaji, located on the island of Chorao in the Mandovi river, which is home to exotic wildlife.

Visitors can expect to see white egrets and purple herons, colourful kingfishers, eagles, cormorants, kites, woodpeckers, sandpipers, curlews, drongos, mynahs, little bittern, black bittern, red knot, jack snipe and pied avocet on a fairly regular basis.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing afternoon in the midst of nature, a jogging track or a picnic spot, Panji has something for you. Below are some of the best parks and green spaces in Panji

• Campal gardens (A peaceful and scenic garden alongside the Mandovi River in the Campal region of Panjim)
• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Park (A beautiful park with lawns, fountains and kids play area)

Religious places in Panjim are world-famous and people from across the world come here to see the elegance of famous churches as well as renowned temples. Some of the religious sites are:

• Basilica of Bom Jesus (The church is made of marble and is ornamented with precious stones)
• Se Cathedral (The entire construction of this church took eighty years and it is also been recognized as a significant heritage site by UNESCO)
• Church Of The Immaculate Conception (The Church conducts Mass every day in English, Konkani, and Portuguese, Built in 1541)
• Shri Mahalaxmi Temple (The temple has been in existence since at least the year 1413)

A large number of festivals are celebrated every year throughout the Goan territory which are enjoyed by locals and tourists as well. Some of them are:

• Goa Carnival (Celebrated for three days and three nights)
• Christmas (The churches and homes are decorated with beautiful lights and flowers)
• Three Kings Feast (Dedicated to The Lady of Mount- Virgin Mother Mary)
• New Year Eve
• Feast of Saint Francis Xavier

With its innumerable beaches and tropical climate, sea food is an integral part of cuisine throughout Goa. Below are some of the famous goan dishes:

• Balchao (A spicy curry made from shrimp, aguardente, laurel, lemon and chili)
• Chamuca (A unique samosa)
• Corquettes (A combination of beef cutlets and beef potato chops)
• Xacuti (A curry made with roasted grated coconut)
• Solantule kodi (A curry made with coconut and kokum curry)
• Bebik (A pudding, prepared usually during Christmas period)

The beautiful beaches, churches, lush green landscape, and lip-smacking food is what makes Goa a destination worth visiting. Panaji other than its beach parties is also famous for its food. Some of the best restaurants are listed below:

• Venite Bar and Restaurant (Serves Seafood, European, Portuguese)
• Horse Shoe (Known for Portuguese, Seafood, European)
• Ritz Classic Restaurant and Bar (Known for Indian, Seafood, Asian)
• Thai N Wok (Serves Chinese, Asian, Thai)
• Down The Road (Serves Indian, Vegetarian-Friendly)

There is no doubt that Goa is considered as the party capital of India but the capital city, Panji, too has many options to enjoy the thrilling experiences. Some of the best nightclubs of Panjim are:

• Floating Casinos
• Taverna
• Cafe Mojo (First English Pub In Goa)
• Soho Fontainhas (Known for its cozy Interiors)
• Down The Road
• Joseph Bar

If you are planning a trip to Panaji, than below is a list of some of the best hotels that can be considered:

• Vivanta Goa, Panaji (From INR 4000 Onwards)
• Ginger, Panjim (From INR 2500 Onwards)
• Sandalwood Hotels & Suites (From INR 2000 Onwards)
• Varanda Do Mar (From INR 2000 Onwards)
• The Crown (From INR 3000 Onwards)

• Ambulance - 108
• Senior Citizen Helpline - 1090
• Child Helpline - 1098
• Ambulance Helpline - 108
• Electricity Helpline - 1912
• Water Helpline – 2226446

English is the most spoken language in Panaji but Konkani is the main language that is also spoken.

Konkani:

• Hello/good morning - Deu boro dis dium
• What is your name? - Tuchem naum kitay?
• Good night - Deu bori raat dium
• How are you? - Tum Ko so asa?
• Good night - Deu bori raat dium
• Do you speak English - Tum Inglez uloitai?