Places to see in Panjim

Panjim is one of the finest places to visit. The nerve center of governance in the state, Panjim is one of those place that offers a confluence of both city life and at the same time is also pretty paddy  field and wodded valleys as well as the Goathans and the monuments of the bygone era that are nestled and still very much a part of the landscape of Goa.  A city that literally means incapability to be floored the city certainly has a spirit and a conviction that certainly cannot be floored.  Situated in the heart of this tiny but at the same time popular state the place is worth a visit.



The places to see in Panjim are:

Panjim old Town- The ‘Fountainhas’ is an important feature of the city of Panjim. The old cities of Panaji are known for the intrinsic architecture and features. The picturesque town of landscape of this region is part of the Portuguese landscape and architecture. Travelers visiting the city are enamored as the feeling of walking through the street is much like walking through a European town. For a moment the traveler actually forgets that the place and is transported to another city. It is a peaceful experience the Goathans are also a sight to see. The places dating back to 19 and the 20th century and  as such they are intrinsic well preserved while there might be ruins, there are still houses in the vicinity are used by people and through regular maintenance are still an important feature. Apart from that the other features include that of the paddy fields that sway in sun and are tenderly caressed by the winds that blew, the wodded valleys are also an important feature.  Hence Travelling to Old Panjim the traveler is offered a confluence of nature and at the same time and city life which in itself is unique.

Our lady of Immaculate Conception- This is also the main parish church in the city of Panaji, this overlooks the main square of Panjim and at the same time has been a popular location specially for film shoots and has preferred place to visit.  Situated on the hillock the feature of the church is the winding stairs that lead to the main door. The characteristic feature of the church is the simplicity of designs .At the Gallery of the church one can catch a glimpse of the entire city of Panaji.  At night the façade of the church is brightly illuminated in the best possible manner. Tourists visit the church all through the year. Every year in the month of December the feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated with pomp and religious fervor and devotion.  The benches of the church are frequented by tourists  who come and spend some time on the church square which itself is peaceful even though it is located in the center of the city.

Adilshahi Palace- Built by the king Yusuf Adilshah palace built in the 1500 was one of the ancient monuments and has been preserved in the best possible extent.  This monument was later captured by the Portuguese who seized and used the place as an important strategic point.  The place was used to by the Portuguese to keep a track of the customs and the other detachments. This was also a point from where the Portuguese monitored the seas for any attacks. It also served as the official residence of the Viceroys after the capital was shifted to the city and served till 1961. Known both for architecture and intrinsic style as well as the maintained and manicured gardens in and around the place.

Dr. Salim bird Sanctuary- Located on the Chorai Island on the river Mandovi, this is one of the famous bird sanctuaries in the world. Located on an area of 1.5 sq.km the sanctuary is known wide variety of species of birds-local or migratory, and plants. The sanctuary is embellished with natural vegetation and is also known for both its local and migratory birds. Hence tourists can see the sanctuary in its best form as a result of the best time to visit is during the months of October  to March

Mandovi River Cruise- Mandovi river is an important part of Panjim and as such a cruise on the Mandovi river is a must thing for tourists who wish to visit and truly enjoy the city to its fullest. The night cruises are an important feature and there are both budget and luxury facilities form which tourists can choose. Some of these cruises are particularly organized by the Goa tourism department. The cruises begin at about seven and eight in the evenings. Tourists can enjoy the serenity of the waters and at the also been entertained and can truly spend a wonderful time in solace on the banks of the river.  There are special packages of which tourists can avail.

Mahalaxmi temple- This temple dedicated to the Goddess Mahalaxmi is one of the important temples in the city of Panjim and one of the first to be constructed under the rule of the Portuguese. By 1818 the temple was elevated as the presiding deity. The temple has a very fascinating and intriguing history. To escape from the displeasure of the rulers the temple authorities hid the deity and kept it safely in other location till the Portuguese finally consented to build the temple in the year 1818. Both tourist and devotees throng the temple all through the year because the Goa is often referred to as the orient of the East.  The festivals of Dassera and Mahashivratri are celebrated with great pomp and fervor and  the main celebrated festivals  of Navrathri and Chitra Purnima and  the Maruti Jatra festival is the most celebrated among  festival where devotees throng to temple in number from all over the state of Goa.

Jama Masjid- This is one of the few mosques that are located in the central and costal part of Goa.  The Jama Masjid was built after the inquisition. The mosque was renovated in the year 1959 and as such served and is visited both by tourists and at the same time also by pilgrims who offer prayer and supplications here.

Miramar Beach- The lovely golden soft sanded beach of Miramar is one of the preferred tourist beach destinations.  The climatic conditions are moist and quaint throughout the year and as such are preferred for solitude amidst the shades of the palm trees and the ships that dock and unload at sea.  The beach of Miramar also hosts the annual festival for and carving and  sand art which is  conducted during the month of December. The other attraction of Miramar Beach is  during the month of the winters the migratory birds perch on the waters specially the Siberian Seagulls.

Dona Paula Beach- This is also one of the most beautiful beaches in Panjim just off the quaint and beautiful Dona Paulo is located the beach that is about 7 km from the city of Panjim city.  The beach is also known for various water sports motor boating, wind surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking. The Marine Biology Museum is situated along the National Oceanography Institute.

Casino Royale- It is a floating on the river Mandovi.  The Casino is known as a hub for gambling and hence is frequented by those who wish to spend time in gambling and have money and budget to spend without strings attached. For other it is not advised as it is serious business.

Goa State Museum- The museum  houses a modest and at the same time conclusive coolection fo artifacts dating back to the pre colonial era and from various places like temple churches and places of worship.

The city has a spirit that is never floored. Offering a confluence of modernity and  lazy village life that can both be experienced to the fullest measure.