goa tourism panjim

Explore Panjim

Plan your trip to panjim: best of panjim tourism.

Essential Panjim

Panjim Is Great For

Historical tours.

Eat & drink

Cultural Tours

Architecture Tours

One of India’s most relaxed state capitals, Panaji (Panjim) crowds around the peninsula overlooking the broad Mandovi River, where cruise boats and floating casinos ply the waters, and advertising signs cast neon reflections in the night.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

Panaji’s spiritual, as well as geographical, centre is this elevated, pearly white church, built in 1619 over an older, smaller 1540 chapel, and stacked…

Goa State Museum & Secretariat Building

Currently housed in the Secretariat, the oldest colonial building in Goa, the state museum features an eclectic, if not extensive, collection of items…

Altinho Hill

On the hillside above Panaji is the well-to-do residential district of Altinho. Apart from good views over the city and river, the main attraction here is…

Mario Gallery

This gallery and shop showcases work by India’s favourite cartoonist, Loutolim local Mario de Miranda, who died in 2011 at the age of 85. Along with…

Goa State Central Library

Panaji’s modern state library has six floors of reading material, a bookshop and gallery. The 2nd floor features a children’s book section and internet…

Gitanjali Gallery

Worth a look while walking around the district of Fontainhas, this spacious gallery in the beautiful Panjim Peoples displays works by local and…

Statue of Abbé Faria

Beside the Secretariat Building, look out for the sublime, starkly black statue of a caped man, arms, hands and fingers outstretched, towering over an…

Miramar, 3km southwest of the city, is Panaji’s nearest beach. The couple of kilometres of exposed sand facing Aguada Bay are hardly inspiring compared to…

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The best things to do in panjim (panaji) goa.

Goa’s capital city, Panjim (Panaji) offers the best insight into the states unique history and culture, and there are many things to do in Panjim.

Goa is mainly famous for its beaches and parties, but there’s so much more to explore in Goa. Most tourists only visit Goa’s beaches but if you don’t explore beyond the beach then you simply haven’t seen the real Goa!

It’s such a shame that not so many people take the time to explore the beautiful and magical Goan countryside, wildlife sanctuaries, markets, temples and churches and historic sites.

There’s so many things to do in Panjim and the central goa hinterland – its definitely worth prising yourself away from the beach for a day or 2 and making time for Panjim in your Goa itinerary.

The Best Things to do in Panjim (Panaji) Goa’s Colourful Capital

Why you need to visit Panjim

Goa’s capital is a pleasant, colourful and historic city, probably the most pleasant capital city I’ve seen yet in India. Panjim is now called Panaji, but most people still call it the old name Panjim.

There are so many things to do in Panjim including iconic landmarks, heritage walks, churches, temples, beaches, museums, Goan restaurants and colourful Portuguese backstreets.

Panjim also makes a great base from which to explore the other amazing cultural and natural heritage sites of Central Goa including the UNESCO listed churches at Old Goa, the spice plantations, wildlife sanctuaries and waterfalls – all of these are easy day trips from Panjim.

Staying in Panjim will also give you a glimpse of a very different Goa away from the crowded and touristy beaches.

If you want to make your trip to Goa complete then get off the beach and visit Panjim and Central Goa!

The Best Things to do in Panjim

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church

If you only see 1 site in Panjim then make it this – the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. This colonial Portuguese church is the spiritual and geographical center of Panjim.

A chapel was first built here in 1540 and then in 1619 the church you see today was built. This church was the first port of call when sailing to Lisbon when Panjim was just a small fishing village. It wasn’t until the 1850 that the land in front of the church was reclaimed and the criss cross stairs were added.

This is a beautiful Baroque style church that sits on a hill overlooking Panjim like a fancy stacked white wedding cake. It’s painted a bright white colour and features zig-zag stairs that are lined with swaying palm trees and is also colourful and interesting inside.

It’s no surprise its one of the most photographed landmarks in the city, and a lovely place to admire not only from below, but also while ascending the stairs. Another thing I really enjoyed were the views of the city below. The church is also beautiful illuminated at night – definitely one of the very best things to do in Panjim.

If you get peckish while you’re here there are a few cafes nearby – try tasty veg food at the Kamath Hotel (Restaurant), or have a drink and some non veg Goan food at the George Bar and Restaurant

Althinto Hill

This hillside area is home to some of Goa’s most elite residents. It’s also a great place for an afternoon wander. Althinto Hill is home to the imposing 19 th century Bishop’s Palace , which dates back to 1893 and was regarded as the finest property in Goa during Portuguese times.

It’s also where the Pope stayed on his 1999 visit to Goa. Another reason why I recommend the neighbourhood in my list of things to do in Panjim is for its magnificent views over Panjim and the Goan countryside.

Maruti Temple

The Maruti Temple is a stunning terracotta-coloured temple that’s dedicated to Hanuman; a Hindu deity that was devoted to Rama. The temple sits atop the Altinho hillock overlooking Fontainhas and is accessible by walking along the old Margao road. It is especially exceptional at night when it’s all lit up and glimmers like a gem.

Eat at Hotel Venite

No list of things to do in Panjim would be complete without eating traditional Goan food! Hotel Venite on 31st January Road is a popular, legendary restaurant that has been serving traditional Goan cuisine since 1955 .

The vegetable vindaloo, spicy Portuguese-inspired  chouricos  (spiced sausages) and masala prawns are my favourites. It’s one of the most atmospheric restaurants in Panjim with it’s charming and quirky décor and the cute lit-up balconies that overlook the street are a great place to watch the world go by.

There’s also a thriving cafe culture in Panjim with plenty of cute and cosy places to hang out with great coffee and delicious cakes. You can even try pasteis de nata right here in Goa due to it’s historic ties with Portugal. Here’s an insider’s list of the best cafes in Panjim to try.

Fountainhas & Sao Tome Heritage Walk

Fountainhas is the oldest neighbourhood in Panjim and known as the old Latin Quarter. Exploring this area is one of the best things to do in Panjim.

Fountainhas is filled with picturesque colourful architecture, narrow winding streets and loads of charm. At the very south end of this old quarter is a small square that’s dominated by the Chapel of St Sebastian. The square is a nice place to sit and read a book.

It’s also worthwhile to pop into the Gitanjali Gallery to have a look at the artwork or have a coffee in the café.

At the very north end of Fountainhas is Sao Tome, another lovely neighbourhood that boasts picturesque houses painted in pastel colours. This old quarter is centred around Panjim’s main post office, which was once a tobacco trading house.

A heritage walk along the narrow roads and winding streets in both of these neighbourhoods makes for a fantastic afternoon. We went on the heritage walk with Make it Happen. If you really want to learn more and get under the skin of Goa’s history then you can also take a tour of Panjim’s heritage with an archaeologist . 

Kala Academy

Kala Academy is a prestigious cultural centre that is run by the government. It is home to numerous auditoriums and hosts all kinds of plays, concerts and art shows. Check out their website to see whats on.

The Kala Academy is situated on the banks of the River Mandovi right where it meets the Arabian Sea, making it a good place to watch the sunset over the water. Beforehand, I recommend heading to the nearby Campal Gardens for a picnic lunch, a stroll through the gardens or to enjoy the views over Reis Magos Fort.

Floating Casino

Gambling is illegal in most states of India, but not in Goa, so its not surprising that visiting a casino is one of the most popular things to do in Panjim. There are some casinos in upmarket hotels but by law they can only have electronic games. The floating casinos in Goa on boats anchored in the Mandovi River have all the games.

There are several floating casinos within easy reach of Panjim – the most popular ones include the Deltin Royale and Casino Pride. You have to pay an entrance fee but you’ll get drinks, snacks and some playing chips included. You can try your luck at Blackjack, Roulette, Bacarrette, Stud Poker or Rummy, or use the electronic slots.

The views from then upper deck of the yacht are magnificent. There is also a pretty good restaurant, music and entertainment and a sundeck bar, which is a nice place to watch the sunset. Check out this article for more info on Goa’s casinos.

River Cruise

Another one of the top things to do in Panjim is taking a river cruise along the Mandovi. Boats leave from either the Santa Monica Boat Jetty or the Panaji Jetty and go on a tranquil cruise along the river.

You can do a quick one-hour cruise or a two-hour dinner cruise. There are also two-hour back river cruises that run twice a week. Music and cultural dancing is always part of the journey.

The most popular river cruises are the sunset cruises which includes dinner, drinks, music and entertainment. This sunset cruise and Panjim at night tour also takes you to see the illuminated Church and Maruti temple.

Goa State Museum

Indian musesums don’t normally match up to the standard of museums in the West, but of all of the museums in the city, the Goa State Museum is worth a visit and its free to enter. There are three sections of the museum; Art and Craft, Ancient History and Archaeology, and Geology which together contain around 8,000 artefacts.

This includes an impressive sculpture of Lord Vishnu, hero stones that date back to the King Biravarma period and a beautiful wooden chariot. I found the furniture room the most interesting. See more info on their website.

Miramar Beach and Dona Paula

The other beaches of Goa are more well known but you don’t have to miss the beach when in Panjim. These two beaches are a must for anyone visiting Panjim – Miramar Beach and Dona Paula.

Miramar is the busier of the two and the main beach of the city. It is the beach that many Goa locals and domestic tourists hang out.

Just beyond it is Dona Paula, which is famous for its sunsets. It is also where Raj Bhavan is located, which is the official residence of the Governor of Goa.

Eat at Mum’s Kitchen

Mum’s Kitchen is another of the most popular places to eat in Panjim. It’s won many awards and is famous for it’s seafood. The restaurant was created to preserve traditional Goan family recipes that have been handed down through Goan families and are served up in a charming, rustic, homely ambience. Check out their website for more.

Celebrate Carnival

The Goa Viva Carnival is celebrated every year in late February/ early March time as a last opportunity for excess before lent and is one of the most colourful festivals you can go to.  The entire main street is closed off to traffic and instead it is filled with colourful floats and people that sing and dance in the street.

The first float is always the float with King Momo, who declares that everyone should eat, drink and be merry. And this is exactly what everyone does during Goa Viva Carnival. It’s one of the very best things to do in Panjim so book accommodation well in advance if you’re coming for carnival.

Day Trips and Tours from Panjim

As well as the many things to do in Panjim, the city also makes a great base for exploring some of the best cultural and natural sites in Central Goa like the UNESCO listed churches at Old Goa, spice plantations and waterfalls.

Many of these can be easily done as a day trip from Panjim so if you feel like getting out of the city for a day, these are a few things to do outside of Panjim.

UNESCO Old Goa Churches

Goa was under Portugese rule for about 500 years, and this influence can still be seen in Goa’s food, culture, religion and architecture but the most impressive place to see the Portugese legacy is at Old Goa. This place used to be so important that it rivaled Lisbon but all that is left now is the churches of Old Goa, most of which are now UNESCO sites and are one of the best things to do in Goa.

Old Goa was once so grand that it was pegged the ‘Rome of the East’. It was also the old capital city of the province before it was moved to Panjim in 1843, leaving behind many magnificent old churches, including the largest in all of Asia – Se Cathedral.

It’s easy to just get a taxi there but you will miss out on learning about the history of this place which brings it alive. If you want to know the stories behind the old churches you can take a private half-day Portuguese heritage tour.

Or you could make a full day of it and combine a tour of Old Goa with visiting a spice plantation for lunch and a crocodile spotting river cruise. See details here. 

Ponda Spice plantations

One of the most popular Goa day trips is a visit to a spice planatiaon. Just 28 kilometres outside of Panjim is Ponda where you’ll find a couple of Spice Plantations that you can visit.

Sahakari Spice Farm is one of the most popular with 60 acres of organic spices, fruits, medicinal trees and herbs. Visiting the spice plantations are a treat for all your senses. They staff will take you for a tour around the luscious, fragrant, tropical and colourful plantation, giving you interesting facts about the spices and plants and teaching you how to climb a beetle nut tree.

There’s also a tasty Goan lunch included and you may get to see a folk dance and elephants. Check out their website for more info.

There are lots of tour options to the spice plantations. This is a good value for money tour to the spice plantations.  Or if you want to make your trip to the spice plantations a little more exciting you could take a crocodile spotting river cruise to the spice plantation.

There are also some interesting temples around the Ponda area – this spice plantation and temples tour allows you some culutre and spirituality along with your spice farm visit.

Dudhsagar Waterfall

At the very far corner of Goa in the jungle is the beautiful Dudhsagar Waterfall. This is the second highest waterfall in India and is best viewed after monsoon, when it is gushing with water, but really anytime you can enjoy the jeep safari adventure through the jungle, admire the waterfall and take a refreshing dip in the cool waterthe pool below the falls.

This great value Waterfall, Plantation and Old Goa tour   takes you on a jeep safari through Mollen National Park to Dudhsagar Waterfall, visits a luscious spice plantation, the churches of Old Goa and includes a traditional Goan lunch in 1 easy day trip.  See full details here.

Chorao and Divar Islands

Both of these inland islands are just a short boat ride away from Panjim, and both make for a great day trip and escape from the tourist crowds.  Explore villages with old mud and thatched houses, whitewashed churches and elegant Portuguese villas.

They are both tranquil and picturesque with some stunning countryside and will take you back into to time to experience what life was like hundreds of years ago.

This Divar Island tour takes you on the ferry to Divar island to discover historic villages, ancient temples and churches, holy sites and hidden caves and includes lunch at a local home and an amazing view over Old Goa’s churches.

If you’re feeling more active then one of the best ways to explore these sleepy and picturesque inland islands is on a  cycling tour!

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

This bird sanctuary actually takes up the entire western side of Chorao Island, though is a separate day trip all together. The sanctuary was named after naturalist Salim Ali, who was known as the ‘birdman of India’.

The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is covered by low mangrove forest, which is the perfect habitat for western reef heron, striated heron, black bitten, jack snipe and red knot birds.

If you’re interested in more bird watching you might like this North Goa Bird Watching Tour which takes you to Socorro Plateau, Paithona Stream and Pilerne Lake to spot lots of exotic birds.

Where to Stay in Panjim

There are some great hotels and accommodation options in Panjim – from backpacker hostels to budget guesthouses, boutique and heritage hotels and even luxury resorts.

Panjim has some great heritage properties which have been converted into charming guesthouses and hotels which are full of character and history and make for a special and unique stay.

Luxury – The 5 Star Goa Marriott, Panjim 

Located on Miramar Beach the Marriott is the best luxury hotel in Panjim. Rooms are stylish, modern, comfortable and there are great sea views from the pool and many excellent dining options.

The Cidade de Goa   is a uniquely designed, colourful 5 star beachfront resort in Dona Paula, 10 mins from Panjim. I love the Portuguese village style architecture and bright, colourful rooms with stunning sea views. There are 2 lovely outdoor pools, a spa and fitness centre and several restaurants.

Mid Range –  Hospedaria Abrigo De Botelho.

A cosy heritage guest house in Fontainhas with classic, simple, heritage style rooms complete with modern amenities and great hospitality.  I love the large doors that open out onto the small terrace balconies.

La Maison  is another great heritage hotel in the Latin quarter that mixes traditional charm with modern luxury. There’s only 8 rooms so you get a personalized experience and all the rooms contain restored antique furniture, impressive art work as well as mod cons. The European restaurant is also good.

Also located in Fontainhas is the Panjim Inn  – one of the first mansions in the area. It’s now an affordable heritage hotel with spacious rooms containing period furniture mixed with modern amenities and there is fine art and collectables displayed all over the property.

Budget – The Old Quarter Hostel

My favourite backpacker hostel and budget stay in Panjim is The Old Quarter by Hostel Crowd who run some of the most popular backpacker hostels in Goa. This comfy, clean and friendly hostel is located in Fontainhas, the old latin quarter of Panjim and has a cute coffee shop.

How to Reach Panjim

Panjim is conveniently located in the middle of Goa – it’s only 30 mins away from the beaches of Baga and Calangute and it shouldn’t take more than 1 1/2 hours max to reach even the further beach resorts of Palolem and Arambol. Cheap local buses run all across the state to the city so there’s no excuse to not visit!

I hope this post has inspired you to visit and explore Panjim and see another side to Goa! For more of my Goa travel tips check out my other Goa blog posts and guides:

• My ultimate guide to Goa 
• The best places to stay in Goa
• Tips for visiting Goa in monsoon

Do you have any more tips for things to do in Panjim?

I’d love to hear them! Please share in the comments below 

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Nice blog post with lots of information and images.Thank you.Please share another good blog post.

Very nice blog with beautiful sight seeing & pictures Thanks for sharing a beautiful site

Your blog is very nice with travel topics & related matters Thanks for sharing

Goa is India’s premier-league travel destination, attracting millions of tourists each year.

Located on the west coast of India, Goa is the smallest state, but packs a big punch. Loved your post.

Welcome aboard to your new home GOA and much appreciation on a very well written guide not only to foreign and Indian tourists but also Goans like me living overseas who have not discovered the many hidden treasures that Goa offers …thank you! Sorry state of affairs that the past and current Govt have not been able to offer world class beach amenities unlike Maldives, Thailand, Malaysia or even Sri Lanka. Our bitter experience begins at the international airport in Dabolim where private taxis rip tourists which is a SHAME and govts have failed in their responsibilities to address and stop this madness Rightly though the only pleasant experience is the warmth of the local Goan people whose memories one will cherish on the way back home.

Yes, I love Goa, it’s no Maldives but it has it’s authentic charm which I feel is missing from more developed tourist places like Maldives and Thailand.

[…] is a great time to stay in Goa’s colourful, laid back capital Panjim/Panaji with it’s pleasant riverside setting and atmospheric historic Latin quarter – Fontainhas. […]

[…] Panaji or Panjim, Goa’s charming capital city, isn’t the place for crazy New Year parties but Miramar Beach and Dona Paula are close by and there’s plenty of bars including Watermark Floating Bar and Restaurant, Soho Bar and Bar 51. Or you could try Portuguese delicacies in the cafes and restaurants in the colourful streets of the old Latin quarter Fontainhas. […]

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Explore Panjim

Plan your trip to panjim: best of panjim tourism.

Essential Panjim

Panjim Is Great For

Historical tours.

Eat & drink

Cultural Tours

Architecture Tours

• Goa Marriott Resort & Spa
• Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, Goa
• Taj Cidade De Goa Heritage
• Vivanta Goa Miramar
• Vivanta Goa, Panaji
• Copperleaf Panaji
• The Black Sheep Bistro
• Perfect Cup
• The Fisherman's Wharf
• Ritz Classic Panjim
• Deltin Royale
• Big Daddy Casino
• Divar Island
• Casino Carnival Goa
• Fontainhas Heritage Walk by Make It Happen
• Explore the Best of North Goa by Car (Guided Full Day City Sightseeing Tour)
• Full-Day Tour Old Goa Dudhsagar Falls and Spice Plantation
• The Nature Trail at Chorao Island
• Latin Quarter Walk at Fontainhas

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Places to visit in panjim, the heart of goa.

Panjim or Panaji, Goa has been home for me for the last few years. We tend to take our homes for granted, and so did I. This post took so long to write, but I hope it would be like we say in Hindi – Der Aaye, Durust Aaye. It came late, but it came out well. Get to know about Places to visit in Panjim.

Panjim is surrounded by water on almost all sides. On one side is Mandovi merging into the Arabian Sea, and on the other River Zuari. To get out of the city, you need to cross one of these rivers or walk along Mandovi till it feels like a mainland.

