Panaji
Located in the charming and tiny state of Goa, Panaji lies on the banks of the Mandovi estuary, in the district of North Goa. Panaji is Goa’s third largest city after Vasco da Gama and Margao with an estimated population of about 65,000 people.
It was a tiny village until the mid-18th century, when repeated plagues forced the Portuguese to abandon their capital of Velha Goa (Old Goa). Panaji became the capital in 1843. The town is worth a visit as it has a lot to offer the new as well the old. In the oldest part of the town, the Portuguese heritage has survived remarkably well; there are narrow winding streets, old houses with overhanging balconies and red tiled roofs, whitewashed Churches and numerous small bars and cafes.
The heart of the city is the Church Square or Municipal Garden with the Portuguese Baroque Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, originally built in 1541. Music and dance is an integral part of their lives. Unlike many capital cities, Panaji has a distinct unhurried character.
The most convenient way of getting around Panaji 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 Panaji’s anarchic traffic, bicycles can be rented from a stall up the lane opposite the head post office
Places of interest
The Church Square
The Church Square is a rectangular park that is situated on the opposite side of the Indian Government tourist office in Panaji. The Church Square is the heart of Panaji and is a green park that has been called as the Municipal Garden. Towards the east of this square, one can find the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception that has been constructed in 1541 and was meant for the sailors coming from Lisbon. This was one of the first churches to be built in Goa.
Dona Paula
With the romance and myth attached to it haunted by Dona Paula de Menezes, tourists throng the Dona Paula Beach not only in search of the deceased beloved, but also to indulge in water sports on the clear waters. Providing a good view of the Mormugao harbour, this beach is fringed by palm trees and casuarina groves. It is today home to the National Institute of Oceanography, and just alongside it lies the Goa University and the International Centre Goa. It is also home to a number of hotels, small and large, and the luxury Cidade de Goa is situated in the area.
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.
Bicholim
Bicholim has an idyllic landscape dotted with serene lakes and majestic waterfalls. The tranquil Mayem Lake is a major tourism destination in Bicholim. Located amidst rolling hills and surrounded by countryside, the lake is a popular tourist destination and one of the most pristine nature spots in Goa.
Other places of interest:
The climate in Panaji is hot in summer and equable in winter. The mercury soars up to 40°C during summer and between 32°C and 20°C in winter.
Know more about Panaji – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panaji
Hotels at Panaji – http://www.indiashotels.com/list_Panaji_Goa_Hotel_0.html
