Panaji - The Capital city of Goa

Panaji, the capital city of Goa sprawls along the southern bank of the river mandovi and is dominated by a wooded hill, called Altinho. This well planned town is noted for its beautiful red-roofed houses in Latin style and a network of streets laid out at right angles, which are lined with gulmohor, acassia and other ornamental trees. the area between the bus terminal and town centre is marked by the church square and the municipal garden and is indeed the most pleasant part of panaji.
Secretariat Building (Idalco Palace): It occupies the site of the castle built by Yusuf Adil Shah of Bijapur in 1510 and is the oldest building in this part of Goa. The Portuguese rebuilt the castle in 1615, to defend the mouth of the river Mandovi. The fort became the official residence of the Viceroy in 1759, which was shifted to Cabo Raj Bhawan in 1918. In 1843, the secretariat was shifted here and now it houses the passport office.

Statue of Abbe Faria: The bronze statue of Abbe Faria, located next to the secretariat is an important landmark of Goa. It portrays Faria, regarded as the ‘Father of Hypnotism’ in an act of mesmerizing a woman patient.
Church of the Lady of Immaculate Conception: This imposing church at the main square in the heart of the town was originally built in 1540 and was rebuilt from the foundation in 1619.It is modeled on the church of Reis Magos and has tall twin towers in Portuguese Baroque style.

Municipal Gardens: The well laid out garden at the city centre has an ashoka pillar at its centre.

Jama Masjid: The domeless mosque lies just south of Municipal Gardens. It was built by Suleiman Shet and Aba Shet, about 200 years ago and was recently renovated.
Azad Maidan: It is the venue for flower shows and also has a small pavilion where modern Indian sculptures are displayed.

Menezes Braganza Institute & Central Library: It is located to the north-west corner of Azad Maidan and was established in 1871, as a scientific and literary institute. The institute also has a small art gallery, which displays some rare points and paintings. The central Library at the lower floor of the building was set up in 1832 and is the oldest public library in India.
State Archeology Museum: It was initially located at st. Iniz and has now been shifted at Patto Plaza. The museum has about 8000 exhibits, which includes sculptures, wooden articles, bronzes, paintings, manuscripts, numismatic collection etc.
Sculpture Gallery: It has Hindu carvings and bronzes dating back to 4th century. Other places of interest at Panaji are – Astronomical observatory, Christian Art Gallery, Mahalakshmi temple, fountainhas, Chapel of St Sebastian etc.
Old Goa:

The former capital and the principal city of Portuguese eastern empire was known as the ‘rome of the east’ and the ‘Pearl of the Orient’. It is set on the southern bank of Mandovi river and is an splendid showcase of the massive and overpowering Portuguese presence in India. Old Goa is studded with majestic cathedrals and monuments, reflecting the rich history and glory of the bygone era. The impressive monuments of Old Goa are considered to be the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in the world. A visit to Goa is rendered incomplete without visiting this religious historic town.

Main Square & Se Catedral.

Archeological Museum & Portrait Gallery

Chapel of St Catherine

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Viceroys Arch

Gateway of Adil Shah’s Palace.

Church of St. Cajetan
Around Panaji:

Aguada Fort( 18 kms.)

It was built by the Portuguese in 1609-1612, to guard the entry into the river Mandovi. Today, it hoses the central jail. A light house is located nearby.

Dona Paula(9 kms)

It is set on the scenic headland between the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries and is named after Dona Paula de Menzes, whose tombstone can be seen at the chapel in Cabo. The site is associated with various myths of Dona Paula and has earned the epitaph of ‘Lovers Paradise’. The delightful Dauna Paula Bay, where Goas two most famous rivers Zuari and Mandovi meet the Arabian sea, is an important tourist attraction. One can enjoy picturesque view of the Zuari estuary and Moemugoa harbour.

Ferry service is available between Dona Paula Jetty and Mormogoa, except during the monsoons.Water-scooter and boat rides here are very popular amond the tourists. Near the ferry Jetty on a small outcrop of a rock is the beautiful sculpture of a couple named ‘Image of India’, made by Baroness Yrsa von Leistner. On the westernmost tip of the peninsula is Cabo Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governer of Goa. The famous Institute of Oceanography is located nearby.

Miramar Beach(Gaspar Dias)(3 kms)
The lovely golden beach beyond a small forest attracts a large number of locals and tourist. It is not ranked among the safe beaches for swimmers.
Mapusa(13 kms.)
It is one of the most important towns of northern Goa, especially for the tourist holidaying on the beaches of northern Goa.Mapusa is 45 kms from Dabolim airport, on the Mumbai-Goa National highway 17 and is an important junction. Mapusa Rd. railhead lies on the Konkan Railway.

Pilar(11 kms)

It was an important religious and educational centre of Christian Missionaries. The Church, Seminary and school perched atop a hillock affords a panoramic view of the Mormugoa Harbor, Zuari river and scenic countryside.
Dr. Salim Ali Bird Santuary(3 kms)
The beautiful santuary sprawls over an area of 1.78 sq.kms.on the south-western tip of Chorao Island along Mandovi River. It is covered by lush mangrove vegetarian criss-crossed by a network of tributaries and inland streams. Although small in size, the santuary plays host to several species of local as well as migratory birds and is aptly named after Dr. Salim Ali, Indias most celebrated ornithologist. It can be easily reached from the Ribandar ferry wharf in Panaji. After crossing over on the Ribandar – Chorao ferry, one has to walk to reach the santuary. Taking a boat tour on a canoe fitted with an outboard motor is very exciting..