History of Panjim

Panjim is an island that got connected to Old Goa, which was the capital of the Portuguese when a long causeway connected it. I am talking about the Ribandar Causeway that still connects the city to Old Goa through an arched structure in laterite stone. When I walk on this, I feel I am walking on the birth limb of Panjim.

Do you know Panjim has two roads named after two historical dates – 18th June Road and 31st January Road?

Initially, Panjim was limited to an area that we now know as Fontainhas. A lovely little area with colorful houses and heavenly bakeries. Now, it is becoming home to heritage hotels, boutiques, and designer stores. If you have seen the city in films, you have probably seen this area.

Places to visit in Panjim

Explore the following interesting heritage, landmarks, city walks, leisure, art, festivals, restaurants, museums, water sports, entertainment, and beaches while visiting the city and/or Goa.

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church

This late 16th CE church with a lovely staircase sits on a hill overlooking the city. It is the most photographed and filmed part of the city and maybe the state. It is a pleasure to sit in front of it and admire the lovely structure. One of the popular places to visit in Panjim, particularly during Christmas.

Maruti Temple

On another sits the saffron-colored temple dedicated to Hanuman. The temple is best seen at dusk when it is lit up and it shines like a jewel on the hill. It needs a bit of endurance to climb the steep steps leading to the Maruti temple.

Adil Shah Palace or Old Secretariat

This lovely building in quintessential yellow and white is the only Palace in Panjim. Now it is home to art exhibitions. We keep hearing the state museum will shift here, but it is yet to happen. The road that you see outside the palace was a moat around the palace.

Cabo Raj Bhawan

The official residence of the Governor of Goa is situated on the tip of a finger jutting out into the Arabian Sea. Normally, you are not allowed to go inside, but on Sunday mornings, it is open for those who want to visit the church there. Try your luck – it is worth a visit. Of course, if you know the governor, invite yourself!

Update – Raj Bhavan is now open to the public with prior online booking, three days of the week – Friday to Sunday. You can go to Raj Bhavan Website and book the tour. It is priced at Rs 300/- per person and you are required to carry a Photo Id card.

The tour covers the Aushadhi Vatika or a herbal garden, the helipad, and the cannon point where you can see old cannons looking into the sea. This is the westmost point of Goa, so all you see around is the sea. You get to see the Raj Bhavan Museum, which is small but interesting. You get to see the Church where Dona Paula of Dona Paula’s fame is buried. Grotto and the beach are other attractions of the tour.

Mahalakshmi Temple

One of the most popular temples in Panaji is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi. Do not miss the unique Deepstambh in brickwork here.

Museums – Places to visit in Panjim

The city has 3 museums. Museum buffs may easily spend some time during the daytime.

Goa State Museum

Like every state museum, this museum aims to showcase the heritage and antiquities of the state. Not the best museum you would see, but go there to see a lovely wooden Rath or Temple Chariot, the ancient Hero stones that honor the brave posthumously. The time needed is about an hour. It is indeed the Place to visit in Panjim if you like heritage and museums.

Goa State Excise Museum

This is a lovely little museum located in a 400+-year-old blue building on the banks of the Mandovi River. On the two floors of this museum, you walk through the history of smuggling – I call it a walk through the smugglers’ minds over the ages. Of course, it also tells you the tales of customs and taxes that exist across borders. Time Needed – 1 hour. Read my detailed blog post here .

Goa Science Centre

The Science Centre is the go-to place for school-going kids. They can see magic galleries and learn about a bit of science in this museum conveniently located close to Miramar Beach.

Experiences – Places to visit in Panjim

Following are some of the cherishable experiences you may gain here.

Sunset at Dona Paula

Dona Paula is famous for its sunset. It gives you a vantage point where you only see the sky, sea, and sun. Reach 20-30 minutes ahead of sunset time and enjoy the stunning sunsets. Sunsets are particularly colorful and dramatic post-monsoons in October and November.

Cruises & Water Sports in Panjim

The city offers plenty of water-based activities at the Mandovi River, estuary, and Arabian Sea. You can hire a private boat to explore the backwaters of the Mandovi River, birding near the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

Most organized cruises operate in the evening – for the tourists to have fun, get sunset view, dusk view, dolphin sighting, etc.

• Boat Ride on Mandovi
• Dinner Cruise on Mandovi
• Paragliding
• Jet Ski Ride

Panjim Beaches – Places to visit in Panjim

Miramar beach.

Miramar Beach is the most popular beach in Goa – always full of tourists. This is where I go for my evening walks when I am at home. It is a pleasure to watch the sunset here as tourists try to catch them with their cameras.

You can take hour-long boat rides from Miramar Beach that take you a bit inside the sea. They promise to show you some locations that you might have seen in Hindi Films. Dinner and sunset cruises can be taken from Santa Monica Jetty.

Bambolim Beach & Siridao Beach

This is a quieter beach mostly visited by people who stay in the high-end hotels located next to it. We always take our guests to Bambolim Beach for a quiet beach experience. Though, technically it is a bay and not a beach.

It extends further to Siridao Beach, which is one of our favorite places to watch the sunset as the local boys play cricket and football.

Walking Trails – Places to visit in Panjim

Fontainhas heritage walk.

The Fontainhas is the oldest part of Panaji, sometimes also called the Latin Quarters. It is known for its colorful houses and steep staircases that connect it to the hill above. This is the popular heritage Place to visit in Panjim.

Read our detailed post on Fontainhas Walk

Mandovi Promenade Walk

Panaji is one of the few cities in India that is walking-friendly. The main road of the city officially called D B Bhandodkar Road is a great place to walk. I would suggest starting with Kala Academy. Watch the sunset at Darya Sangam and then walk towards the Jetty point along the Mandovi River. You can stop and stroll at Forest Park or taste some street food on the way. By the time it’s dark, all the boats, signboards, and casino boats would be lit up. It is a must-see sight in the city.

Dona Paula Walk

Dona Paula is best known for its sunset and its famous statue of Dona and Paul. However, it is a pleasure to walk on the lanes leading to the Jetty with some hidden treasures.

Read our detailed post on Dona Paula Walk

University Walk

Goa University has a lovely campus. We love to go for walks there. The best one is behind the university library. Reach the library and walk on the road that takes you behind the library. The narrow road will take you past many departments but more importantly through the many trees where you can spot many birds.

The city celebrates all major festivals, here are some special ones that we recommend.

New Year at Miramar Beach

Start your new year by witnessing the fireworks at Miramar Beach. You not only see the fireworks of Miramar but also see the panorama of fireworks on the northern beaches of the state.

This is a folk festival when artists from around the country come and perform at Kala Academy for a good 10 days or so. It is a cultural riot with an equally happening market where you can buy products from across India. The cherry on this cake is the street food of India that is usually not available in the state.

Viva Goa Carnival

Celebrated in the month of Feb this is well, a carnival. The main street is full of colorful floats and there are song and dance all around. King Momo rules for 3 days and his orders are – eat, drink, and be merry.

Read more –   Viva Carnival

This is personally my favorite Goa festival. 18th June Road reverberates with traditional music. Festivities roll and the audience on both sides of the road enjoy. This is the Holi Time festival of the state.

Read More – Shigmo – The Cultural Extravaganza

The onset of monsoons is celebrated by jumping into wells and well, these days into swimming pools.

Read More – Sao Joao

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with fervor in the city. Public Pandals are set up in various parks. A peculiar thing to notice in Ganesh Pandals of the city is the Matoli made with fruits, vegetables, and local herbs.

Read More – Festival Guide of Goa

Anant Chaturdashi

One of the biggest houses in the city – the Mamai Kamat house opens its doors for everyone to celebrate this festival. Any number of those who come are served a multi-course meal. This is quite a unique way to celebrate this September festival.

Narkasur Chaturdashi

This is the way the city celebrates Diwali. Children get together to create the demon Narkasur only to burn it down on the last day.

IFFI – International Film Festival of India

In November, the city plays host to the biggest film festival in India. Venues like Kala Academy, ESG, and INOX theater are full of cinema lovers. The main street is decorated and the weather is just perfect to move around.

This is your chance to rub shoulders with whos who of the film industry and watch some of the world’s best cinema.

GALF – Goa Arts and Literary Festival

December brings literature and art lovers together at ICG for 4 days. Talks, panel discussions, workshops, art exhibitions, networking, bookstores, and book launches – there is so much for literature lovers to look forward to.

The Churches of the state are a sight to see during Christmas. We usually go for a drive to see the churches and the Cribs that dot the city. It is interesting to see the creative displays every year – many of them floating in the water.

Public Spaces – Places to visit in Panjim

The capital of the state is always buzzing with activities that include public performances or talks. Here are some of the places you should check out:

Kala Academy

This is a well-designed Academy with multiple auditoriums. It plays host to all kinds of concerts, plays, and festivals. On the banks of River Mandovi just as it merges with the Arabian Sea, it is a good place to watch the sunset or to enjoy the activities.

Check out the Kala Academy Website for the latest events.

International Center, Goa

Located near Dona Paula, ICG is home to Goa Art and Literary Festival which is held in December. The rest of the year too, it has talks, workshops, and quizzes. Check out their events calendar – ICG .

This Palacious Goan house in blue and white on top of Altinho Hill is home to art shows and has a film screening every Wednesday. Their cafe is perfect for you to sit back relax or even work from. They hold an annual Sensorium festival. Check out what Sunapranta has to offer when you are visiting the city.

Goa State Library

Goa State Library is not just the best public library in India. It is also home to the state’s Art & Culture department. See our detailed post on State Public Library .

Menezes Braganza Hall

This is a favorite venue for local events. Check out the local newspaper for what is happening. During the day, you can buy homemade stuff like Pickles and Sweets sold by women’s self-help groups. This long yellow building is also home to Goa Police Headquarters. The entrance to Menezes Braganza Hall has Goa’s best Azulezos paintings – handmade in Blue & White.

Read More – Azulezos – the Charming Hand-Made Tiles

This long yellow building is also home to the State Police Headquarters.

Fundaco Oriente

A quaint art gallery in Fontainhas that hosts occasional talks and art shows.

Broadway Books – The best place to get books on the state or by Goan authors. They have two outlets in the city – one on 18th June road and the other in Caculo Mall – I love going to the former which has an old-world charm and a much bigger collection.

Singhbal’s Book Store – opposite the main Church Square – a lovely building in White and Blue.

Bookworm is a lovely children’s library and bookstore in Taleigao.

Of course, there is a crossword for regular bestsellers.

However, what we recommend is a visit to Goa State Library, Saraswati Library on June 18th Road and a 100+-year-old reading room in Fontainhas.

This is where you can go to pick up your Panaji Souvenirs.

• Mario Miranda Gallery near Panaji Church
• Wendell Rodricks Boutique in Campal
• Zantye for Cashew and Kokum Sherbet
• Municipal Market / Fish Market – more for street photography
• 18th June Road – for anything under the sun

Read  more – Best Goa Souvenirs to Buy

Restaurants in the city

• Black Sheep Bistro for local fusion food
• Hotel Fidalgo Restaurants
• Fish Curry, the Goan cuisine at Ritz Classic
• Goenchin – locals love it. Don’t ask me why!

Read More – Vegetarian Fine Dining Restaurants

Cafes in the city

• Cafe Bodega at Sunapranta
• Cafe Basil at Tonca for some college-style food
• The Cafe Tato – for Goan snacks
• Cafe Real – old-world charm coffee house
• Cafe Central – Ask for Mushroom Samosa
• The Cafe Bhonsle – for Maharashtrian snacks

Hotels in Panaji

High-end hotels.

• Cidade De Goa – If you want a true Goan feel next to an idyllic beach
• Marriott Resort & Spa – for the best sea view lobby
• Grand Hyatt – with an almost private beach

Mid-Range Hotels

• Fortune Miramar – Business Hotel with a feel of Leisure
• Panaji Inn – live in the heritage precincts of Panaji
• Vivanta by Taj – in the heart of the city

Budget Hotels

• Hotel Mandovi – the old world charm and river view
• Panaji Residency by the state tourism
• Miramar Residency by the state tourism

If you have a question about Places to visit in Panjim, feel free to ask us in the comments!

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68 comments.

Years back I came to Panjim with my family. After that I have only been to the other side of Goa. Your book recommendations are fab 🙂 I have bookmarked for future Goa travels and hope we can connect someday in person?? what does Sunapranta mean?

Ishita, as and when you come to Goa, would take you around for a heritage walk.

Suna means golden and Apranta means beyond the Prant or limits of the kingdom. Sunaprant is a local word used to describe Goa meaning Golden region.

Go has the best public library in India – I sometimes go and work from there. It is a must visit for all Bibliophiles.

Nice post dear, travel to Panaji – great place to visit in India……

Thank you, Suchana.

Unique information which i have never known before about this place. Pictures look amazing. Very informative article.

Glad you liked the post, Jahnavi.

Nice and precise. You covered almost everything there is. Maybe the kids parks, I would add. And the mall ???? Also a few more places to eat like viva Panjim and venite in the fontainhas area.

Thanks, Kuheli. Kids parks – yes can be added. Shopping mall – I would skip, there is nothing for a traveler there. I have written places that I have tried myself. The restaurants will get added as I visit them.

hi, we are planning to be in aldona for 3 nights starting 18th oct 2017- staying in a homestay. was keen to do my bit of building excitement for my kids by mixing fun and education. I know that Goa has a rich history and it will be worth discovering it at least now (der aaye durust aaye). A friend recommended Panjim, Fontanhas. ferry across the mandovi and Reis Margos. The walk mentioned in your blog seems very interesting. Please let me know if you can help.

Muthu Ji, There are 50+ posts on IndiTales on offbeat things to do in Goa. Please read them for details and if you have a specific question – I would be happy to answer that.

Just what I needed as I travel to Goa next week 🙂

Perfect Lata. Have a great trip.

I have only been to the state library because of my continued visits to the FRRO which is the whole police station complex. I was always in awe of the tile art on the wall and it’s definitely an insider tip for those who want to see more of the Portuguese side. Otherwise, I enjoy Miramar too, just to hang out and there are a few lovely boutiques there. Ultimately my husband family has got a few relations in Miramar and that’s why we would go there more frequently in the past.

Helene, now you should come more often to Miramar, for we live close to it. I love visiting the library – sometimes I work from there and it is like having a huge co-working space to yourself.

My sister had her destination wedding in Goa and it was absolutely stunning. I was so sad to leave because I wanted to explore the area properly! The food was amazing, the people were so incredibly friendly, and it had the most wonderful vibes. This post has made me want to return even more – I’ll definitely be visiting some of the places you’ve mentioned!

Malvika, Come back soon. There is so much more to Goa than its beaches, which we all know are beautiful.

Wow, what an informative blog post – you really covered all the bases! It actually makes me really disappointed in myself because I visited Goa a few years back and I don’t think I saw any of the amazing sights that you have listed. And the festivals – I’m DEFINITELY going to have to go back to check out those!

Come back fast, Valerie. Some of the festivals are definitely worth a special trip. My favorite is Shigmo.

Wow that a really complete list ! Really nice put down, Panjim sure seems like a great place to visit, I had no idea they were so much to do, always nice to learn more ! 🙂

Lyne, Most tourists in Goa miss visiting Panaji. I hope this would bring some of them to my lovely little town.

I think ‘Der Aaye, Durust Aaye’ needs to be my new motto in life, I love it! Panjim sounds like an incredible place, I hope I’ll get to visit someday. The heritage walk looks very beautiful, I would love to see those colourful houses and steep staircases in person.

Phoebe – Come over. Winters is a good time to visit Goa.

Goa, and now Panjim, has been on my travel bucket list for a while. I would love to do the Fontainhas heritage walk and check out the beaches at sunset. It looks like one should plan at least a couple of days to experience all of Panjim.

Linda – 2 days is a good time to explore Panaji.

The church and the beach are on the top of my list. That sunset is gorgeous ????

They are not too far apart…

This is a comprehensive list!!!! Thanks for the in depth Dissection of Panjim! Keeping this article for future reference!

Thank you, Bonita. Glad that you find it useful.

Exceptionally well written content to say the least..Panjim indeed is the heart of Goa..Informative at the same time. Personally I feel private and custom tours at Panjim always come up with best results for it’s personalized and brings in comfort for the tourist.

Thank you, Patrali.

I love how colorful everything is. Just screams of LIFE! This is so very comprehensive and I love that you put all your love into writing about a place you call home.

Thank you, Ariana. Sometimes, you need an outsider’s eyes to look at your own home.

Oh my there is so much to do there! That Excise Museum, all about smuggling, it sounds really interesting. So cool to know this place celebrates its history so much. I dream about coming here someday.

Time to plan a trip to Goa and Panjim, Megan.

Loved the post. Thanks a lot for all info’s. Amazing pics.

Thank you, Rupam.

I feel like sometimes the places we know best are the bardest to write about, but I am so glad you did. Between the beaches and views and museums and architecture, I feel like I would never get bored here. Love the Portugese inspired buildings and have been dying to go since my friend said she grew up there!! Thanks for a great share!

Kelly, we came here with the intention to live for a year, but it will be 4 years in January and we want to live nowhere else. Panaji has a perfect balance of nature, heritage, culture, happening events despite being a small town.

You are so right that we take our homeland for granted. If one explores, can really be surprised with what your own city has to offer. You have covered everything in your post. I love Goa and bought a house in Goa recently though not sure if I will live there. Those pictures of sunset are simply magnetic. A great amalgamation of nature, heritage and that awesome laid back feel.

Thanks, Monica. Goa is lovely to live although I have written extensively about all the cities I have lived in – Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune.

I’m actually really sad that I missed out on Goa while in India. I hear it’s absolutely beautiful and has the best vibes! Definitely an excuse for me to head back 🙂

Come back soon. Both Goa and India have a lot to offer to the travelers.

Good informative blog. We have moved to panjim from mumbai since a year now. There is so much that we haven’t covered. I would like to add forest garden next to kala Acadamy to the list. Its really nice place specially for kids and evening walk. And cafe George opp panjim church for authentic goan food.

Thank you, Pritam. Bhagwan Mahavir Park is the Forest Garden 🙂 I will try Cafe George and add it to the post. Thank you for adding. Do let us know anything else you discover in Panjim that we can add to the post.

We moved here almost 4 years back but are still discovering this small city.

My partner and spent a few nights in Panji in August this year and we both fell in live with it! He’s from Udaipur in Rajasthan and had never been before, and I’m from Australia and I went to Panji 6 years ago, but I didn’t go to Fontainhas – I don’t know why. We had a beer at two lovely bars – Hotel Venite and Joseph’s Bar. We loved Panji! …but I wish I had seen your post before we went. I’ve saved it to read for the next time we go!

Verity, we look forward to have you in Panaji. There is a lot more to this tiny city surrounded by water all around.

Yes, I think there’s a lot more to discover! I think we both thought that maybe we would like to live there one day. Thanks again.

Verity, you would not believe – I am visiting Canada & met an old friend who just said the same. He would like to spend his old days in Panjim.

Hi, an informative and we’ll written post. When is Lokotsav held?

Thank you, Dilip. Lokotsava happens in January sometime. You have to check the newspapers for the exact date in January.

Goa is a beautiful destination and known for its beautiful beaches. You shared a well-explained post about it. Panjim is the capital city and its things are good to enjoy and stunning photos you shared. n

Nice and great you are giving good knowledge about Panjim, its wonderful place to visit and enjoy life with family & friends. I have bookmarked your blog for more information. You are great full of Knowledge.

