Panjim (Panaji) in Goa
 Panaji, which means "the land that
does not flood" is the state capital of Goa. Unlike many capital
cities, Panaji has a distinct unhurried character. It is situated
on the southern banks of the Mandovi River, which makes this town
all the more charming.
The European Ambience
Typical of a Goan town, Panaji is built around a church facing a
prominent square. The town has some beautiful Portuguese Baroque
style buildings and enchanting old villas.the Largo Da Igreja
Church Square is a fine illustration of the awesome Portuguese
Baroque style. Panjim expanded rapidly in the 1960s and 1970s,
without reaching the unmanageable proportions of other Indian
state capitals. After Mumbai or even Bangalore, its uncongested
streets seem easygoing and pleasantly parochial. Sights are thin
on the ground but the palm-linth squares and atmospheric Latin
Quarter with its picturesque neoclassical houses and catholic
churches make a pleasant backdrop for aimless wandering.
The area around Panjim attracts far fewer visitors than the
coastal resorts, yet its paddy fields and wooded valley harbour
several attractions worth a day or two's break from the beach.
Old Goa is just a bus ride away, as are the unique temples around
Ponda, an hour or so southeast, to where Hindus smuggled their
deities during the inquisition.
Places to see
Dona Paula || Ruins Of St.
Augustine's Tower || The Chapel Of Our Lady Of The Mount || The
Church And Convent Of St. Monica || The Church Of Our Lady Of The
Rosary || The Church Of St. Francis Of Assisi || The Church Of
St. Francis Xavier || Aguada Fort || Bondla Forest || Calangute
|| Miramar Beach || Se Cathedral || Sri Devaki Krishna Temple ||
Sri Mahadev Tambadi Surla Temple || Sri Mahalakshmi Temple || Sri
Saptakoteshwara Temple || Sri Vithal Temple || The Church Of The
Carmelites || Cabo Palace || Corambolin Lake || Kesarval Springs
|| Mayem Lake || The Pillory || The Viceroy Arch
How to reach :
Local Transport
The most convenient way of getting around Panjim is by auto
rickshaw; flag one down at the roadside or head for one of the
ranks around the city. The only city buses likely to be of use to
visitors run to Dona Paula from the main bus stand via several
stops along the esplanade, and Miramar beachfront. If you feel up
to taking on Panjim's anarchic traffic, bicycles can be rented
from a stall up the lane opposite the head post office.
By Air
European Charter planes and domestic flights from Mumbai,
Bangalore, Kochi (Cochin), Delhi, Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram
arrive at Goa's Dabolim airport, 29-km south of Panjim on the
outskirts of Vasco Da Gama, Goa's second city. Pre-paid taxis
into town booked at the counter in the forecourt, can be shared
by up to four people.
By Rail
Panjim is also connected by rail from Bombay, Bangalore,
Hyderabad and New Delhi. The nearest railway station is
Vasco-da-Gama, which is situated 30-km away from the capital
city.
By Road
Long-distance and local buses pull into Panjim at the town's busy
Kadamba Bus Terminal, 1-km east of the centre in the district of
Pato.
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