Panjim :

Called Panjim by the Portuguese, which means "the land that does not flood”, is the state capital of Goa. It has beautiful, red roofed houses with stucco walls built in Latin style, well laid gardens, statues and avenues lined with trees. People of Panajim are very easy going and peace loving. Music and dance is an integral part of their lives. 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.

Typical of a Goan town, Panajim is built around a church facing a prominent square. The town has some beautiful Portuguese Baroque style buildings and enchanting old villas. The riverside, speckled with brightly whitewashed houses with wrought iron balconies, offers a fine view.

Trudge around town in the cobbled alleys to see quaint old taverns and cafes with some atmosphere, and practically no tourists. They are a good place to meet the local people.

The Largo Da Igreja Church Square is a fine illustration of the awesome 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.

Take any mid sized Portuguese town add a sprinkling of banana trees and auto-rickshaws, drench annually with torrential tropical rain, and leave to simmer in fierce humid sunshine for at least one hundred and fifty years, and one will end up with something like Panjim. The Goan capital has a completely different feel from any other Indian city.

Facts:

Area : 35.99 Sq Km
Population : 53,823 (1991)
Altitude : Sea Level
Language : Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English
Religion : Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam
STD code : 0832

SIGHTS

Dona Paula

At the place where two of Goa's famous rivers meet the Arabian Sea is the secluded bay of Dona Paula with a fine view of the Marmagao Harbour. 7-km from Panjim, nestled on the south side of the rocky, hammer-shaped headland that divides the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries, this former fishing village is nowadays a commercialized resort. This is an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe. Water scootering facilities are also available over here.

Aguda Fort

A spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that called there, giving it the name "Aguada" (meaning 'water' in Portuguese). On the northern side, it provides a harbour for local shipping. The fort, at present, houses the central jail. A 19th century built lighthouse is situated inside the fortress.

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 This was reportedly one of the first Churches to be built in Goa , estimated around 1540's. It was built there because of the high ground it stood on. It was rebuilt in 1619. After Panjim became the capital city , the great bell of the Church of Our Lady of Grace in Old Goa or the " Bell of the Inquisition" was moved to this church from Aguada in 1841. At the same time, the renovation created the four tiered steps leading to the church. 

The interior is simple and is dedicated to Mary.  There are two altars on either side , the one on the left dedicated to Jesus and the one on the right to Our Lady of Rosary. On either side is a statue of St Peter and St Paul. In the south transept to the right of the main altar is the Chapel of St Francis Xavier, with his statue. It formerly stood in the Idalcao's Palace and was moved here when the chapel there was dismantled in 1918.

The Archaeological Museum

The museum has been maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and it has been functioning since 1964 in the abandoned convent of St. Francis of Assisi. The museum has a good collection of sculptures, paintings, old coins and other ancient items.

Miramar Beach

It’s 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.

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.




Biocholim

Biocholim is known for waterfalls and Mayem Lake, which is a popular picnic spot. It has temples like Shri Datta Mandir, Vithal Mandir, Saptakoteshwar temple and Aravlem caves.

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