Heavenly place, I stayed for a year at Miramar beach area. Most peaceful and calm area. Once we step in not possible to step back.

Right Sir, Miramar beach is beautiful & Panjim is a lovely place to live.

Wow, I lived in Goa for 2 years and still didn’t know about some of these attractions. Lovely post. The images of Fontainhas are beautiful.

Thanks, Priya. Glad you enjoyed Inditales.

Nice presentation but I find missing a map indicating the various sites. Would save time (enquiring where),would save money (would not need to hire rickshaw or taxi) because you could do it on your own.

Thanks for your suggestion, we will try and add a map as soon as we find some time to do it.

Unique information which I really don’t know about this earlier. It’s very nice post also the way you define the beautiful picture’s it’s looking awesome. Thanks.

How much I need to see old Panji?

You can see it well in a couple of days or even a day.

Nice Post!! I really appreciated with you, Thank you for sharing your info with us. Rent My Bike is a well known for their Bike Rental Service in all over Goa with well maintain bikes and 24hrs of service. There is a reasonable price and quick assistance so for booking Bike rental service in Goa call us at our booking number 7303338800

will be helpful for my goa trip , thanks for writing such informative Blog.

Do enjoy your Panjim Trip. Happy to hear IndiTales could help.

Well articulated blog, was a nice read!

Pura dossier banaa diya aapne. Anybody visiting Goa see this blog.

Thank you Sujay

Keep posting like those amazing posts 🙂

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• 29 Places To Visit In Panjim In 2024 For An Enlightening Vacation

23 Mar 2023

Panjim, also known as Panaji, is Goa’s capital city and belongs to the North Goa district. It is located on the banks of the Mandovi river. The city has colorful villas that are a reflection of the Portuguese Colonial Era. Panjim has an interesting landscape – from beautiful hills and buildings to churches and riverside esplanades. Awe-striking Bridges connect Panjim to the mainland. There’s an endless number of places to visit in Panjim that will simply leave you spellbound.

Panjim is admired for its historicity. Centuries ago, Panjim used to be a fishing settlement with coconut trees, creeks, and meadows. Today, Panjim is the State Capital and is the educational, commercial and cultural hub of Goa.

29 Magnificent Places To Visit In Panjim

Are you looking for the best places in Panjim that you can explore while you’re here? Go through the list below in order to make the most of your Goa vacation! Given below are some of the best places to visit in Panjim that will definitely make for a great travel experience! Head today to these amazing places and explore the beauty of these places.

1. Dona Paula Beach 

Image Source Dona Paula Beach got its name from two lovers of a tragic love story. It has pristine clear water and has many beautiful spots in the area. One can sunbathe and relax as this beach exudes a calm aura. Participating in various water activities like parasailing, kayaking, etc are some of the best things to do in Panjim. For the retail therapy, this is one of the best places to visit in Panjim for shopping . One can find several small shops in the vicinity. Also, there are drinking spots and restaurants serving delectable dishes in the beach. 

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 1 day Must-visit places near Dona Paula Beach: Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary

How to reach Dona Paula Beach Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

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2. Basilica Of Bom Jesus

Image Source This is one of the popular Panjim attractions. It is the oldest church in Goa and it is influenced by Portuguese architecture. The floor is made of marble and valuable stones adorn the floor. Remains of St.Xavier is kept elegantly in a silver casket in the Cathedral of the Church. Devotees from all over the world come here to worship.

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 1 day Must-visit places near Basilica of Bom Jesus: St Cajetan Church

How to reach Basilica of Bom Jesus Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

3. Casino Royale Goa 

Image Source This casino floats on water! The casino is 40,000 square feet and it is for people of all ages. It has 123 gambling tables. Games like Poker, Black Jack, Teen Patti, etc, are played here. The casino has a whiskey lounge with hand-made cigars. Top-class amenities are provided in the casino and there are various Panjim hotels located nearby.

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours to 1 night Must-visit places near Casino Royale Goa: Odxel Beach

How to reach Casino Royale Goa Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

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4. Fort Aguada

Image Source

Exhibiting the grandeur of the Portuguese empire, Fort Aguada overlooks the Arabian sea. It was built in the early 16th century. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Panjim and all of Goa. A brilliant example of Portuguese architecture, it’s a great place to hang out with your friends or your partner.

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 3 hours Must-visit places near Fort Aguada: Miramar Beach

How to reach Fort Aguada Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

5. Goa Archeological Museum 

Image Source This architectural sensation displays the artifacts of the Portuguese empire. It has eight unique galleries that display the remains of the primeval Portuguese era. It showcases paintings of the past Governors and Administrators of Goa. The museum has an impressive collection of stamps, religious artifacts and many other hidden treasures.

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 2 hours Must-visit places near Goa Archeological Museum: Siridao Beach

How to reach Goa Archeological Museum Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

Suggested Read: Christmas Celebration In Goa Is The Perfect Way To Soak In The Festivities

6. Se Cathedral 

Image Source Visiting the Se Cathedral is a must if one visits Goa. This Church is mighty impressive. This Church displays the extraordinary artwork of Portuguese-Manueline design. It is considered as the only place that showcases the Portguese-Manueline art style.

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 1 hour Must-visit places near Se Cathedral: Shri Mahalaxmi Temple

How to reach Se Cathedral Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

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7. Coco Beach

Image Source Coco beach is 2 kms away from Panjim. This sensational beach is the hotspot of various water activities. Coco beach is beautifully surrounded by a chain of palm trees and is among the best beaches near Panjim . One will definitely forget all the stress on reaching here. This is one of the most commonly frequented tourist spots of Panjim. This is one of the best places to visit in Panjim for couples .

Tourists can enjoy boat rides on this beautiful beach. It is one of the adventurous places to visit in Panjim, as there are several adventure sports that will give one a good dose of adrenaline rush. For those who want to discover the underwater world, can opt for scuba diving here. Occasionally, one can spot dolphins here and this experience is simply breath-taking.

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 1 day Must-visit places near Coco Beach: Corjuem Fort

How to reach Coco Beach Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

Suggested Read: 43 Famous Beaches In Goa That Will Make Your Vacay A Happy Trip

8. St. Augustin Towers 

Image Source This majestic tower was built in the early 16th century by the Augustinian pilgrims who sojourned Goa. Initially, there were four of these towers but today, only one stands.

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 2 hours Must-visit places near St Augustin Towers: Maruti Temple

How to reach St Augustin Towers Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

9. Vainguinim Beach 

This beach is well-known for its white sand. This beach is a phenomenal place to visit in Panjim. It is perfect for people who seek solitude and want to unwind and rewind. The turquoise water and unique marine life calls for visitors. The beach is laced by various trees and it bustles with different varieties of birds. This is one of the places to visit in Panjim at night.

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 1 day Must-visit places near Vainguinim Beach: Casino Pride

How to reach Vainguinim Beach Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

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10. Reis Magos Fort 

Located on the banks of Mandovi River, this sublime fort serves as a belfry. Reis Magos Fort is massive and it can be noticed from any location from the Mandovi River. The architecture here is worth witnessing, giving all the aesthetic vibes. 

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 2 hours Must-visit places near Reis Magos Fort: Goa Science Centre

How to reach Reis Magos Fort Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

11. Church Of The Immaculate Conception Of The Virgin Mary

Set right in the middle of a hillock, this beautiful church is one of the most popular places to see in Panjim. It has three main shrines of Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, and of the Crucifixion of Jesus. It was the first ever church to have been built in Goa and holds immense significance to the local people as well as in terms of tourism. This beautiful shrine is also one of the most attractive and recognizable places in Goa as it has been the location for major Bollywood films like Josh and Dilwale.

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal for: Families, students, friends, couples Ideal trip duration: 1 hour Must-visit places near Church Of The Immaculate Conception: Dona Paula Beach

How to reach Church Of The Immaculate Conception Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

Suggested Read: 8 Quixotic Villas In Panjim To Plan A Delightful Stay

12. St. Cajetan Church 

The next on the list of the famous tourist places in Panjim is the St. Cajetan Church. Also called the “Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence”, this holy shrine is nothing short of a visual retreat owing to its magnificent architecture and outlook. Exhibiting the Corinthian style of architecture, this church possesses six Baroque style altars where you can apparently locate visions of angels. You’ll find yourself feeling at peace the moment you set foot in this grand yet solemn sanctum in Goa.

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal for: Families, students, friends, couples Ideal trip duration: 1 hour Must-visit places near St. Cajetan Church: Basilica of Bom Jesus

How to reach St. Cajetan Church Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

13. Odxel Beach 

The charming Odxel Beach is a tiny beach that is known for its relaxing and positive surroundings. Sitting right in the center of Dona Paula and Bambolim, this small beach is mostly frequented by peace seekers and photographers. Even though swimming is discouraged at this point due to past instances of underwater currents, it makes up for one of the best Panjim tourist places because of its relaxed atmosphere, calm vibe, and its picturesque surroundings.

Best time to visit: November to February Ideal for: Families, bachelors, couples, solo travelers, etc Ideal trip duration: 2 hours Must-visit places near Odxel Beach: Casino Royale Goa

How to reach Odxel Beach Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

Suggested Read: 10 Budget-Friendly Homestays In Panjim Where You Can Live Like A Local

14. Shri Mahalaxmi Temple 

Among the best sightseeing places in Panjim that attracts pilgrims and spiritual souls from around the country. Located in the Bandora village, this holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s consort Mahalaxmi and boasts of an elegant modern structure. Other than its peaceful aura and powerful vibe, this Hindu holy sanctum also attracts tourists with its magnificent architecture. Upon entering you’ll be greeted by beautiful carvings and a fascinatingly decorated arch with two elephants.

Best time to visit: Year-round Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travelers, etc Ideal trip duration: 2 hours Must-visit places near Shri Mahalaxmi Temple: Se Cathedral

How to reach Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

15. Corjuem Fort

The Corjuem may be one of the smallest forts in India, but it has still managed to maintain a prominent position in all listings of the best places to visit in Panjim. It is among the most frequented Goa places among history geeks, architecture lovers, couples, and souls seeking peace and solitude. Built long before the 21st century by the colonists for increasing their defensive power, this fortress is surrounded by beautiful swathes of Goan culture that charms all those who visit.

Best time to visit: November to April Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travelers, etc Ideal trip duration: 2 hours Must-visit places near Corjuem Fort: Coco Beach

How to reach Corjuem Fort Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

Suggested Read: Nightlife In Panjim: 8 Best Nightclubs Every Party Freak Must Visit After The Sun Sets Down

16. Siridao Beach 

Located at a distance of just 8 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, Siridao Beach is a beautiful stretch of coast that lies at the mount of the Zuari river. Also called the Beach of the Shell Collectors, this beautiful shoreline is among the most scenic places to see in Panjim. The coarse sand of this beach holds a wide variety of oysters and pearl shells that attract dreamy travelers and couples from near and far. There are also many mysterious caves around this area that you can explore when you’re here.

Best time to visit: October to March Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travelers, etc Ideal trip duration: 2 hours Must-visit places near Siridao Beach: Goa Archeological Museum

How to reach Siridao Beach Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

17. Miramar Beach 

Set in the heart of Panjim, Miramar Beach is the longest beach in Karnataka and among the most popular tourist places in Panjim. Stretching for as far as 2 km, the beach is located on the confluence of the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. It’s the one place in Goa where you can get uninterrupted oceanic views. Previously called Porte de Gaspar Dias by the Portuguese people who had settled in Goa, this silvery stretch of white sand lined with palm trees is the perfect destination for picnics, barbeque parties, or simple evening strolls in Goa. Many of the famous homestays and guest houses in Panjim are located nearby.

Best time to visit: November to February Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travelers, etc Ideal trip duration: 2 hours Must-visit places near Miramar Beach: Fort Aguada

How to reach Miramar Beach Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

Suggested Read: Explore Goa In March By Visiting These 15 Breathtaking Places

18. Maruti Temple 

This revered Hindu shrine is located on the top of the Altinho Hill in Goa and is among the most majestic Panjim tourist places. Maruti Temple was built right after the decline of the Portuguese reign in Goa and is named after a refreshing stream that flows right beside it, adding that calming and revitalizing aura to this temple that it’s known for. Inside the temple was once a beautiful idol of Lord Hanuman which was hidden when the Portuguese demolished Hindu temples in Goa in order to promote Christianity. But even without its splendid interiors, this temple manages to draw pilgrims and worshippers from near and far.

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal for: Families, bachelors, pilgrims, students, couples, etc Ideal trip duration: 2 hours Must-visit places near Maruti Temple: St Augustin Towers

How to reach Maruti Temple Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

19. Goa Science Centre

Established long back as a joint project of the state Department of Science, Technology & Environment and the National Council of Science Museums, the Goa Science Centre & Planetarium is among the most sought after Panjim destinations that you shouldn’t miss. Offering a refreshing break from the beaches, churches, and markets of Panjim, this center aims to make science as exciting for the youth as possible and inculcate in them a desire to learn. Set over an area of 5 acres, this massive space offers fun ways of learning through its vivid Planetarium, 3D theatre, and several scientific exhibits.

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal for: Families, kids, bachelors, students, etc Ideal trip duration: 2 hours Must-visit places near Goa Science Centre: Reis Magos Fort

How to reach Goa Science Centre Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

Suggested Read: These 29 Offbeat Things To Do In Goa Are Some Must-Try Experiences

20. Fontainhas 

Also called Goa’s Latin Quarter, Fontainhas is a heritage colony in Panjim that is flanked by an ancient creek known as the Ourem Creek to the east and the Altinho Hills to the west. It’s popular for its old-worldly vibes, spectacular beaches, and colorful buildings that make it worth visiting. Fontainhas is the perfect example of the Portuguese influence on Goa’s architecture and once housed the Portuguese government headquarters that was later shifted to Panjim. It’s now a residential area and a UNESCO recognized Heritage Zone.

Best time to visit: Year-round Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travelers, etc Ideal trip duration: 2 hours Must-visit places near Fontainhas: Maruti Temple

How to reach Fontainhas Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station

21. Bambolim Beach

Located 7 kmw away from Panjim is the absolute pristine beauty, Bambolim beach. The beach is located in north Goa and is one of the best places to visit in Panjim. The beach is famous for being a virgin beach. It is not commercialised and does not see a large number of tourists making it one of the must visit tourist places in Panjim. The beach is favorite amongst the offbeat travelers and is nothing less than a paradise for those who want to spend some time away from the humdrum of the city life. It is the best place for taking a stroll along the beach and enjoy a good picnic with your friends.

Best time to visit: October to March Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc Ideal trip duration: 2 hours Must-visit places near Bambolim Beach: Strike casino, Bike tours

How to reach Bambolim Beach Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway station: Margao Railway station

Suggested Read: 16 Best Forts In Goa Every History-Lover Must Visit

22. Altinho Hill

Altinho Hill is one of the many places to see in Panjim that offers a location so picturesque that every view from here is breathtaking. Altinho Hill is one of the most elite residential areas in Panaji and some very big names live here. The place has the Archbishop’s Palace, residence of Chief Minister of Goa, Government servant quarters, office of All India Radio Station. But that is not the only reason this region is popular. The place is also untouched and is not visited by tourists a lot giving this place a charm that is unique in its own aspects.

Best time to visit: October to March Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours Must-visit places near Altinho Hill: Elite residences, All India Radio Station office

How to reach Altinho Hill Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway station: Margao Railway Station

23. Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary 

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is named after a famous ornithologist and the sanctuary is a natural habitat to a large number of species of birds. The sanctuary is located along the Mandovi river and is one of the tourist places in Panjim that should not be missed. Amidst the beautiful mangroves, there are walkways paved that makes it easier to stroll around the sanctuary. It is one of the best places to indulge in bird watching as you can witness a large number of local and migratory birds.

Best time to visit: December to January Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 3-4 hours Must-visit places near Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary:  Mandovi river, Maha Rudreshwar Temple

How to reach Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway station: Margao Railway Station

Suggested Read: An Absolute Post-Covid Travel Guide To Goa: Updated Goa Tourism Guidelines

24. Caves Of Khandepar

Located near Khandepar village in a jungle are the Caves of Khandepar that are four ancient rock-cut caves dating back to the 12th century. These caves were discovered in 1970 and while two of these caves are interconnected, two caves are free standing. One of these caves is known to bear a pedestal that is believed to hold a Shivalinga and is considered as a room for meditation.

Best time to visit: October to March Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 4-5 hours Must-visit places near Caves of Khandepar: NA

How to reach Caves of Khandepar Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway station: Margao Railway Station

25. Mangeshi Temple 

Built in the honor of Bhagwan Manguesh – Kuldevta of Gaud Saraswat Brahmins; Shri Mangueshi Temple is one of the places to visit in Panjim that should not be missed. The deity placed in the temple is known to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is very picturesque and offers a chance to meditate amidst the relaxing and positive vibes.

Best time to visit: February Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 1-2 hours Must-visit places near Mangeshi Temple: NA

How to reach Mangeshi Temple Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway station: Margao Railway Station

Suggested Read: 12 Delhi To Goa Trains: Best Rail Journeys Along The Konkan Coast

26. Museum Of Christian Art 

Museum Of Christian Art houses a fine collection of Christian artefacts from the 16th Century. These artefacts in the museums belong to a time when Portuguese ruled Goa and was founded by a joint association of Archdiocese of Goa and Portuguese Association and Indian National Trust of Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). The museum spreads across an area of 2000 sq ft and houses over 150 artefacts that showcases the art and heritage of Goa. Apart from the artefacts there are also a large number of statues and sculptures that are made of precious stones, ivory, metal and more valuable items. It is one of the most important places to see in Panjim if you want a peek of the heritage and culture of Goa.

Best time to visit: October to March Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours Must-visit places near Museum of Christian Art: NA

How to reach Museum of Christian Art Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway station: Margao Railway Station

27. Savoi Plantation 

Savoi plantation – a 40 hectare organic farm that was established by Mr. Shetye and is a beautifully maintained farm where a large number of fruits, vegetables and spices are grown. The farm opened to the public in 1985 and gives an informative tour about the plantation to the visitors. It is one of the best places to visit if you are nature’s lover or if you have your own little garden and need some expert tips. It is one of Goa’s untouched lands and one of those hidden places to visit in Panjim that gives an experience of a lifetime.

Best time to visit: March to April Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 4-5 hours Must-visit places near Savoi Plantation: NA

How to reach Savoi Plantation Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway station: Margao railway station

Suggested Read: 12 Types Of Cruises In Goa You Can Enjoy On Your Beach Vacation

28. Gitanjali Gallery 

Gitanjali gallery is one of the tourists places in Panjim that is popular amongst the art lovers. The gallery is famous for showcasing an expansive collection of art. The art presented here are usually from 1950s to 1990s by locally and internationally acclaimed artists. The gallery now also houses a cultural centre, an art studio, a conference area, and cafe for the visitors to relax and get refreshments. The gallery also hosts workshops related to history, films, theatres and art along with book launches and poetry readings. It is one of the best places to visit in Panjim if you are interested in art.

Best time to visit: Around the year Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours Must-visit places near Gitanjali Gallery: Fontainhas, Immaculate Conception Church

How to reach Gitanjali Gallery Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway station: Margao Railway station

29. Statue Of Abbe Faria

Built in the honor of the acclaimed hypnotist – Abbe Joe Custodia Faria, the Statue of Abbe Faria was installed in 1945. The statue is in bronze and depicts a woman being hypnotized by Abbe Faria. Abbe Farria was a Luso-Goan Catholic monk who pioneered in the study of hypnosis and also successfully demonstrated hypnotism. The Statue commemorates the contribution of Abbe Faria and is one of the best tourist places in Panjim.

