About Panjim Information
The
picturesque town of Panjim or Panaji is located on the southern banks of the
Mandovi river. The town of Panjim is the state capital of Goa and is built
around a church facing a prominent square. The town is studded with some
exquisite Portugues Baroque style buildings and bewitching old villas. One
can find some fantastic government buildings along the riverside
thoroughfare. The Passport Office here was once the palace of Adil Shah, the
Sultan of Bijapur. The cobbled alleys of the town are lined with stupefying
old taverns and cafes. Meeting local people in these alleys is a pleasing
experience. The catholic churches and the enchanting neoclassical houses
give rise to a fantastic backdrop as you trudge around the town.
Climate of Panjim
Panjim has a temperate climate throughout the year. The temperature during
the summer rises up to a maximum of 32.7 degrees centigrade while in winter
it drops down to a minimum of 21.3 degrees centigrade. From September to
June is the best time for the tourists to visit the town as during this time
the weather is cool and pleasant.
Major Tourist Attractions of Panjim
» Our Lady of Immaculate Conception - Built in
1541, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is the main church of the town. It
is reminiscent of the church at Reis Magos.
» Idalcao Palace - It was once the palace of Adil
Shah of Bijapur. Rebuilt in 1615 the palace served as the Viceregal Palace
and today it stands as the Passport Office.
» Jama Masjid - The Jama Masjid is an elegant
mosque in the town. Erected after the Inquisition it is a must-visit for the
tourists and the visitors.
» Mahalaxmi Temple - The Mahalaxmi Temple is yet
another attraction of the town. It symbolises the Hindu community that
predominates the state of Goa.
» The Braganza Institute - The Braganza Institute is a popular
visiting site in the town of Panjim. The blue tiled frieze is a reminder of
the Portugues colonisation in India.
» Chapel of St. Sebastian - The St. Sebastian
Chapel is a whitewashed church at the end of a small square. To celebrate
the patron saint's day, a street fiesta is held here every year in
mid-November.
» The State Archaeological Museum The State
Archaeological Museum is a massive structure and exhibits a miscellaneous
collection of temple relics, colonial artefact and prehistoric rock
carvings.
Shopping - Panaji provides ample opportunities for shopping.
Designer clothing, accessories and shoes are all available at reasonable
prices. One can also pick up antiques, wood carvings, embroidery items,
terracotta pottery, jewellery items, leather goods and restored antique
furniture from the shops in town. Stalls along the beaches sell handicrafts
from all over the country. Camelot and Wendell Rodrique's are popular market
outlets.
Accommodation
Panjim offers a range of accommodation facilities. The town has hotel
ranging from Deluxe to Economy to Heritage to Budget hotels. Among the
deluxe hotels are Marriott Resort Pani, Cidade de Goa and Bogmallo Beach
Resort. Nova Goa and Nizma Resort are economy hotels. Panjim Inn is a
heritage hotel.
How To Reach
» Air - Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Sahara
Airlines connect Goa to the major cities of the country. Dabolim is the
nearest airport from Panaji.
» Railway - Madgaon is the nearest railway station
that connects Panaji to Mumbai, Delhi, Secunderabad, Pune and Jaipur.
» Road - The town of Panaji has good connection by
road with all the major cities of Goa and nearby states.
