
Panaji,
the capital city of Goa is the charming little travel hub for the tourists
coming to Goa. Though, it does not possess several world renowned monuments,
its bears an ambience which has a captivating charm. Panjim or Panaji is one
of the India's smallest and pleasantest state capitals and is located on the
south bank of the wide Mandovi River. The town has preserved its Portuguese
heritage appreciably well and parts of it still contains narrow winding
streets, old houses with over hanging balconies, red-tiled roofs and
numerous small bars and cafe's. The charm of Panaji is a that it is very
small city, and has little scope for growth as it is bounded by Altinho (a
hillock), on one side, the Arabian sea on the other Mandovi River on the
third side, and Ourem Creek on the fourth so the city will always retain its
charm and beauty.
Sightseeing at Panjim -
The Idalcao Palace : 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 : Our Lady of Immaculate
Conception is Panaji's main church, which was built in 1541 and enlarged in
1619. It is designed 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.
Braganza Institute : The main attraction of the Braganza Institute
is a blue tiled frieze depicting the Portuguese colonisation of India.
Jama Masjid : The Jama Masjid located in Panaji is one of the few
mosques in coastal Goa. It was built after the Inquisition.