Best time to visit: Around the year Ideal for: Families, bachelors, students, friends, couples, solo travellers, etc. Ideal trip duration: 1 hour Must-visit places near Statue of Abbe Faria: Aguada fort, Basilica of Bom Jesus

How to reach Statue of Abbe Faria Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport Nearest Railway station: Margao Railway Station

Further Read: 3 Days In Goa: A Guide To Help You Plan Your Getaway Better

Panjim offers delightful zest of Goa when it comes to culture and tradition. As mentioned, Panjim is a bounteous reflection of Portuguese architecture. You must visit Panjim if you want to relax and escape the bustling city life. The above-listed locations are some of the best places to visit in Panjim that will help you make numerous memories during your Goa vacay.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Panjim

Which beach is famous in Panjim?

Some of the best beaches in Panjim are: 1. Dona Paula Beach 2. Odxel Beach 3. Vainguinim Beach

How many days are enough for Panjim?

A trip of 2-3 days would be sufficient to explore the best of Panjim. You will get enough time to explore the prime tourist attractions and indulge in outdoor activities.

Which are the best places to visit in Panjim?

Some of the best attractions to visit in Panjim are: 1. Dona Paula Beach 2. Basilica Of Bom Jesus 3. Casino Royale Goa 4. Fort Aguada 5. Goa Archeological Museum 6. Coco Beach 7. St. Augustin Towers 8. Vainguinim Beach 9. Reis Magos Fort 10. Church Of The Immaculate Conception 11. Cajetan Church 12. Odxel Beach 13. Shri Mahalaxmi Temple

How do you spend a day in Panjim?

You can go street shopping in Panjim and head to the Church Of The Immaculate Conception Of The Virgin Mary, Maruti Temple, Miramar Beach, and Dona Paula Beach, some of the places to visit in Panjim in 1 day.

What is there to do in Panjim at night?

If you want to enjoy the night in Panjim, you can go for bar hopping and visit spots like Floating Casinos, Taverna, Cafe Mojo, Soho Fontainhas, Down The Road, Joseph Bar, Quarterdeck, and Oak Barrel.

Which is the colourful city in Panjim?

The Fontainhas, also known as the Latin Quarter, is a colourful city in Panjim as it has colourful houses with steep staircases.

How far is Panjim from Calangute?

It usually takes 28 minutes to reach Panjim from Calangute. The distance between these two places is 15.8 km.

What is the best time to visit Goa?

The best time to visit Goa is between November and March. It is best to avoid the summer and rainy seasons. Summers can be extremely hot.

Which part of Goa is the best?

The beaches in the furthest North and furthest South are the best. North Goa beaches like Anjuna and Vagator are decent and crowded and Candolim and Baga beaches are overcrowded. Ashwem/Arambol beaches are fun, clean and pretty. Beaches even further North are undeveloped and empty. Beaches in the South are more relaxed and laid-back. The crowd is less on Southern beaches. Southern beaches are ideal for families.

Which are the best restaurants in Panjim?

Here are some of the best places to eat in Panjim: 1. Venite Bar and Restaurant 2. Horse Shoe 3. Ritz Classic Restaurant and Bar 4. Mum’s Kitchen 5. Thai N Wok 6. Down The Road 7. The Fisherman’s Wharf Panjim 8. Navtara Veg Restaurant 9. Udupi Hotel Restaurant

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The state’s capital is a fascinating destination to explore, allowing you an impression of typical Goan culture, from its marketplaces and eateries to landmarks and people.

Lying on the banks of the River Mandovi, Panjim is the city’s colonial name, with its Indian named known as Panaji. The colonial features don’t stop at the city’s name; there is a distinctive colonial feel across Panjim, from its old architectural feats to its everyday houses. One of the best places to explore for soaking up this bygone era is the old Portuguese quarter, Fontainhas. There are some beautiful, colourful houses located in the historic neighbourhood, while primary attractions such as the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception also deserves a visit.

Besides the obvious attractions, simply strolling around the city during your Goa holiday will allow you to absorb the infectious atmosphere of the state. Whether you choose to experience the hustle bustle of one of the city’s markets or take to an authentic restaurant to gain a taste of Goa’s wonderful culinary flavours, Panjim is a diverse and exciting destination.

Just inland from Panjim lay the beautiful islands of Charao and Divar. Easily accessible by ferry, the islands have remained relatively untouched by tourism over the years with their quaint rural villages, lush paddy fields and mangrove swamps. While on Chorao Island, it is highly recommended to take a boat trip around the beautiful Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, a roadless reserve home to a wide variety of coastal birdlife, the odd crocodile and flying fox.

Accommodation in Central & Interior Goa

Please find below a selection of our accommodation in the resort of Panjim in Central & Interior Goa.

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Panjim Tourism

Panaji, also known as Panjim, is the capital city of Goa and is one of the most revered tourist attraction. Situated on the banks of the Mandovi River, Panaji has a cluster of terraced hills with the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church overlooking the city. Panaji showcases the convergence of past and the present in its architecture with its old Portuguese styled buildings and new commercial buildings, casinos and restaurants.

Dotted by brightly painted buildings of yellow, red and blue, Panjim is a treat to the traveller's eyes. The narrow streets of Panjim are best explored by renting local bikes or by walk. Witness the Floating Casinos and Night Cruises glittering along the Mandovi River surrounded by bright neon signboards. Panaji is also popular for the stunning Miramar Beach flanked by palm trees and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, where you can walk through the mangrove forests amidst the chirping birds. Historically, Panaji has been the epicentre of Portuguese influence in India since 1843. The city was named Pangim by the Portuguese but was officially known as Nova Goa when it replaced the then Portuguese capital city of Goa (Old Goa). The city was named back to Panjim by the Indian Government in the 1960s and has been called the same ever since. Commercially, Panaji has some great shopping places like the Mall de Goa and the Panjim Market. Like any other city in Goa, the most popular attraction in Panaji is its nightlife. Upholding the vibrant image of Goa as the Party capital, Panaji does justice with numerous nightclubs, casinos and year-round parties. The exuberant vibes of Panaji go on all night making it an ideal place for party lovers. The famous casino chains like the Paradise Casinos, The Casino Pride, Deltin Casinos run 24x7 with some of the most happening entertainment performances and games. Panaji’s famous nightclubs like The Butter Lounge, LPK-Waterfront Club, Heritage Jazz and SinQ are known for their rave parties and never disappoint the party pilgrims. The food in Panjim is in itself a great delight to tourists craving to satisfy their seafood cravings. Treating yourself to the vast variety of tastes and cuisines in Panaji is the only way to feel the bliss in all 5 senses. Some of the most famous and iconic restaurants in Panaji include The Fisherman’s Wharf, Ritz Classic, The Black Sheep Bistro, Wok & Roll, Barrel & Bones.

Top Places To Visit In Panjim

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

Miramar Beach

Bambolim Beach

Siridao Beach

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25 Places to Visit in Panjim with How to Reach Info & Duration

Budget Hotels > Travel Blog > Destinations > Panjim > 25 Places to Visit in Panjim with How to Reach Info & Duration

Overlooking the mighty yet gently-flowing Mandovi River, Panjim is Goa’s capital as well as the heart. It is a unique concoction of idyllic charm and lively events, with cobblestone streets, Portuguese colonial-era buildings, and lush acacia and Gulmohar trees beckoning tourists from far and wide. From serene beaches and quaint churches to impressive forts, pretty temples and even museums, Panjim or Panaji has everything that your heart seeks on a vacation. So, take a look at the 25 best places to visit in Panjim, Goa, and start planning that perfect itinerary. 

1. Dona Paula Beach, Panjim

#1 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

A beach where the rivers Mandovi and Zuari meet the Arabian Sea, Dona Paula is both scenic and geographically significant. You can simply laze around under the sun, shop for knickknacks at one of the shacks, get high on water sports, or sip feni – Goa’s famous spirit made from cashews or toddy palm, while watching the sun set. Did you know that there is an intriguing and sad story associated with Dona Paula Beach too? It is believed that Dona Paula de Menezes, a viceroy’s daughter, had fallen deeply in love with a fisherman. However, since they couldn’t get married, the unfortunate lady jumped off the beach’s cliff. Strangely though, today, this beach and promenade see so many lovers who exchange sweet nothings in the salty breeze. Also, when you are here, don’t miss photographing Baroness von Leistner’s “Image of India” statue.

• Best time to visit : October to March
• Ideal duration : 1 – 2 hours
• By Air: You can fly to Dabolim Airport (29 km from the beach) and then hire a taxi.
• By Train: First, reach Karmali Railway Station (19 km from the beach) and then get a cab or bus.
• By Road: Dona Paula Bus Stand, at 400 m, is the closest one. You can walk from there or take an auto.

2. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Panjim

#2 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

A sprawling affair, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Basilica of Bom Jesus is more than 400 years old. Surrounded by manicured gardens, this Roman Catholic basilica is where St. Francis Xavier’s earthly remains are treasured. It is believed that the saint had astonishing healing powers and his remains are displayed to the public every ten years. The baroque-style architecture of Basilica of Bom Jesus is Insta-worthy and the entrance is especially ornate. You can’t help but admire the lavish marble flooring, gorgeously gilded main altar, featuring St. Ignatius of Loyola’s imposing statue, and colonial-style carvings inside. Make sure you spend some time to soak in the serenity of the place and explore the art gallery. 

• Best time to visit : September to March
• Ideal duration : 1 hour
• By Air: Dabolim Airport is the nearest airport at 27 km. You can hire a cab from there.
• By Train: Karmali Railway Station is just 2 km from the basilica. You can hire a taxi or auto from there.
• By Road: The nearest bus stop is 200 m from the basilica and you can get buses from the airport or railway station easily.

3. Fort Aguada, Panjim

#3 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

Overlooking the picturesque Sinquerim Beach and occupying almost the entire south-western tip of Bardez, Fort Aguada is among the top places to visit in Panjim . This gigantic 17 th -century wonder was built by the Portuguese as a defence against the Marathas and the Dutch, and comes with a towering lighthouse too. Its name (Aguada, which means ‘watery’ in Portuguese) was coined based on the fact that a freshwater spring inside the fort supplied water to the ships that stopped here. History buffs might also be interested to know that the fort’s upper part acted as a watering station, and features a moat, lighthouse, gunpowder room, water storage chamber and bastions, while the lower part housed Portuguese ships safely.   

• Best time to visit : September to April
• By Air: After flying to Dabolim Airport (43 km from the fort), hire a cab.
• By Train: Once you reach Karmali Railway Station (26 km from the fort), get a taxi or auto.
• By Road: Board buses from the airport or railway station to reach the stop in Sinquerim (3 km from the fort). Then take an auto or cab.

Also read about the places to visit in Goa in 3 days

4. Se Cathedral, Panjim

#4 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

Boasting a beautiful mix of Portuguese and Gothic architectural styles, Se Cathedral was constructed to mark the Portuguese victory (under the leadership of Alfonso Albuquerque) against a Muslim army, whereby they took over Goa. Around 250 feet in length and 181 feet in breadth, this cathedral is set amidst verdant expanses and makes for amazing photos when the sky is blue. Its tower has a massive golden bell, presumed to be the biggest in Goa, and the richly gilded main altar, dedicated to Saint Catherine, is worthy of admiration.   

• Best time to visit : November to March
• By Air: Hire a cab from Dabolim Airport (27 km from the cathedral).
• By Train: Taking a cab or auto from Karmali Railway Station (2 km from the cathedral) is recommended.
• By Road: Old Goa Bus Stand is 400m from the cathedral. Hire an auto or walk to cover the distance.

5. Reis Magos Fort, Panjim

A trip to the oldest fort in Goa means taking a dip in the sea of culture, history, and heritage. And that’s exactly what Reis Magos (Three Wise Men in Portuguese) Fort in Bardez promises. Constructed in stages, since 1550, the sprawling fort looms over the Mandovi River and offers sweeping views of Panjim. Though it started as a defence fortress, Reis Magos acted as a hospital and jail too, in later years. The architecture of the fort, which is a medley of Portuguese and Hindu styles, makes for memorable photos. Lush greenery all around, adds to the appeal. Don’t forget to check out the 7 guns housed here since the Portuguese era, if history and weaponry intrigue you.      

• Best time to visit : October to February
• By Air: First fly to Dabolim Airport (35 km from the fort) and then hire a cab.
• By Train: Karmali Railway Station is the nearest railway station at 19 km. Take a taxi or auto to reach the fort from there.
• By Road: After you reach Panjim Bus Stand (7 km from the fort), get an auto or taxi.

Suggested Read: Forts in Goa

6. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim

#6 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

Portuguese baroque style architecture and the hillside location make Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church a major tourist hotspot. From here, you can admire panoramic views of Panjim, apart from clicking some lovely pictures on the zigzag steps of the church. The large ancient bell it houses is a source of awe, and was acquired from the Augustinian Monastery, when it got damaged. Painted in bright white, the church stands out easily, owing to its tall belfry and two towers. Inside, the beautiful main altar is dedicated to Mother Mary, and is flanked by gold-plated altars of Our Lady of the Rosary and Jesus’ crucifixion. If you plan your visit around the Festival of Our lady of the Immaculate Conception, you will find the church wonderfully lit up.    

• By Air: At 29 km, Dabolim Airport is the closest airport. You can hire a cab from there.
• By Train: Once you alight at Karmali Railway Station (13 km from the church), get a taxi or auto.
• By Road: First, you need to reach Panjim Bus Stand, which is about 2 km from the church. Then, hire a taxi or auto.

7. Church of St. Augustine, Panjim

#7 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

If you are someone who can find beauty even in ruins, a visit to the Church of St. Augustine is highly recommended. More than 400 years old, this church complex on Holy Hill originally featured four towers. Today, only one stands tall, at 46 m, and is a striking structure with four storeys. Made of laterite, this lonely and partially ravaged tower draws tourists in droves and was featured when the song Gumnaam Hai Koi (from the movie Gumnaam) was shot. As far as excavations go, it seems that the now non-functional church was a grand affair once, with four altars, eight chapels and a convent too. 

• By Air: You can hire a cab after flying to Dabolim Airport (27 km from the church).
• By Train: Once you reach Karmali Railway Station (3 km from the church), take an auto or cab.
• By Road: First reach Panjim Bus Stand (8 km from the church) from the airport or railway station, and then hire an auto or taxi.

Check out our blog on:   Churches in Goa

8. Archaeological Museum of Goa, Panjim

#8 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

Eager to know all about Goa’s Portuguese past? Then your itinerary for sightseeing in Panjim must include a trip to the Archaeological Museum behind the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Apart from lifelike portraits of past governors and viceroys, the museum houses impressive stamp collections, religious relics, Luís Vaz de Camões’ bronze statue, ten incarnations of Vishnu carved in basalt rock, and a 12 th -century Surya statue. Don’t miss the ivory sculptures depicting Jesus’ crucifixion, John the Baptist’s wooden sculpture, and Vasco da Gama, the famous explorer’s, painting. This museum is also where Goa’s first governor, Afonso de Albuquerque’s bronze statue is housed.  

• Best time to visit : October to May
• By Air: You can fly to Dabolim Airport (27 km from the museum) and get a cab then.
• By Train: Karmali Railway Station is just 2 km from the museum. Once you reach the station, take an auto or cab.
• By Road: The bus stand in Panjim that is nearest to the museum is 1 km away. From there, you can take an auto or cab.

9. Odxel Beach, Panjim

#9 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

Those who wish to take an offbeat track can head to the small but picturesque Odxel Beach. The rocky environs and swaying palm trees here attract photography enthusiasts, while the tranquillity appeals to those who are trying to get away from Panjim’s mad rush. You can enjoy a picnic here with your loved ones, just like the locals or seek divine blessings at the Portuguese catholic chapel nearby. Avoid swimming though as the undercurrents might be unsafe. 

• Best time to visit: October to March
• By Air: At 27 km from the beach, Dabolim Airport is the nearest airport. You can hire a cab from there to cover the distance.
• By Train: You can reach Karmali Railway Station (20 km from the beach) and then hire a taxi.
• By Road: Once you reach Goa University Bus Stop (2 km from the beach), hire an auto or taxi.

Suggested Read: Beaches in Goa

10. Corjeum Fort, Panjim

#10 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

Reminiscent of Portuguese rule in Goa and one of the best Panjim tourist attractions , Corjuem Fort was once a military fortress, to keep the Marathas at bay. It is situated on a river island in Bardez and made of pitted laterite. River Mapuca separates the fort from Aldona village and makes for a scenic setting. Built in 1705, the ancient fort houses a shrine for St. Anthony, which is currently owned and maintained by the Parish of Aldona. If unusual stories intrigue you, here’s the incident of Ursula e Lancastre, an ambitious Portuguese lady who dared to venture into a world of men back then. Dressed as a man, she arrived in Corjeum to play the role of a soldier, but was later identified. Consequently, she lost her position in the military. How lucky that women have come such a long way from those times, right?  

• Best time to visit: October to February  
• By Air: Hire a cab after you fly to Dabolim Airport (46 km from the fort).
• By Train: You can take a taxi or auto after reaching Thivim Railway Station (8 km from the fort).
• By Road: Once you reach Aldona village (3 km from the fort) by bus, hire an auto or cab.

11. Vainguinim Beach, Panjim

#11 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

With the sparkling Arabian Sea on one side and the rugged cliffs of Western Ghats on the other side, Vainguinim Beach is the perfect lazy getaway for those who love the sun. Rows of tall palm trees and dense vegetation make this place a photographer’s delight. You can either go for a rejuvenating swim or indulge the adventure junkie in you with wind surfing, banana boat rides, water skiing or parasailing. Spot different kinds of pretty, twittering birds while you laze around on the sand and dig into yummy seafood at one of the nearby shacks or restaurants.    

• By Air: After you fly to Dabolim Airport (28 km from the beach), hire a cab.
• By Train: The nearest station is Karmali Railway Station at 20 km. Hire a taxi to cover the distance.
• By Road: Goa University Bus Stop, at 3 km, is the nearest bus stand, from where you can take a taxi or auto.

12. Bambolim Beach, Panjim

If unwinding on golden sand, clicking pictures with gorgeous greenery in the backdrop, or swimming in azure waters seems like the ideal vacation to you, Bambolim Beach has it all and more. The pristine beauty and calm of this beach attracts those who are tired of a fast-paced urban lifestyle. You can also have a cosy picnic here or relish authentic Goan delicacies at one of the shacks. Rocky outcrops add character to this secluded beach, also frequented by fishermen.  

• Ideal duration : 2 – 3 hours
• By Air: 23 km from the beach, Dabolim Airport is the nearest airport. You can hire a taxi from there.
• By Train: After reaching Karmali Railway Station (16 km from the beach), get a cab or auto.
• By Road: You can first reach Panaji KTC Bus Stand or Goa University Bus Stop (both 6 km from the beach) and then take an auto or taxi.

13. Casino Royale Goa, Panjim

Woo Lady Luck at Casino Royale Goa, a luxury cruise that floats on water and boasts multiple swanky floors for a uniquely entertaining experience. It is undoubtedly one of the most glamorous places to visit in Panjim at night . A total area of 40,000 sq. ft. has been devoted to around 123 gaming tables, so that you can play everything from Black Jack and Teen Patti to poker, roulette, baccarat and more. The whiskey lounge is perfect for sipping on exotic liquors or smoking classy hand-rolled cigars, when you are taking a break from frenzied gambling. Gourmet dishes are served too, to satiate your hunger pangs and fuel you up for long gaming sessions.

