Panaji is the official capital of Goa. It was called Panjim  during
the times of the Portuguese and was one of the three principal Portuguese
cities along with Velha Goa (Old Goa) and Margao. Though it began as a
suburb of Velha Goa it ended up becoming the capital of Goa in 1843 when
the Portuguese Old Goa. It is also one of India's smallest and most charming
state capitals.
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Visa Info Passport Info Panaji has carefully managed to preserve its Portuguese
heritage and parts of this quaint town still consist of narrow winding
streets, old houses with over hanging balconies and red-tiled roofs, and
many small bars and cafe's. Signs written in Portuguese still hang over
shops, cafes and administrative buildings. The people of Panaji are friendly
with an easygoing attitude.
Attractions
The Idalcao Palace was once the castle of the Adil Shahis of Bijapur.
It served as the Viceregal Palace until 1759 after the Portuguese rebuilt
it in 1615. In 1843 it housed the secretariat and now it is the Passport
office.
Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is Panaji's main church, which was
built in 1541 and enlarged in 1619. it is modeled after the church at
Reis Magos, and the second largest bell in Goa that was salvaged from
the ruins of the Augustian Monastery in Velha Goa is now placed here.
The main attraction of the Braganza Institute is a blue tiled frieze
depicting the Portuguese colonization of India.
The Jama Masjid located in Panaji is one of the few mosques in coastal
Goa. It was built after the Inquisition.
The Chapel of St Sebastian is a relatively new structure that was built
in the 1880's. It has the crucifix that was originally in the Palace
of Inquisition in Velha Goa.
A Hindu temple, the Mahalaxmi Temple stands as a reminder of the Hindu
population and its dominance in Goa.
The carnival held in the month of February lasts 3 days and is begun
on Sabado Gordo (Fat Saturday) when colorful floats parade and celebrate
on the streets of Panaji.
The nearest beach form Panaji is at Miramar, about 3 Km along the road
to Dona Paula.
The most charming attractions of Panaji are still its narrow winding
streets, small cafes and bars, and occasional old stone buildings dating
back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Location and climate
Panaji is located on the South Bank of Mandovi Estuary. It enjoys a
temperate climate throughout the year, with the temperatures falling
to 21.3 C in the winters and rising to up to 32.7 C in the summers.
The best season for tourists to visit is between September and June.
Flights
The nearest International Airport is the Madras International Airport.
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