Panaji is the capital of the state of Goa. It has a distinct Portuguese ambience as the church on the Main Square, baroque architecture, elegant villas, cobbled streets and imposing buildings have an impact of Portuguese culture. Lying along the left bank of the Mandovi River, Panaji offers an attractive view of terraced hills, a clutter of concrete buildings with beautiful balconies and red-tiled roofs, churches and a riverside promenade.

Panaji's famous fish and fruit market offers a visual impact in itself with fresh and colorful fishes caught by the fishermen from nearby villages being sold here right next to the sea. Panaji still has some impact of the portuguese left on it and can be seen by the dresses and also by the historic buildings of the area. Panaji city has come a long way from being a small time fishing village to becoming on of the most influential city in Goa.

Tourist Attractions in Panaji

Jogger's Park - Jogger's Park lies close to the Altinho Hill and it provides even better view of the Panaji town. Two main roads leading away from Jogger's Park, one road takes you to Bhatlem and Mala and the another road will take you to Kala Academy and Campal.

Fontainhas - Panaji's heritage area Fontainhas is located west of the Ourem River. With narrow winding streets, old buildings, shuttered windows and small overhanging balconies, Fontainhas offer an atmosphere of Portuguese era. Confeitaria 31 de Janueiro, one of the Goa's oldest bakeries is situated in Fontainhas. Step inside to get a taste of colonial Goa at tea time or try the Pinagre, Bebinca, Doce and Bolinas.

Boat Cruises - Your trip to Panaji is incomplete without a ride on Goa Tourism's boat, Santa Monica. The cruise boat will take you either east to see the Chorao island or west to view the sunset. Go on an early morning cruise and grab a front seat to watch the magnificent banks of Mandovi river. While you cruise through the river enjoy the music of live band.

Miramar Beach - On the way to the Dona Paula beach, 1-kilometer ahead of the convergence of the Arabian Sea and the Mandovi River, lies the Miramar beach of Goa. The beach is just 3 kilometers from Panaji, the capital of Goa. The Miramar beach is also popularly known as the Gaspar Dias beach.

Arjuna beach - This beach is famous for its Flea market held every Wednesday. It also provides a mesmerizing view of nearby Chapora fort and the Vagator. Anjuna Beach is the favorite of all kinds of tourists.

The Church square - The Church Square is the center of attraction, it forms the heart of Panaji. It has the church of The Lady of Immaculate Conception which is absolutely spell bounding and photogenic.

Miramar Beach - Its the nearest beach from Panaji. It is a marsh beach encircled by Palm trees. This beach also provides the enchanting view of the Aguada fort lying across the Mandovi river.

Best time to visit Panaji: Late September till early March.

How to Reach Panaji?

By Air - All flights, national and international, to and from Goa, operate from the Goa Airport at Dabolim near the port town of Vasco-da-Gama.
By Rail - Goa is connected with Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Secunderabad, Tirupati via Londa junction on the Mirage-Bangalore sector of south central railway, and to Mumbai, and Mangalore on the Konkan Railway Corporation section. Convenient stations are Margao/Vasco and Karmali.
By Road - Having a well connected motorable roads to another cities.