• Best time to visit: November to February
• By Air: The casino is 30 km from Dabolim Airport and you can get a cab to cover the distance.
• By Train: After reaching Karmali Railway Station (13 km from the casino), hire a taxi.
• By Road: Take an auto or taxi from Panjim Bus Stand (2 km from the casino).

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14. Siridao Beach, Panjim

#14 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

Close to Zuari estuary, Siridao Beach is not just a picture-perfect respite from the urban bustle, but is also peppered with beautiful shells of unique shapes. This sandy-rocky beach has an intense green backdrop and makes for unforgettable pictures, especially when the sun is setting. Once you are done lazing around on the sand, you can pay a visit to the Chapel of Jesus of Nazareth, close by. There is a centuries-old cave in close proximity, which might intrigue your explorer’s soul too. 

• By Air: At 20 km from the beach, Dabolim Airport is the nearest airport. You can hire a taxi from there.
• By Train: Once you reach Karmali Railway Station (12 km from the beach), get a cab or auto.
• By Road: The nearest bus stop to this beach is at 1 km, from where you can take an auto or cab.

15. Shri Mangesh Temple, Panjim

#15 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

Established in 1560, this eye-catching temple in Mangeshi Village is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s incarnation, Bhagavan Manguesh. Multiple domes, balustrades and pilasters contribute to its elegant architecture. Tourists flock to this temple to admire the statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s bull, and the seven-storey lamp tower or deepstambha as well. A large water tank on the premises adds to the serene vibe. Inside, 19 th -century chandeliers add to the dramatic décor of the temple. Festivals like Navaratri , Rama Navami , Diwali and Dussehra are celebrated with great pomp here, and attract those seeking spiritual bliss. The deepstambha, lit up on such special days, looks spectacular.  

• Ideal duration : Less than 1 hour
• By Air: From Dabolim Airport (36 km from the temple), hire a cab.
• By Train: At 12 km, Karmali Railway Station is the nearest railway station. Take a taxi to reach the temple.
• By Road: After you reach Ponda KTC Bus Stand (8 km from the temple) from Panjim, hire a taxi or auto.

16. Miramar Beach, Panjim

#16 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

Hailed as the longest beach in Goa (around 2 km), Miramar Beach paints a striking picture with tranquil blue waves lapping against a white sandy shore. A long array of lofty palm trees makes it easy to capture Insta-worthy shots here. You can unwind on this peaceful beach, have a picnic, set up a barbeque, or watch migratory birds like gulls and plovers during the winter months. You can also go for boat rides, and if you are lucky, you will be able to spot dolphins. Don’t forget to relish authentic Goan dishes or Indian or continental fares at one of the shacks, cafes or restaurants nearby. Shopaholics can get their hands on some arty jewelleries or fashionable clothes at the stalls near the beach and save a ton of money too.   

• Best time to visit: November to March
• By Air: Fly to Dabolim Airport (29 km from the beach) first and then get a cab.
• By Train: You can first reach Karmali Railway Station (17 km from the beach) and then take a taxi.
• By Road: Dhempe College Bus Stop is 650m from the beach. Simply walk or get an auto to cover the distance.

17. Coco Beach, Panjim

Set against densely forested hills and right on the Mandovi estuary of Nerul River, Coco Beach is what a traveller’s dreams are made of. One of the loveliest places to explore in Panjim , turquoise waters meet golden sands here, inviting you to take a refreshing dip or indulge in exciting water sports. River cruises, banana boat rides, jet skis, and bumper rides are especially a huge hit with tourists. Dotted with quaint shacks and stalls, the beach is also ideal for digging into lip-smacking cuisines, sipping on chilled drinks or getting some retail therapy.   

• By Air: Dabolim Airport is 38 km from the beach. To cover the distance, take a cab.
• By Train: First reach Karmali Railway Station (21 km from the beach) and then get a taxi.
• By Road: At 3 km, Chichekade Bus Stop is the nearest of its kind. From there, hire a taxi or auto to reach the beach.

18. Altinho Hill, Panjim

#18 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

Famed as an upscale neighbourhood that takes your breath away with sweeping views of Panjim, Altinho Hill is replete with a unique charm. This is where you will come across the city’s All India Radio station, Archbishop’s Palace, chief minister’s residence as well as colonial style quarters for politicians and civil servants. Lush green vegetation, coupled with quaint buildings, winding roads, and the hillside location, make Altinho Hill a photographer’s paradise.    

• Ideal duration : 2 hours
• By Air: After you fly to Dabolim Airport (29 km from Altinho Hill), take a taxi.
• By Train: After reaching Karmali Railway Station (14 km from Altinho Hill), you can get an auto or cab.
• By Road: Altinho Hill is just 3 km from Panaji KTC Bus Stand. You can take a cab to cover the distance.

19. Shri Mahalaxmi Temple, Panjim

A magnificent example of Konkani temple architecture, Shri Mahalaxmi Temple combines spirituality, art and history with panache. Once located near Colva Beach, in Kolambe, the original temple was demolished by the Portuguese. To save the goddess’s statue, devotees secretly handed it over to a priest in Talaulim. Then, the deity was moved to its current location in Bandora, and a new temple was built. What catches the eye first when you visit this temple is the grand entrance with a pair of elephants topping the arch. A couple of deepasthambhas or lamp towers are present on the premises, and they look glorious when lit on special occasions. The temple’s sabhamandapa is especially impressive, adorned with chandeliers, paintings and engravings that depict stories from the Puranas. The Mahalaxmi idol is also awe-inspiring as it has four arms holding a dagger, a sickle, a club and a vessel with flowers and offerings. Festivals like Mahashivratri and Navaratri are observed with a lot of pomp here.

• By Air: Dabolim Airport is 30 km from the temple. Hire a cab to cover the distance.
• By Train: Karmali Railway Station, at 13 km, is the nearest of its kind. Take a taxi or auto to reach the temple.
• By Road: You can hire an auto or cab from Ponda KTC Bus Stand (5 km from the temple) after taking a bus from Panjim.

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20. Museum of Christian Art, Panjim

#20 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

Nothing compares to the Museum of Christian Art if you are eager to know all about Goa’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Counted among the famous places to visit in Panjim, Goa , the museum is located on Holy Hill and brings you a mind-blowing collection of sculptures, paintings, furniture, ornaments, textiles and artworks done in ivory, wood and metal. Each of these tells a story about how India played a key role in influencing Christian art. You can go for a guided tour or peruse at your own leisure. There is a knowledge centre where you can learn about Goa’s heritage extensively, and events and exhibitions are held from time to time as well. Make sure you enjoy fresh sweets and snacks at the onsite café and shop for some beautifully designed products from the museum shop.

• By Air: The museum is 27 km from Dabolim Airport, from where you can hire a taxi.
• By Train: Karmali Railway Station is just 3 km away. Hire a taxi or auto to reach the museum from there.
• By Road: First reach Panaji KTC Bus Stand (10 km from the museum) and then get a cab or auto.

21. Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount, Panjim

Does connecting with your spiritual self in a charming, secluded spot sound enticing? Then pay a visit to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount, overlooking the Mandovi River from atop a lush green hill. Built by Afonso de Albuquerque in 1519, after he vanquished Adil Shah’s forces to take over Goa, the pristine white chapel has a quaint look that tempts photographers and religious tourists alike. Every November, music enthusiasts flock to this place to attend the Monte Music Festival. If you are keen on architecture, the tall façade, arches, columns and spacious layout will intrigue you. Baroque and mannerist influences are evident in the laterite structure, and make for wonderful pictures at the time of sunset. 

• By Air: The chapel is 28 km from Dabolim Airport, and can be reached by taking a cab.
• By Train: Karmali Railway Station is just 3 km from the chapel. Take an auto or taxi to cover the distance.
• By Road: Take a bus from Panjim to reach Old Goa Bus Stop (2 km from the chapel) and then get a taxi or auto.

22. Maruti Temple, Panjim

#22 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

A brilliant orange and red structure nestled amidst verdant greenery and perched on top of the Altinho Hill – Maruti Temple is indeed a sight for sore eyes. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who helped Lord Rama conquer Ravana, the temple is a unique blend of traditional Hindu and colonial architectural styles. Overlooking the beautiful Fontainhas district, it boasts sloping roofs, sharp arches, dome-like detailing and wide steps as well. After dark, it is gloriously lit up and is visible from a good distance. The octagonal lamp tower or deepastambha is another structural element that adds to the grace of the temple. You might also be interested to know that the stairs of Maruti Temple begin from a freshwater spring, which has served the local populace for ages. 

• Best time to visit: December to August
• By Air: After you fly to Dabolim Airport (29 km from the temple), take a taxi.
• By Train: After you reach Karmali Railway Station (13 km from the temple), get a cab.
• By Road: Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand is 3 km from the temple. Hire an auto or car to cover the distance.

23. Institute Menezes Braganza, Panjim

Established in the 19 th century by the Portuguese, Institute Menezes Braganza is Goa’s cultural, artistic and literary soul. Located in the heart of the city, it naturally features on the list of places to visit in Panjim . The institute conducts many public functions and events in collaboration with the Sahitya Akademi, National Book Trust in New Delhi and Goa Konkani Akademi. It was previously known as Institute Vasco Da Gama and continues to enthral tourists with its bright yellow exterior, arched lattice windows and warm-looking interiors. Their publication, Bulletin of the Institute Menezes Braganza, is widely known and focuses on activities in literature, art, culture and even science circles.

• By Air: Dabolim Airport, the closest of its kind, is at 30 km. You can get a cab from there.
• By Train: First reach Karmali Railway Station (13 km from the institute) and then hire a taxi or auto.
• By Road: From Panaji KTC bus stand (2 km from the institute), you can take a cab or auto.

Check out the 30 best places in Goa for youngsters

24. Chapel of St. Sebastian, Panjim

#24 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

Situated in the picturesque locality of Fontainhas, the Chapel of St. Sebastian is a quaint affair in white and has an imposing façade. St. Sebastian was highly revered when Old Goa was battling with the plague, rodents and pests. And the legends of his miraculous healing powers still live among the locals. Constructed in 1818, the chapel houses a unique crucifix of Jesus, where his eyes are open. It is believed that the Lord has witnessed the suffering borne during the 15 th -century inquisition. Inside the chapel, the statue of Virgin Mary and three beautifully carved screens received from a church in Diu also deserve admiration. During the Feast of Our Lady of the Livrament held every year in mid-November, people gather at the square in front of the chapel to celebrate.    

• By Air: At 29 km, Dabolim Airport is the nearest airport. Hire a taxi from there to reach the chapel.
• By Train: Once you reach Karmali Railway Station (13 km from the chapel), hire an auto or cab.
• By Road: After reaching Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand (2 km from the chapel), take an auto or taxi.

25. Goa Science Centre & Planetarium, Panjim

#25 of 25 Places to Visit in Panjim

Goa is not just a beach haven but has other exciting as well as informative things to offer, especially if you are travelling with kids. Goa Science Centre & Planetarium is the perfect example of that. Both adults and children can enjoy a rendezvous with celestial bodies here, apart from watching 3D shows and participating in workshops. Many educational programs and exhibitions are held here as well. If you are a science buff, you will have a gala time getting to know about marine science, magic with mirrors, and fun things that can be done with science.  

• By Air: You can first fly to Dabolim Airport (30 km from the planetarium) and then hire a taxi.
• By Train: Karmali Railway Station is 17 km from the planetarium. Take an auto or taxi to cover the distance.
• By Road: Just 3 km from Panaji Bus Stand, the planetarium can be reached by hiring a cab or auto.

So, keep this list of beautiful places to visit in Panjim handy and take your time to plan a fabulous vacation. Whether you are a budget traveller or someone who has a weak spot for luxury, there are plenty of hotels in Panjim to suit your taste and needs satisfactorily.

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Home » Travel » A Comprehensive Guide To Panjim, Goa

A Comprehensive Guide To Panjim, Goa

• Editor's Desk
• September 1, 2023

A Goa local’s inside tips on where to stay, what to do and where to eat in Panjim

Can any Indian city be called charming? Can it spring up images of magnificent architecture along a 7-kilometre long promenade overlooking a glittering river? Can it stir up memories of a spectacular white church, a grand red and gold temple and ochre-coloured mansions crowned with terracotta tiles, all sharing a lush, terraced hillside? It can, if the city in question is Panjim.

The capital of Goa ever since the Portuguese took over from the Mughal rulers, Panjim is an ever-growing important social, political and cultural centre for the state. Comfortably absorbing the influx of ex-big-city-dwellers who choose to live and work here instead, it has managed to retain its colonial-era glory to this day and is easily one of the most beautiful cities in India.

WHAT’S THE PLAN

7 am • For early risers, a walk down the Mandovi river promenade is a delightful experience. See the city wake-up and shine in all its glory. 9 am • What’s better than to see and experience the cultural heritage, vibrant vibe and scenic highlights of the city on an electric bicycle? Book in advance with Goa Handpicked +91 98334 38313 12.30 pm • Rejuvenate at Tea Trunk with small bites and artisanal teas or pamper yourself with a massage at Snip Salon & Spa. 1.30 pm • Try a flavourful fish thali and Goan delicacies for lunch. Choose from our recommendations in our ‘What’s on the menu?’ section. 3 pm • Shopping in Panjim is a must. Check out our handpicked recommendations in the ‘Want to talk Shop?’ section and take your pick.

3.30 pm • Delve into the lively hues of heritage, art & music at the Old Latin Quarters in Panjim with Fontainhas Heritage Walk. Book with Goa Handpicked (+91 98334 38313). 5 pm • Witness the spectacular Goan sunset, best viewed while sailing in the Arabian Sea. Book your sail with Goa Handpicked (+91 98334 38313) 7 pm • Refresh yourself with a quick drink and tapas at one of the rustic bars in the old quarters of Panjim (Miski, Antonio @31 or Joseph Bar)   8.30 pm • Indulge in fabulous global flavours recreated right here in Goa. Pick from our ‘What’s on the menu?’ section. 11 pm • Go bar-hopping in Panjim. See our recommendations in ‘Where’s the Party?’ section.

• Take a selfie with the iconic Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church . 
• Browse through the latest exhibits and art at Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts .
• Drop into Gallery Gitanjali in Fontainhas to admire the latest art on display.
• Go for a Spice Plantation tour .
• Visit the Governor’s Bungalow to see the antiques inside and the vast waterfront outside.
• Adil Shah Palace was actually once home to the ruler of Bijapur and is worth checking out.
• Stop by at the Goa State Museum for a deep dive into the Goan history and culture.
• Take a stroll along the picturesque riverside promenade .

Konkan Explorers

Konkan Explorers, a multi-awarded company, is official partner of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) to develop responsible nautical adventures.

The guided and customized programs include:

• The Yacht Cruise Program (90 mins) takes place in Panjim on the Mandovi River. Ideal for discovering these beautiful sites.
• The Kayaking Program (2 hrs) takes place on the Chapora River. Ideal for enjoying close proximity to nature.
• The Adventure Program (3 hrs) takes place on the Chapora River. Including a cruise and a kayaking excursion suited to explore the goan nautical environment.

Get in Touch: Panjim and Morjim | +91 96893 13506 | 9 am – 7 pm, on reservation only | www.konkanexplorers.com

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WHAT’S ON THE MENU?

LEGENDARY LOCAL PLACES

• Try the fish thali and other local favourites at these places- Kokni Kanteen , Peep Kitchen, Ritz Classic or Bombil.
• The amazing food and rich ambience at Viva Panjim stays true to its Portuguese roots.
• At Mum’s Kitchen , the menu is literally a collection of recipes by Goan moms. 
• For authentic North-Indian food, there’s no better place than Sher-e-punjab where the succulent Kebabs, Rabdi Gulab Jamun and Kulfi are all-time favourites.

SPECIALIZED WORLD CUISINES

• For scrumptious salads, pizzas, refreshing cocktails and the friendliest service, head to Terttulia Goa .
• At the famous Black Sheep Bistro , indulge in delectable global cuisines made with local, seasonal ingredients.
• Head to MO’s cafe for a hearty Goan & Japanese inspired menu.
• The Pan Asian restaurant – Tataki is a must-visit.  
• Set in an art deco building, Miguel’s-Cocktails and Petiscos serves as a friendly watering hole.
• Perfect Cup is Panjim’s favorite cafe-bar with a well curated menu, superb coffee and delish cocktails.
• Makutsu is a superb Yakitori Bar & Japanese Street Food joint to check out.
• Padaria Prazeres is a European-style café serving bakes, sandwiches, and coffee. The pastéis de nata (Portuguese egg custard tarts) are a must-try.

WHERE’S THE PARTY?

• A throwback to erstwhile Panjim, Antonio@31 serves up delicious bites on community tablesto the beat of Latin music.
• Petisco has recently created quite a wave in Panjim with its unassuming vibe, tapas menu and live gigs.
• FTR (For the record) is a quaint bar with a huge collection of vinyls and fabulous cocktails to go with it. 
• Miski is a cute little dive bar in Panjim that is worth a visit.
• One of Goa’s better kept secrets, Joseph Bar is tucked away in the Latin quarters.l Old-world charm meets pop art at Soho Goa – a party spot in the quaint Fontainhas area.

WE RECOMMEND

At Tea Trunk you can sip on gourmet teas paired with hearty snacks, sandwiches and tea infused desserts. Housed in a 100 year old Portuguese casinha, this quaint tea room is a marquee stop at the neighborhood heritage walk. Go here for unique whole leaf tea blends crafted by India’s first certified Tea Sommelier. A must-try is their high tea menu and vegan friendly options. Our top picks are the Chamomile cupcake, Matcha latte & Boba teas. You can also shop homegrown brands of Goa from their well curated gift store.

Get in Touch: House No.162, St. Sebastian Chapel Road, Fontainhas | +91 83810 23382. 10 am – 7 pm, Thursday to Tuesday | www.teatrunk.com  

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The Perfect Cup

When in Goa, live it up at the Perfect Cup! Be it a quick drink to unwind after a long day or a big round of celebration with your loved ones, Perfect Cup’s cosy ambience and homely atmosphere will cheer you up instantly. The meals here are as hearty as their service. Take your pick from an extensive menu of large plates, sizzlers, burgers, beers on tap and heady cocktails followed by some toothsome desserts. If game-nights, karaoke and live music are your cup of tea, this place couldn’t be more perfect for you.

Get in Touch: Miramar Residency, Opp Miramar Beach, Miramar, Panjim +91 77220 57845 | 7 am – 11 pm

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Black Sheep Bistro

This bistro is a casual and friendly place that enjoys a legendary status today. Run by Sabreen and Prahlad Sukhtankar, the space is warm & unpretentious and serves up a range of eclectic dishes that focus on sustainably sourced local ingredients. Vegetarians hunger for the mushroom paté while non-vegetarians make a beeline for the seafood and everyone loves their infused gin and tonics. Enquire about their specially curated 8 course meal – ‘The Chef’s Table’ for one of the best dining experiences in Goa.

Get in Touch: Dr. Braganza Pereira Rd, Above Fab India, Campal, Panjim +91 83224 65901 | 12 noon to 12 midnight all day dining 

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Terttulia Goa is a restaurant, cafe and a bar, all combined into a lavish space that serves scrumptious food and refreshing cocktails all day long. The menu features the best of European and Asian cuisine and also includes plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Their small plates, salads, Karari Roti, Pizza Terttuli-aah, TT’s Half Pounder, Bouillabaisse ‘n Goan Poi and Tiramisu are crowd favourites along with their thoughtful and attentive service.

Get in Touch: Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, Opposite Times of India, Miramar, Panjim +91 89280 24518 | Mon-Fri 11 am – 1 am | Sat-Sun 9 am – 1 am

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A quiet hideaway in the heart of Panjim’s Old Quarter, MO’s is an all-day café with a menu inspired by local produce and Japanese flavours. You can find great coffee, smoothies, salads, and an all-day breakfast menu, made with fresh and natural ingredients. And with gluten-free, plant-based and high- protein options, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, it carves out a space for you to unwind in the leisurely ambience of a tropical courtyard.

Get in Touch: H.No E-365 (inside OMO), Rua Miguel Vicent Abreu | +91 70668 61981 9 am – 9 pm, Wednesdays closed  

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WANT TO TALK SHOP?

• A must visit store in Panjim, O.M.O has an extensive range of cotton casuals andaccessories for men and women.
• Tarini is a label of handcrafted Indian textiles and ethnic yet contemporary prints.
• Find an immaculate curation of modern Indian fashion & lifestyle brands at the sprawling boutique store, The Good Life Goa.
• Goa Decor offers beautifully curated souvenirs and handcrafted products like traditional Goan windows, vintage kitchenware, paintings and more, all crafted by skilled local artisans.
• Shop for quirky souvenirs to take back from Goa at Mario Gallery , dedicated to the works of Goa’s celebrated artist, Late Mario de Miranda.
• You’ll find everything from eclectic clothes to leather puppets, paper birds and other delights at Sacha’s Shop .
• It doesn’t get more authentic than the azulejos (glazed tiles) at the Velha Goa Galleria .
• Admire, try on and buy the renowned fashion designer’s creations at the Wendell Rodricks Design Space . 
• Take a walk down M.G. Road and the neighboring 18th June Road which is dotted by both international and local stores. Bombay Bazaar on 18th June Road can be your stop for all things essential. 
• The handmade products at Khadi India come straight from the villages of India.
• Pick an instrument of your choice at Panjim’s oldest music shop – Pedro Fernandes or walk into Kadence store for a complete musical experience.

O.M.O is a special place that celebrates the joy of discovery. For over twenty years, the brand has been creating eclectic garments with natural Indian textiles. The store offers women’s apparel, accessories, menswear, kid’s clothing, home decor and gifts. Each piece here is designed to complement personal style without being a slave to popular trends.

Get in Touch: Behind Head Post Office, Panjim | +91 832 2230 352/353 | 10.30 am – 8 pm, Sundays Closed

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The Good Life

The Good Life Goa is a modern Indian lifestyle store spread across 4000 sq ft, in the historical Fontainhas area. Set against the backdrop of a river, the sprawling space is home to an impeccable curation  of modern Indian designer apparel, footwear, accessories, art, home decor, tableware and organic wellness products. We recommend you take the afternoon off to slow down and explore the store at leisure.

Get in Touch: 1st Floor Prema Building, Next to Mary Immaculate School, Fontainhas, Panjim | +91 98196 89397, 98909 52242 | 11 am – 8 pm, Open all days

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Aptly inspired by Ma Tarini – the female embodiment of Shakti (power), Tarini is a chic label of design-oriented home linen. A signature brand for luxury living, their handcrafted textiles and ethnic prints rendered in contemporary style provide you with creative options for elegant homes and splendid living. Tarini has a considerably large and loyal clientele who share a mutual passion and spirit that celebrates ethnicity and modernity simultaneously.

Get in Touch: #153, Campal, Behind Directorate of Health Services | +91 83800 71053 | 10 am – 7 pm | www.tarinionline.com

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A slice of Goa in a single store,Goa Decor is an artisanal boutique that serves as your gateway to the vibrant heritage and culture of Goa. Their carefully curated collection features artisanal products crafted by local artisans, drawing inspiration from the state’s rich history and architecture. From vintage kitchenware to traditional Goan windows, original hand-paintings, and contemporary lifestyle accessories, each item embodies Goan heritage. Goa Decor is the ideal store whether you seek to infuse your home with Goan heritage or collect souvenirs and gifts as cherished mementos.

Get in Touch: Supreme, Level 3, Above Apollo Pharmacy, Caranzalem | +91 70200 68459 | 10 am – 7pm, Sundays Closed

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Pamper yourself at one of Goa’s first and most luxurious wellness spas – Snip. They are pioneers of providing international standards of hair, skin and body services under one stylish, modern and iconic roof. From flawless manicures and pedicures to premium facials, skincare, bridal makeup and massages, they do it all. Be sure to experience their speciality – impeccable hair care by a team of experts who will cut, colour and style to perfection.

Get in Touch:

Goa University Rd, Grand Hyatt, Bambolim | +91 93702 81418 | 10 am – 8 pm

Ground Floor, Padmavati Towers, 18th June Rd | +91 83224 20898 | 10 am – 9 pm | www.snip.co.in

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Places to Visit in Panjim

• Places To Visit

Tourist Places to visit in Panjim

Basilica Of Bom Jesus, Fort Aguada, Casino Royale, Goa Archaeological Museum,Se Cathedral, Reis Magos Fort and, several other splendid sites. With the literal meaning ”The Land that never floods” Panjim is emerging as of the most magnetizing place for the travelers. Awe-inspiring terraced hillocks, massive monolithic structures, churches, and a riverside stroll are the possessions of Panjim. Unlike other state capitals, Panjim is not at all overcrowded and, is a peaceful city where streets are lined up with vibrantly glowing gulmohars and acacias. The landscapes of Panjim by gloom is lovely, especially around twilight. There are numerous tourist places in Panjim, Church of the Immaculate Conception of The Virgin Mary being the most prominent one. Here, you savor the Goa culture and, also witness majestic churches, mesmerizing beaches, mighty forts and enormous other sites with Portuguese influence. Panjim is definitely a city worth popping into to explore the beautiful scenes and splendid weather it has to offer.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Panjim:

Casino Pride (Majestic Pride)

Another amazing casino life could be experienced at Casino Pride (Majestic Pride) which has its anchor tied down in Mandovi river. The casino boat has the best of the facilities and services having well-trained staff, delicious meals and a good range of drinks making it one of the best places to visit in North Goa in 1 day.

Basilica Of Bom Jesus

The oldest withstanding Church of Goa, beautifully built under the influence of Portuguese architectural style, is one of the best places to visit in Panjim. The lovely marble floor embellished with valuable stones adds up to the charm of the magnificent church. The cathedral of the Church holds the remains of St. Xavier's in a silver casket which is elegantly decorated and, worshiped by his devotees.

Church Of The Immaculate Conception Of The Virgin Mary

Sitting, right in the middle of the hillock this mighty church has three shrines of Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary and, Crucifixion of Jesus. Being the first church to built-in Goa it holds utmost significance in its tourism and, adding up to the most attractive places to visit in Panjim. Previously, it was just a chapel in the early 15th century but, with time and tide, the chapel went through many transformations and, led to this massive structure which is elegantly built with influences of several architectural styles. Location:  North-Eastern Side of Central Square, Panjim 403001, India Timings:  All days  10 AM - 12:30 PM and 4 PM - 5:30 PM Entry Fees:  Free Distance from Panjim Bus Stand:  Approximately 1.6 km away.

Casino Royale Goa

This place will “blow your mind” as here casino floats on water. Deltin has modern and classy casinos which are undoubtedly the most happening ones. There are numerous floors sprawling over an area of 40,000 square feet with various sections to keep people engaged of all ages. With 123 gaming tables here, you can play all sorts of gambling games be it Poker, Teen Patti, Black Jack, and many more variants. While you enjoy the gambling, you can also savor exclusive liquors at the whiskey lounge with amazing hand-rolled cigars. The casino provides all the top-notch amenities and, is the ace in the field of the casinos. Undoubtedly it is one of the most happening places to visit in Panjim. One can also relax in VIP gaming suites where one can stay as well as play. The highlighting feature of the casino is that it is the only place with a dedicated poker room. Location:  Noah's Ark, RND Jetty, Dayanand Bandodkar Road, Panaji, Goa 403001 Timings:  Open 24 hrs Entry Fees:  Monday to Thursday    Rs 2500/-                         Friday to Sunday          Rs 3500/- Distance from Panjim Bus Stand:  Approximately   1.6 km away

Fort Aguada

Showcasing the glory of the Portuguese empire this fort stands overlooking the Arabian sea. Built in the early 16th century to keep an eye on the enemies this fort give breathtaking views and, is one of the most majestic places to visit in Panjim. The mystifying structure is more than 400 years old and still, its majestic beauty remains intact. It also houses a lighthouse which was built to guide the ships and, another part is the Aguada Jail which is one of the largest jails in Goa. The location of the mighty fort is strategic so that it provides great defense from the rivals. Location: Fort Aguada Rd, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa 403515 Timings: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Entry Fees: Free Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 15 km

Goa Archaeological Museum

This “Architectural Marvel” showcases the artifacts of the Portuguese rule in India, with eight unique galleries exhibiting different slices of the pre-historic era of Portuguese sways. The most significant of these are deemed to be the paintings of the long-dead Governors and, Administrators of Goa. To add up to the amusement of the visitors, the museum also has a remarkable collection of stamps, religious artifacts, and other such hidden gems. This is a perfect place to dig up the history of the Goan culture and styles in the early ages. Location:  EDC Complex, Patto, Panaji, Goa 403001 Timings:  9:00 AM- 5:00 PM Entry Fees:  Only Rs 5/- per person Distance from Panjim Bus Stand:  Approximately 9 km

Se Cathedral

Best of North Goa

St. Augustin Towers

The historic gem of Goa - “St. Augustin Tower  ” is a highly visible belfry from many sites. The sumptuous tower was built in the preceding years of 16th Century by the Augustinian pilgrims who visited Goa, the same time. Previously, there were four such towers but they couldn't withstand the time and got depreciated. Now, only one such tower stands there in the premises of the St. Augustine Church. The purpose of this tower was to serve as a turret and, the Church had eight lavishly embellished chapels, four altars and a cloister with numerous cells connected to it. The style and designing of this tower are still unknown but it is purely astounding. Location:  Church of St. Augustine Ruins, Velha Goa, Goa 403402 Timings:  Throughout the day Entry Fees:  No entry fee Distance from Panjim Bus Stand:   Approximately 8.4 km

St. Cajetan Church

Witness the visual retreat at the St. Cajetan Church also known as the “Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence”. The Church exhibits the Corinthian style of architecture which was taken up by the Italian friars, though they were not allowed to work here somehow they managed in Old Goa. Taking a glance at this holy structure it has six Baroque style altars on which you can locate visions of angels. The minute you enter this place you can actually feel the purity and, pious environs all around you. You can also discover remarkable Italian compositions which extend an intriguing impression of St. Cajetan’s time and, this architectural gem of Corinthian style is a popular tourist place in Panjim. Location:  Velha Goa, Goa 403402 Timings:  All days of  Week                 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM,  4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Entry Fees:  Absolutely Free! Distance from Panjim Bus Stand:  Approximately 12.5 km

Reis Magos Fort

Seated on the banks of Mandovi this majestic fort serves as a turret. This massive structure has been resized twice just to increase its size for a better view of the entire city. Due to its huge size, it can be seen from any point from the Mandovi river. The artistry of the craftsmen is worth-watching as the fort has various jaw-dropping interiors which are beautifully carved. Moreover, the view from the fort is just beyond one's imagination with endless waters fused with beautiful displays. Location: Verem, Bardez, Goa 403114 Timings: Tuesday to Sunday                 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Entry Fees: Rs.   50 per person for Adults.                     Rs.  25 per person for Students                     Rs. 10 per person on Sundays and Goa Govt. Holidays Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 7 km

Odxel Beach

The Odxel Beach is a small beach with relaxing and positive surroundings. Lying at the center of Dona Paula and Bambolim this beach is a frequent spot by the tourists. Though it is not a good option to swim as there have been instances of underwater currents but it has a peaceful environment. It is a perfect place where one can indulge in self-analysis due to the picturesque offerings accompanied by a chapel right next to the beach and, is one of the most attractive places to see in Panjim. Location: Near the Bainguinim Town, Panjim, India Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 7.7 km

Best of South Goa

Shri Mahalaxmi Temple

“ The Place with high Spiritual importance ”- Shri Mahalaxmi temple is situated in the Bandora village. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s consort Mahalaxmi and, has a modern structure. As soon as you enter the worship place you will be welcomed by elegant carvings and, a beautifully decorated arch with two elephants. The walls of the worship place adorned beautiful paintings and the ceilings will leave you awestruck with alluring antique chandeliers. At the time of Mahashivratri, the main idol of Mahalaxmi is taken out from the premises and carried on the shoulders by the devotees. Location: Situated next to Mushtifund Sansthan Panaji, Dada Vaidya Road, Panaji, Goa 403001 Timings: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Entry Fees: Free Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 2 km

Corjuem Fort

Even after being one of the smallest forts in Goa, Corjuem fort has made his place in the most visited places in Goa. Surrounded by unusually stunning swathes of Goan culture, this fort survived till 21st century and, is one of the best places to see in Panjim. It is one of the most visually appealing tourist places in Panjim with rich historic pieces of evidence. This majestic fort was built for increasing the defense power of the colonists, being square in shape. Even after being weathered and deteriorated the fort still stands beautifully and, is a major point of attraction. Location: Off Aldona-Corjuem Road, Corjuem, Goa 403508 Timings: 24 Hrs Open Entry Fees: Free Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 19 km

People Also Ask About Panjim

Which are the best places to visit in panjim for couples.

1. Fort Aguada:  Fort Aguada, located on Aguada Siolim road in Sinquerim, is one of the most amazing tourist places in Panjim for couples to enjoy activities such as horseback riding, trekking, and many others. The location also provides a romantic atmosphere for couples because it is located on the banks of the Mandovi River, making the experience even more memorable. 2. Dona Paula:  Dona Paula Beach is a lovely and romantic place for a couple to spend an evening watching the sunset or soaking up the rays. People come here for walks and to photograph Panjim's views of the Arabian Sea while sampling some delicious food from the beach stalls. 3. Catra:  Catra offers a romantic setting with cosy tea-shack pavilions surrounded by cactus plants overlooking the river. Fresh oysters are the house specialty, served with a generous dusting of pepper and salt making the place well worth a visit.  4. Basilica of Bom Jesus:  It is one of the best tourist places in Panjim, with a breathtaking ambience that defies description. It is also known as Goa's oldest church and has a long history of religious significance in the region. 5. Grande Island Harbour:  It provides a romantic setting for couples to enjoy a walk while taking in the scenic beauty of the place. A water fountain keeps people from burning their feet on hot sand, and at night, the lights of the boats serve as stars for lovers which makes the place more beautiful than ever.  6. St Cathedral:  It is one of the most visited places in Goa, with an excellent atmosphere that allows you to immerse yourself in the spirituality of the place. There are numerous other attractions in the area, including fantastic restaurants and several places to stay.

What is the best time to visit Panjim?

Which are the best beaches in and near panjim.

1. Calangute Beach:  Calangute beach is well-known for its sunbathing, swimming, lazy evenings and for a variety of water sports activities, including kayaking, parasailing and many others. The beach is lined with coconut trees, and the numerous cottages provide an ideal setting for relaxation. 2. Mandrem Beach:  Mandrem Beach is well known for its beautiful view of the Arabian Sea and the crystal clear waters. The beach is only three kilometres from Panjim and can be reached by foot, bicycle, or automobile. The city itself sprawls along the Mandrem Creek's coastline which makes the place well worth a visit. 3. Palolem Beach:  Palolem, a popular beach in Panjim, is the city's busiest spot as the tourists, locals, and students flock here to swim and play. The beach also has several food stalls where you can sample some of Goa's most delectable seafood. 4. Baga Beach:  Baga beach is one of Goa's most popular beaches, known for its beautiful waters and sand dunes. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the beach's lively nightlife, vibrant sunsets, and warm sea. Here, you can also participate in a variety of water sports activities such as kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing, snorkelling, and others. 5. Bogmar Beach:  Bogmar beach is a scenic stretch of sand and coastline nestled within the coastal forests of South Goa, located far from the hustle and bustle of the city. All you have to do is make your way south from the main square for a breathtaking view of Goa's north coast to visit this mesmerising beach.

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• Places to Visit in Panjim

86 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Panjim

• Panjim Overview
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Calangute Beach

#1 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 14 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 10 km from Mapusa and 41 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station, Calangute Beach is the largest Beach in North Goa and one of the best tourist Places to visit in Goa . The beach is often represented in promotion of Goa Tourism. Calangute Beach is another popular attraction not to miss in a Goa tour packages . Calangute is also called the 'Queen of beaches' in Goa and among the best beaches in Goa . As stories go on, hippies had discovered this beach during the 60's so is it famous since then. Calangute along with Candolim, Baga and Anjuna form part of stretch of beach extending from just outside Panaji city to Fort Aguada. Calangute Beach is a 4 mile long beach that lies between Baga and Candolim beach. It is also among the top beaches of Goa. The beach is wide with soft sand but the sea is rough. .....

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#2 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 15 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus stand, Baga beach is located in North Goa . This beach is bordered by Calangute Beach to its south and Anjuna Beach to its north. Baga Beach starts right where Calangute ends. Named after the Baga Creek that merges into the Arabian Sea on the northern part of the beach, this is one of the must include beaches in Goa as part of honeymoon tour . Baga Beach is famous for its beach shacks and the delicious sea food that is offered there. The night life at Baga is even more exciting than its days. Baga Beach is the home to some of the hottest night clubs like Tito's and Mambos which are always crowded with the dance freaks. Mackie's Saturday Night Bazaar offers amazing buys for the shopper. Baga Beach is a popular tourist attraction of Goa. This beach is entertaining from sunrise to sunset. As the sun sets down, party mode is switched-on around .....

Basilica Of Bom Jesus

#3 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 9 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and 27 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station, the famous Bom Jesus Basilica is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site (Churches & Convents of Goa). It is also called St. Francis Xavier's Tomb. It is one of the top attractions you must include in Goa packages and one of the major heritage sites in Goa state. The church is often represented in promotion of Goa Tourism . The Basilica of Bom Jesus is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier. The Construction of the church began in 1594 and completed in May 1605. The church is called 'Bom Jesus' meaning 'good Jesus' or 'infant Jesus'. This church is the first Minor Basilica in India and is regarded as one of the best examples of baroque architecture. The imposing facade built out of black granite in an exquisite combination of the Doric, Corinthian and composite styles, is remarkable for its simplicity. .....

Aguada Fort

#4 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 15 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 4 km from Candolim and 49 km from Margao Railway Station, the grand Fort of Aguada was constructed to prevent the entry of ships into the River Mandovi thus protecting old Goa from the attacks of Dutch and Marathas. Aguda Fort is one of the prime Goa tourist places and one of the major heritage sites in Goa state. Aguada Fort is one of the top attractions you must include in Goa packages . The Aguada Fort was built by the Portuguese colonial rulers on the beach south of Candolim at the shore of the Mandovi River in 1612. A freshwater spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that used to stop by. This is how the fort got its name 'Aguada' meaning Water. The heart of the fort was protected by two hundred cannons and a deep dry moat, which one still has to cross to get inside. A central jail and a lighthouse built during .....

Vagator Beach

#5 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 19 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 46 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 13 km from Mapusa, Vagator Beach is situated in North Goa, near Chapora Fort. It is among the top places to visit in Goa . Vagator Beach is a part of a 30 km stretch of beach coastline along the west coast of Goa by the Arabian Sea that begins at Fort Aguada and ending at Chapora Beach and Fort. It is a bay between the rocky headlands and one of the Goa best beaches . It is covered with soft white sand, dotted by coconut trees and huge black rocks. The sea at Vagator turns from aquamarine to emerald green with the movement of the sun. Vagator Beach is divided into Big Vagator or North Vagator, Middle Vagator (Tel Aviv beach) and Little Vagator (Ozran) by a few rocks. To reach the beach one has to climb down a hill. The Big Vagator Beach is a long white sandy .....

Shri Mangueshi Temple / Mangeshi Temple

#6 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 21 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 37 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 34 km from Mapusa, Shri Mangueshi Temple is situated in North Goa. It is of the must visit Goa tourist places and a major pilgrimage site of Goa state. Shri Mangeshi temple is located on a hillock at Mangeshi Village in Priol, Ponda Taluka. Shri Mangeshi Temple is one of the largest, wealthiest and most popular Hindu shrines in Goa. Mythology says that Lord Shiva came to Goa after having lost everything in a game of dice against his wife Parvati. When Parvati came looking for him, he disguised himself as a tiger and frightened her. In a state of shock, Parvati uttered the words ''Trahi Mam Grisha'', which means ''O Lord of the Mountains, save me''. Shiva then reverted into his normal form and returned with her. The words, ''Mam Grisha'' came to be associated with this story and Shiva came to be known as 'Manguesh'. The place where this tale occurred .....

Colva Beach

#7 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 33 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 8 km from Margao Railway Station and 25 km from Vasco Railway Station, Colva Beach is located in South Goa . It is one of the prime Places to visit in Goa state and among the best beaches in Goa . Colva Beach is the oldest, largest and the most spectacular beaches of South Goa. The beach consists of about 25 km of the fine powdered white sand and is bounded along its coast by coconut palms that stretch from Bogmalo in the north to Cabo de Rama in the south along south Goa's coastline. Colva is one of the top beaches in Goa . In the colonial days it used to be the retreat for Margao's high society. Today the area that is reminiscent of the luxurious lifestyle of the aristocratic class has the beautiful houses and villas that dot the village. The main beach .....

Se Cathedral

#8 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 9 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 27 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 23 km from Mapusa, Se Cathedral is considered to be one of the largest churches in Asia, situated in Old Goa, opposite to Basilica of Bom Jesus. The beautiful Se Cathedral is one of the top places to visit in Goa . This place is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site (Churches & Convents of Goa). The Se Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine. It is also known to be the oldest and the most celebrated religious buildings in Goa and has the prestige of being the seat of Archdiocese of Goa . According to history, Alfonso Albuquerque in 1510 defeated the Muslim army on the feast day of St. Catherine of Alexandria and took possession of Goa. The construction of this imposing church began in 1562 during the reign of King Dom Sebastiao and substantially completed by 1619. The main altars however were not finished until .....

Reis Magos Fort

#9 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 7 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 34 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 15 km from Mapusa, Reis Magos Fort is located on the northern bank of the River Mandovi across to the city of Panaji in North Goa. This Fort is one of the prime Goa Tourist Places and one of the major heritage sites in Goa state. This Fort was built by the Portuguese Viceroy Alfonso de Noronha in 1551 and was rebuilt in 1707. It was played an important role in the defense of Goa in 1739 against the Marathas. Originally it was an armed outpost built by the Adil Shah in the late 1400 and got destroyed in 1500. In the beginning the Portuguese used this Fort as a shelter for the viceroys and dignitaries who arrived from Lisbon. But gradually Portuguese realized the strategic importance of this Fort and used it to ward off Maratha armies. This Fort is quite small compared to other forts in Goa. It was used .....

River Cruise - Mandovi River

#10 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance 1 km from Panaji Kadamba Bus Terminus, River Cruise is a memorable and must experience activity in Panaji. It is one of the top Goa places to visit . The river cruises start from Santa Monica Boat Jetty and Panaji Jetty on Mandovi river in Panaji town on Old Panaji Road. River cruise is one of the top things to do in Goa. The river cruise, especially the evening sunset cruise is a beautiful experience. Most of the cruise trips last for one hour with a ride across the Mandovi River till the Miramar Beach point. The cruise trips are usually accompanied with Goan cultural activities like Music, Dance, etc. The activities also include tourists joining the dance at end of the program. Visitors can also view Adil Shah Palace from the river, which is the first palace built in Goa by Bijapur Sultan Adil Shah. It was later occupied by Portuguese and converted into a palace. Evening time (around 6 PM) is ideal time for cruise trip .....

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

#11 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 71 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 50 km from Margao Railway Station and 10 km from Kulem, Dudhsagar Falls is the largest and highest fall of Goa. It is one of the must visit Goa tourist places and is often represented in promotion of Goa Tourism . Dudhsagar Falls is another popular attraction not to miss in a Goa tour packages . Dudhsagar falls is a four tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River in Goa. This waterfall is amongst India's tallest waterfalls with a height of 310 m (1017 feet) and an average width of 30 m (100 feet) at it's peak. This falls is located inside the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary, at the border between Karnataka and Goa states. Dudhsagar literally means a Sea of Milk in the local Konkani language and gets its name as it appears like an overflowing sea of milk. It is a four tiered waterfall with different .....

Anjuna Beach

#12 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 19 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and 11 km from Mapusa, Anjuna Beach is situated in Bardez Taluka of North Goa . This beach is located north of Baga and Calangute, and close to the South of Vagator and Chapora. The white sands of the beach and the red laterite rocks create a unique arrangement. It is one of the best beaches in Goa . Anjuna beach is famous for its stunning natural beauty with coconut trees and soft powered white sands. Anjuna beach is a favorite haunt of the hippies who used to organize the famous rave beach parties in the late 1950s to mid 1960s. The moon light rave parties are well known all over Goa and the world, and attract foreign travellers as well as domestic tourists, especially during the time of New Year and Christmas. The beach is adjacent to Chapora fort. The 'Albuquerque mansion' located nearby is another attraction. The Anjuna flea market on every .....

Chapora Fort

#13 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 19 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 46 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 11 km from Mapusa, The Chapora Fort is situated in North Goa. It is one of the top tourist places in Goa. Built in red laterite stones, the fort has steep slopes on all the sides and stands on an area which has irregular outer plan. This massive fort was constructed by the king of Bijapur, Adil Shah. This is one reason why it has been named Shahpura, which means the 'town of Shah'. The Chapora Fort is one of the prime attractions on Goa . The fort was built in order to keep a watch on Hindu raiders who wanted to set up their territory in Goa. The fort was destroyed after the rule of Adil Shah and was rebuilt by the Portuguese in 1617, on the site of an earlier Muslim structure. The Portuguese troops surrendered to the Maratha ruler Sambhaji in 1684 but the locals were not too pleased with this situation and hence Marathas were forced to .....

Shri Shantadurga Temple - Kavlem

#14 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 28 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 34 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 20 km from Margao Railway Station, Shri Shantadurga Temple is situated in North Goa. Shri Shantadurga Temple is a large temple located at the foothill of Kavlem village in Ponda Taluka. This temple is considered as one of the most important and the biggest temple in Goa. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Shantadurga the Goddess of Peace. The deity is also called 'Santeri' informally. According to the legend, a fierce battle was made between Shiva and Vishnu that Lord Brahma prayed to Parvati to intervene, which she did in the form of Shantadurga. Shantadurga placed Vishnu on her right hand and Shiva on her left hand and settled the fight. The deity of Shantadurga is shown as holding two serpents one in each hand representing Vishnu and Shiva. This avatar of Shree Jagdamba Devi which had come to make peace between Shree Vishnu and Shree Shiva came to be known as Shree Shantadurga Devi. The .....

St. Augustine Tower / Church Of St. Augustin

#15 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 8 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 27 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 23 km from Mapusa, Church and Monastery of Augustin is situated in Old Goa. It is one of the prime Goa tourist places . This place is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site (Churches & Convents of Goa). The Church and Monastery of St Augustine were built in 1572 by 12 Augustines when they arrived in the city of Goa. The construction of the church was completed in 1602 AD. They also built a convent besides the church. A ban was imposed by the Portuguese government against the Augustines. The church and the convent thereafter were deserted. The ruins of 46 m high Bell Tower without the bell can be seen from some distance and attract visitors. The four storied arched belfry tower built of laterite of the church facing east. This tower is one of the four towers of St. Augustine Church. The Church had eight richly adorned chapels and four altars and .....

Shri Mahalaxmi Temple - Bandora

#16 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 27 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 37 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 22 km from Margao Railway Station, Shri Mahalaxmi Temple is situated in North Goa. It is one of the most visited places in Goa and an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Shri Mahalaxmi Temple is situated in the village of Bandora or Bandivade about 4 km from Ponda. This Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu's consort Mahalaxmi. The temple is considered as the abode of the original Goddess of the Shakti cult and its unique feature is that the Devi wears linga on her head. The idol of Mahalaxmi with four arms holding a sickle, a club, a dagger and a vessel containing Prasad and flowers, has a close resemblance to that of Mahalaxmi idol at Kolhapur. Besides the main black granite stone idol, there was another idol of the Devi made of panchloha. The Sabhamandap has a gallery of 18 images, out of 24 images of emanatory aspects of Bhagavata sect., it is one of the largest galleries of wooden .....

Palolem Beach

#17 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 70 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 65 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 36 km from Margao Railway Station, Palolem Beach is one of the famous & best beaches in Goa and top tourist attraction in South Goa . Palolem Beach is also known as 'Paradise Beach'. This beach stretches between two magnificent headlands and the beach is lined with towering coconut palms. The beach is about a mile long and it provides seclusion and idyllic scenery. Palolem Beach is a crescent shape beach and one can soak in its views from the southern end till the northern end in one glimpse of the eyes. Both ends have natural jutting rocks trying to touch the sea. It has little wooded islands to the north and a village behind the beach. At the northern end of the beach there is a fresh water stream and across the stream lies a small undeveloped island that can be accessed by just swimming across .....

Varca Beach

#18 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 42 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 33 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 9 km from Margao Railway Station, Varca Beach is one of the most beautiful and exotic beaches of South Goa. Varca Beach is situated about 2 km from Benaulim Beach. It is one of the cleanest beaches in Goa . This beach is marked by a number of wooden boats, belonging to the fishermen of the city. Varca Beach is the perfect place for those who want to spend time in peace. The best time to visit the Beach is from November to March. The Varca Beach in Goa is not as commercialized and crowded as other major beaches of Goa. Varca Beach offers tourists a wide choice of water sports ranging from Jet Ski, speed boat rides, water skiing, Para sailing and many more. This beach is ideal for swimming. Other major attractions of the beach comprises of the Dolphin watching trips organized on a regular basis. You can also indulge in sunbathing, yoga .....

Vainguinim Beach

#19 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 12 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 29 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 6.4 km from Bambolim Beach, Vainguinim Beach is a small beach situated in North Goa. Vainguinim Beach is one of the beautiful beaches of Goa. This beach is surrounded by palms and is known for its sparkling crystal clear waters. A large number of tourists enjoy swimming at the beach which also makes it a truly relaxing place to enjoy. Vainguinim Beach is flanked by the sea green waters of the Arabian sea on the one side and the steep cliffs of the Western Ghats on the other side, it is truly a must visit for all the tourists to Goa. Thus, over 500 bird species can be spotted near the plantation at the beach. The picturesque beach is very neat and tidy and is excellent for spending a pleasant vacation. Vainguinim Beach also offers water sporting facilities to the adventure lovers. Banana Ride, Wind Surfing, Para Sailing, Water Skiing, Water Scooter and Knee and Wake Boarding .....

Velsao Beach

#20 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 25 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 15 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 19 km from Margao Railway Station, Velsao Beach is situated in South Goa. Velsao Beach is adjoining with the Bogmalo Beach to its north and the Majorda & Colva Beach to its south. The beach is famous for its large stretches of silver soft sands and picturesque sunsets. The shoreline of the beach is dotted with numerous palm trees. The lovely long stretch of white sand is perfect for relaxation, strolling and sunbathing. Velsao Beach is amazingly gorgeous beach that stretches 20 km. Velsao Beach abounds in pristine natural beauty. The air is pure and the surroundings picturesque. The calm and quiet atmosphere of the beach lets you hear the cooing of birds very clearly. Velsao Beach offers magnificent views of the sunrise and sunset. The seashore can be absolutely empty and free from tourists. Many people also flock here to enjoy the feast of Three Kings at Our Lady of Cures .....

Colomb Beach

#21 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 70 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 66 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 36 km from Margao Railway Station, Colomb Beach also known as Colom Beach is located in South Goa. Colom Beach or Colomb Beach is a small horseshoe shaped bay between the Palolem Beach and Patnem Beach. This beach is one of the isolated beaches of Goa. The Beach is covered with golden sand with some splashes of black stones. From three sides the beach is surrounded with rock formations of different peculiar shapes and sparse vegetation. The landscape is covered with palm trees. The northern end of the bay is bordered by Neptune's Point, the rocky outcrop that separates Colomb from Palolem Beach. Neptune's Point is home to the famous Silent Noise weekly headphone parties. Colomb Beach has cute and comfortable Bhakti Kutir eco-tourism complex. One of the most interesting Colomb Beach sightseeing is a special unique rock called Pandava's drum. If you throw a stone into the .....

Hansa Beach

#22 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 29 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and 3 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station, Hansa Beach is situated in South Goa. Hansa Beach is extremely beautiful and tranquil beach. Hansa Beach is not part of commercial and public beaches of Goa. Hansa is a clean beach with pristine waters. However the beach is controlled by the Indian navy wing due to its location to close proximity to major naval installations in the area. The navy regularly cleans up the beach to ensure it remains spotless clean. Access to the beach is through the INS Hansa Naval base beside the Naval Aviation Museum. This beach is safe for swimming and is free from the flowing currents. The long stretch of the sand at the beach is best for long walks. It is believed that this beach has access of naval personnel and their families only. The Hansa Beach is not accessible to tourists or the public in general. However if the patrolling sentry is in a good mood a small portion of the beach is .....

Polem Beach

#23 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 91 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 87 km from Vasco Railway Station and 24 km from Canacona Railway Station , Polem Beach is the southernmost beach in Goa. This is a place where South Goa beaches are ending and the Karnataka state sea coast line starts. Polem Beach is about 700 m long and is another very serene, uncrowded beach .It is a beautiful secluded beach that has stretches of white sands and rocky headlands. It is suitable for those who want to be away from the crowded areas as it is a totally isolated beach. Polem Beach is a very clean and unspoilt unlike the other commercial beaches of Goa. It is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. A good number of dolphins and white bellied fish eagles are often seen in the clear waters of the beach. Polem Beach is mainly a deserted place, so there is a huge possibility that except fishermen you won't meet anyone. But in a few shacks which you will easily find .....

Cabo De Rama Fort

#24 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 60 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 56 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 27 km from Margao Railway Station, The Cabo De Rama Fort is situated in South Goa. This is one of the prime attractions in South Goa and also an ideal Goa sightseeing options. Cabo de Rama Fort is also known as The Cape of Rama. The fort derives its name from Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana stayed here with his wife during their 14 years of exile. The Fort was first occupied by Hindu rulers who spread their empire all over India. The cape is crowned by a fort which was originally a Hindu structure and rebuilt by the Portuguese in 1763 after acquiring it from the Maratha King of Sonda. The Fort has elaborated defenses complete with a moat, gatehouse and several bastions. Many of the bastions still have large cannons lying strewn above them. The fort has a well and two springs from which cold and hot water used to emerge from two different nozzles. .....

Corjuem Fort

#25 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 22 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 49 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 12 km from Mapusa, Corjuem Fort is a fortress situated 4 km from Aldona on the island of Corjuem in North Goa. Corjuem Fort is also known as Khorjuem Fort. It is smaller than the other forts in Goa, but it gives a good view of the surrounding river and land. According to late Father Moreno de Souza the island name originates from Khor as in khorik which means deep or lower and Zunvem which means island. The Corjuem Fort was constructed in the year 1551. The fort is a relatively small fort and is square shaped. The walls are wide and have numerous gun ports and murder holes. At each corner of the fort is a ramp like stair that leads to the ramparts. The Fort has a well and a three room living quarters. The chapel of St. Anthony was earlier known to have been in the Corjuem Fort. The Corjuem Fort was protected by the Portuguese from the Marathas, Bhonsles and the Rane Rajputs in .....

Mormugao Fort

#26 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 33 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and 4 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station, Mormugao Fort is located just south of Mormugao Port in South Goa. The Mormugao Fort was essentially built by the Portuguese in 1624 to protect the harbor, territorial waters in and around the Port of Margao. The Mormugao Fort is a tough fortification jutting out far into the sea with a magnificent lookout for invaders and attackers. The Maratha warriors continued to attack the town and the Fort and finally the Portuguese gave up the township in preference for Old Goa. Mormugao Fort was considered as one of the most important coastal forts of Goa. Primarily, Mormugao was generalized to be the capital of the Portuguese empire, hence the Fort was erected and in 1703 the viceroy moved into the town. Mormugao Fort is closer to Varca beach. The Mormugao Fort is about 10 km in circumference and boasts of possessing some ancient articles like 20 bulwarks, three magazines, five .....

Fort Terekhol

#27 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 56 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 82 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 43 km from Mapusa, Terekhol Fort or Tiracol Fort is located on the northern tip of Goa at the mouth of the Tiracol River. The name tir-khol means 'steep river bank' in Marathi. Fort Terekhol was built by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the king of Sawantwadi in the 17th century. The Terekhol Fort was won by the Portuguese in 1746 and it became an important part of Portuguese maritime defences. The Fort was rebuilt in 1764 by the Portuguese viceroy Dom Pedro Miguel de Almeida. The Fort site chosen was a hillock on the right bank of the river, which gave a commanding view of the Arabian Sea. The Bhonsles of Sawantwadi kept a sizeable fleet of native vessels which sheltered in the Tiracol River. The fort initially consisted of 12 guns, a barrack and a chapel. The Terekhol Fort was used as a military base for an attack on the Portuguese by Dr. Bernado Peres Da Silva in 1825. He .....

St. Francis Of Assisi Church

#28 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 9.2 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 27 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 22 km from Mapusa, St. Francis of Assisi Church is situated near the Se Cathedral in Old Goa. It is one of the prime tourist places to visit in Goa . This place is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site (Churches & Convents of Goa). The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi is a Roman Catholic Church situated in the main square of Old Goa. The Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi were established by eight Portuguese Franciscan friars who landed in Goa in 1517. After their arrival in 1517 with their consistent efforts they constructed a small chapel with three altars and a choir. Eventually in the year 1521 the chapel was modified into a church and dedicated to the Holy Ghost in 1602. Later the church was pulled down and the present church was constructed on the same spot in 1616. The west facing church has a nave with three chapels on both .....

Holy Spirit Church - Margao

#29 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 32 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 27 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 5.7 km from Margao Railway Station, Holy Spirit Church is situated in Margao, South Goa. The Holy Spirit Church was built on the site of the original Sri Damodar temple that was destroyed by the Portuguese and the deity was moved to Zambaulim. The Church of Holy Spirit was first built in 1564 by Jesuit missionaries who arrived in India mainly from Europe. It was the first church to be ever built in Margao but was destroyed during the Muslim invasion in 1571. It was then rebuilt in 1675. The church is the best examples of the Indian Baroque style. The exterior of the church is brilliantly white washed with towers on both sides and a central dome structure. The interiors are finely carved from floor to ceilings. The altars dedicated to Immaculate Conception of Mary, St. Peter and St. Michael are heavily ornamented. The church also has a gorgeous pipe organ. The church can be entered .....

Church Of Our Lady Of The Immaculate Conception

#30 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 1.5 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and 29 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station, The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is one of the famous churches in Goa. The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the first church and one of the oldest churches in Goa. It was built in 1541. Praca de Flores'' which means the ''Square of Flowers'' was added in 1843. The Panjim Church is placed on the hillside and just high above the Idalco Palace built by Adil Shah. Standing on the gallery of the church, you can see the entire view of the lovely Panjim city. The interior of the church is simple. The church has a couple of altars. The main altar is dedicated to Mary Immaculate, on the left is Jesus crucified and to the right is Our Lady of the Rosary. Beautiful statues of St. Paul and St. Peter are seen beside the altars. The St. Xavier's Chapel is another attraction of the church. The great bell at the Church of Mary Immaculate Conception .....

Chapel Of St. Catherine - Old Goa

#31 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 9 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 27 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 23 km from Mapusa, The Chapel of St. Catherine is situated in Old Goa part of North Goa. This place is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site (Churches & Convents of Goa). The Chapel of St. Catherine is located in the west of St. Francis of Assisi Church and is dedicated to St. Catherine. It was built by Alfanso De Albuquerque in 1510 when he defeated the local Muslim ruler Adil Shah on St. Catherine's Day that is 25th November 1510. In 1534 the chapel was granted cathedral status by Pope Paul III. It was enlarged in 1550 by the Portuguese Governor George Cabral and rebuilt in 1952 using laterite blocks. The Chapel was built in Renaissance style architecture. The Chapel with a pale yellow exterior is built with laterite stones and plaster with lime mortar and has a tower on either side. The Chapel interior has only one altar which is plain. On one side of the Chapel is a stone inscription .....

Church Of Our Lady Of Rosary

#32 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 9 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 27 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 36 km from Margao Railway Station, The Church of Our Lady of Rosary is the oldest church situated in Old Goa. This place is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site (Churches & Convents of Goa). The Church of Our Lady of Rosary is located atop the Monte Santo or the Holy Hill. The church stands on the site of Portuguese leader Alfonso de Albuquerque's victory over the armies of Bijapur Sultan in 1510. In fact the Lady of Rosary church is believed to be built by de Albuquerque as a sign of gratitude for his victory. The church is an excellent example of Manueline style architecture of the early Portuguese. With windows near the roof and rounded towers, the church looks more like a fortress. The church has a two storied portico. It is built with laterite and plastered with lime mortar. The portico as well as the facade of the church has rounded towers on either side with the cross on .....

St. Cajetan Church

#33 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 10 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and 27 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station, St. Cajetan's Church stands opposite to the Se Cathedral in Old Goa. This place is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site (Churches & Convents of Goa). The St. Cajetan Church has been constructed on the primary design of the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome. The Church of St. Cajetan is the only surviving domed church in Goa. The Church of St Cajetan was built by Italian friars of the Order of Theatines, who were sent by Pope Urban III to preach Christianity in the kingdom of Golconda. The friars were not permitted to work in Golconda so settled at Old Goa in 1640. The construction of the church began in 1655 and completed in 1661.The Church is named after the founder of the Theatine order, St. Cajetan. The main altar of the St Cajetan Church is dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence. The St Cajetan Church is an example of Corinthian architecture while the interior is a blend of .....

Three Kings Church / Reis Magos Church

#34 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 7 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 34 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 15 km from Mapusa, The Reis Magos Church is situated in North Goa. The Reis Magos Church also known as Church of the Three Magi Kings was built in 1555 in the town of Reis Magos. This church was built by the Franciscan friars who watched over the missionary work here. They also founded a small educational institution over here. This Church is one of the oldest churches of Goa. Three Kings Church was dedicated to Saint Jerome. It is believed that this church was constructed on the remains of an ancient Hindu temple. Two typical symbols of the Hindu Vijayanagar temple architecture bas-relief lion figures can be seen on the flanks, at the start of the steps going up to the Church. The Church was renovated in 1771 and the pillars of the church were created in 1764. The two Viceroys of Goa were buried in the premises of the church and their gravestones are intact till date. Reis .....

Nossa Senhora De Penha De Franca - Betim

#35 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 5 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 30 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 14 km from Mapusa, Nossa Senhora de Penha de Franca is situated in North Goa. This is one of the most beautiful sites in Goa situated in very scenic location right on the banks of Mandovi River. Nossa Senhora de Penha de Franca is also known as Our Lady of the Rock of France. The Church gets its name from Saint Nossa Senhora de Penha de Franca, a Spanish saint who is believed to have saved Portuguese sailors from a dangerous situation on their voyage to India. The church was built in Britona on the banks of the River Mandovi in 1626, dedicated to Nossa Senhora De Penha De Franca. The church was entirely funded by a widow named Ana De Azvado, a Franciscan Tertiary. But the church was collapsed in 1651 and was then rebuilt in 1655. This beautiful church was declared a national monument in 1932. Our Lady of the Rock of France became famous for the miracles performed for those .....

Shri Mahalasa Temple - Mardol

#36 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 22 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 41 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 26 km from Margao Railway Station, Shri Mahalasa Temple is situated in North Goa. The Mahalasa Temple located at Mardol in Ponda is one of the most famous temples in Goa. It is also known as the Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple and is dedicated to the Goddess Mahalasa. She is worshipped in two distinct traditions. As an independent goddess, she is considered as a form of Mohini - the female avatar of the god Vishnu and is called Mahalasa Narayani. Mahalasa is also worshipped as the consort of the folk god Khandoba an incarnation of god Shiva. In this tradition she is associated with Parvati, Shiva's wife as well as Mohini. According to the legend, the presiding deity Goddess Mahalasa once appeared to a cattleman on the Sonsada plateau at Verna. Asked to go and fetch his master by the goddess, the petrified cattleman is said to have tried to escape his difficult situation by lying that .....

Shri Nageshi Temple - Ponda

#37 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 26 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 37 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 21.5 km from Margao Railway Station, Shri Nageshi Temple is situated in North Goa. Shri Nageshi Temple or Nagueshi Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Donshiwado of Ponda Taluka. This Temple is dedicated to Lord Naguesh an incarnation of Lord Shiva. This temple is one of the oldest in Goa and of considerable archaeological importance and also among well known Goa places to visit . Shri Nageshi Temple is considered to be ''Swayambhu'' shrine of Lord Shiva popularly known for its miraculous powers. The history is not available at present except a reference in the folk songs. The environs known as Nagzar had in the past a grove of Shami trees. A cowherd noticed a cow from his herd regularly showering milk on a stone in the forest. Thus the Shiva linga was discovered by the people. The Nageshi Temple was built in 1413, when the region .....

Shri Ramnathi Temple / Shanteri Kamakshi Temple

#38 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 28 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 35 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 21 km from Margao Railway Station, Shri Ramnathi Temple is situated in North Goa. The Ramnathi Temple also known as the Shanteri Kamakshi Temple is located in Ramnathim, Bandode close to the Shantadurga Temple, Kavlem. This temple belongs to the Saraswat Brahmins. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ramnath an incarnation of Lord Siva. According to the history the original Ramnathi temple was located in Loutolim in Salcete Taluka. The Idol of Ramnathi was shifted to the present site in 1566 to prevent its destruction by the Portuguese troops. It was renovated again in 1905. According to mythology Rameshwar is the original abode of Lord Ramnath. The courtyard of the temple has a five storied Deepstambha or Lamp Pillar adorned with images of Hindu gods and Goddesses on its base. After entering the main door of the temple, one enters the ''Sabha Mantap'' or the hall of worship. This .....

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

#39 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 4.8 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 31.4 kms from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 15 km from Karmali Railway Station, Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located in North Goa. It is an ideal Goa sightseeing options for half day trip. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is situated at Chorao Island on the Mandovi River. This sanctuary is one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in India. It has been named after the famous ornithologist of India, Dr. Salim Ali. This Bird Sanctuary is one of the smallest bird sanctuaries in Goa and is spread over an area of just 1.8 sqkms. The Sanctuary houses around 400 species of birds including both local and migratory. The Sanctuary is rich in flora growth and one can see a thick covering of mangrove vegetation here. The flora cover is very fertile over here the mangrove ecology is considered to be the best for birds, fish and insects. The Sanctuary is blessed with many overflowing water streams .....

Maruti Temple - Panjim

#40 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 3.3 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 28 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 17 km from Mapusa, Shri Maruti Temple is situated in North Goa. The Maruti Temple is situated on top of the Altinho hill overlooking the Fontainhas district in Panaji. It is dedicated to lord Hanuman, the monkey god and enshrines Lord Hanuman as the presiding deity. The Maruti Temple is also beautifully lit up at night and as it is brightly lit the temple is visible from a distance. Lord Hanuman is a Hindu deity who is an ardent devotee of Rama, a central character in the Indian epic Ramayana. A general among the vanaras, Hanuman is an incarnation of the divine and a follower of Lord Rama in the struggle against the demon king Ravana. The Maruthi Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Panjim, It is said that the idol of Maruthi in the main temple can be seen even from the main road, through an opening in the basement wall of the temple. One can see the beautiful .....

Shri Shantadurga Kunkalikarin Temple - Fatorpa

#41 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 52 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 46.5 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 17.7 km from Margao Railway Station, Shri Shantadurga Kunkalikarin Temple is situated in South Goa. Shri Shantadurga Kunkalikarin Temple is located at Fatorpa of Quepem Taluka and is one of the oldest temples of Goa. It is also one of the prime places to visit in Goa . This temple is dedicated to Goddess Shri Shantadurga. Originally from Cuncolim village in Salcete Taluka, the Goddess was removed to Fatorpa in 16th Century during religious persecution by the Portuguese. During the reign of Maratha ruler Chatrapati Shahu, the temple was reconstructed which was previously destroyed by Portuguese invasion. The temple complex is on the foothills of a mountain chain bordered by greenery in all sides. At the entrance of the temple of Shree Shantadurga Kunkalikarin, there is a massive doorway called Mahadwar. The temple has the big gold plated .....

Shri Kamakshi Temple - Shiroda

#42 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 37 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 32.7 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 19 km from Margao Railway Station, Shri Kamakshi Temple is situated in North Goa. The temple of Shri Kamakshi is set amidst hills in the picturesque village of Shiroda of Ponda Taluka and was built in the late 16th century. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi an incarnation of Goddess Parvati consort of Lord Shiva. According to mythology, Shri Kamakshi idol at Shiroda was brought from Guwahati in Assam, where she is known as Kamakhya and which is her original abode. The original temple of Shri Kamakshi was located in Raia in the Salcete Taluka. The deity was shifted to Shiroda between 1564 and 1568 because as a part of Goa Inquisition the Portuguese rulers demolished almost all the Hindu shrines. It is believed that a potter from the Raia accompanied by some worshippers of the deity smuggled the idol of Goddess Kamakshi across River Kushavati to safety in the Shiroda village. .....

#43 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

Goa is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India with beautiful beaches and historical sites. Goa is India's richest state with highest GDP per capita. The Indian epic Mahabharata refers to the Goa as Goparashtra or Govarashtra, which means ''a nation of Cowherds''. Goa is a strip of land 110 km long and 60 km wide between the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea on the west coast of India. Panaji is the state's capital while Vasco Da Gama is the largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese. Goa has a long history of rulers dating back to the 3rd century BC. It was ruled by Emperor Ashoka followed by numerous rulers like Silharas, Kadamdas, Chalukyans, kings of Deccan, kings of Vijaynagar, ..... Distance (From Panjim): 177 Kms Trip Duration (From Panjim - Including Travel): Full Day .....

Agonda Beach

#44 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 69 km from Panaji Kadamba Bus Stand, 36 km from Margao Railway Station and 9 km from Canacona Railway Station, Agonda beach is a 3 km long stretch of pristine beach situated in South Goa. Agonda is a great spot for sunbathing, relaxing and swimming, walking, eating and just generally doing nothing. Agonda beach might not be the most ideal place for swimming. It is one of the top beaches in South Goa. Located between Cabo de Rama & Palolem, Agonda provides an opportunity to relax on a long beach. Agonda beach is simply divine, wide, quiet and picturesque with a turtle centre in the middle protecting precious Olive Ridley eggs. This beach is special because you will find absolutely no tourists, no stalls, no restaurants, nothing just the trees, the beach, the beautiful ocean and you. The beach stretch has an ancient Agonda Church, the Saint Anne's Church and few academic institutions. Public transportation is available from the Canacona Bus Station for Agonda .....

Arambol Beach / Harmal Beach

#45 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 34 km from Panaji Kadamba Bus Stand and 22 km from Mapusa Bus Stand, Arambol also known as Harmal beach is a pristine and secluded beach situated in North Goa. It is one of the most beautiful among Goa beaches and also a relatively less crowded beaches in North Goa. The Arambol Beach extends over 16 km and consists of two beaches. More popular is the Harmal beach contains long stretch of curving sand and it is good for swimming. It is a perfect place for people looking for peace and tranquility. The second, more picturesque beach lies beyond the rocky stretch and can only be reached on foot and is bordered by steep cliffs on both sides. It is a rocky as well as sandy beach and has a fresh water lagoon which extends along the bottom of the valley into a thick jungle. The lake is fed by boiling hot springs and is lined with sulphurous mud which people love applying on their body to do wonders to their skin. The rocky .....

Arvalem Caves / Pandava Caves

#46 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 29 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 46 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway station and 9 km south of Bicholim, Arvalem caves are 6th century ancient rock cut caves situated in North Goa. The Arvalem Caves are popularly known as ''Pandava Caves''. According to the history, the five Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata sought refuge in these caves during their exile. The Arvalem Caves are very much patterned in the Buddhist cave style. The architecture of the caves is simple yet appealing. The walls are plain with no paintings on them. The rock structure has been cut into laterite stone, with the sanctuary at the northern end and the vihara at the southern end. The mysterious look of the caves has been attracting the tourists over long years. The presence of the famous Rudreshwar temple and a waterfall in its vicinity, makes this place a must visit in Goa. There are five compartments in the cave complex and the middle compartment enshrines the 'linga' held in great reverence .....

Arvalem Waterfalls

#47 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 30 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus stand, 2 km from Sanquelim and 8 km from Bicholim, Arvalem waterfalls is one of the most amazing spots situated in North Goa. Cascading down from a height of 50 m (24 ft), Arvalem is one of the top places to visit in Goa. The Arvalem Waterfall also known as Harvalem falls is a very scenic and beautiful picnic spot. This beautiful waterfall forms a huge lake at the bottom, which is much popular amongst the swimmers. The color of the waterfall becomes muddy brown in monsoon rains and the water flow is quite less in summer. This waterfall is set amidst charming surroundings, with the Rudreshwar temple in its vicinity. The temple holds importance for the Hindus who believe in releasing the soul on the 12th day after death. The Rock cut caves are just situated nearby. The Arvalem waterfall is one of the most crowded tourist spots in Goa. The Government has developed a park at the waterfall where one can peacefully sit and enjoy the .....

Ashwem Beach

#48 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 30 km from Panaji Kadamba Bus Stand, 18 km from Mapusa and 5 km from Morjim, Ashwem beach is so different from other beaches situated in North Goa and it is relatively less crowded. Ashwem beach situated south to the Arambol beach is another isolated beach in Goa where one can see vast stretches of sands. Ashwem Beach is one of the Goa best beaches which is a clean sandy beach and not much crowded. The waves are gentle and the sea hardly ever gets choppy. A perfect place for those looking for privacy, it is safe for swimming. This Beach is known for its numerous restaurants and their mouth watering seafood. Ashwem beach is also the nesting place for the Olive Ridley Turtles which is a rare species. The nesting season is between September to February which also happens to be the peak tourist season of Goa. Ashwem beach is also a little rocky beach. The Goan families go to Ashwem beach for having their picnics. To the .....

#49 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 88 km from Panjim, 68 km from Belgaum, and 119 km from Kolhapur, Amboli is a hill station in Maharashtra situated at an altitude of 690 m (2000 ft). It is the last hill station before the coastal highlands of Goa, and amog the top places to visit near Kolhapur . This hill station forms the southern range of the Sahyadri Hills. The Konkan coast lies on one side of Amboli, whereas valleys are found on the other three sides. A British Colonel Westrop made a major contribution to the development of Amboli as a hill station. Amboli is an idyllic hill station that comes alive in monsoon when the area is abounding with waterfalls and mist. Amboli is receiving an annual rainfall of about 750 cm, the wettest region in Maharashtra. The best time to visit Amboli is between October and February when the waterfalls can be seen gushing down from the hills. The sunset point, Amboli Waterfall, the origin .....

Arossim Beach

#50 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 28 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 17 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 14.4 km from Margao Railway Station, Arossim Beach is situated between Utorda and Bogmalo Beach in South Goa. Arossim Beach is one of the most picturesque and scenic locations with its palm trees, beautiful Blue Ocean, golden sand and wooden boats scattered throughout the shore. The Arossim beach falls in the lovely village of Cansaulim, one of the largest villages in Goa. The beach is safe for swimmers and one can visit the 16th century church of Saint Thomas. Arossim Beach is a popular destination for party and leisure seekers, which is the venue to indulge in varied beach activities. October to March is the ideal time to visit Arossim Beach and enjoy beach activities like water surfing, scooting, parasailing, water skiing, swimming, sunbathing and speedboat rides. Boats are also easily available at this beach for enjoying speedboat rides and fishing. Necessary equipment and .....

Abyss Marine Aquarium

#51 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 23 km from Panaji Kadamba Bus Stand, 16 km from Margao Railway Station and 18.5 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station, Abyss Marine Fish Aquarium is located at national highway Verna-Goa in South Goa. Abyss Marine Aquarium is one of the famous tourist places along with the sun, sand, sea, temples and churches. Abyss Marine Fish Aquarium consists of wide range of attractive marine live fish and the traditional activities of Goan fishermen families in statue format. There are some 60 different varieties of fish at Abyss. Carefully preserved and kept in impressive aquarium in a lively ambience. You can watch attractive, unique, harmful and sophisticated fish which moves in closed aquariums. In addition to the main aquarium, there are some small open aquariums which allow visitors to view the fishes from a closer point. Lobsters, starfish, parrotfish, catfish, lionfish, sea cucumber, finger star fish and many more beautiful varieties you get to see here, fish .....

Butterfly Conservatory Of Goa

#52 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 26 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 25 km from Margao Railway Station and 4 km from Ponda Bus Stand, Mystic Woods is a conservation project of Butterfly Conservatory of Goa, a NGO dedicated to restoring the green heritage of Western Ghats. Butterfly Conservatory is located 3 km from the Tropical Spice Farm and 4 km from Sahakari Spice Farm. The conservatory is spread over 4000 sq mts and is founded by a couple who are nature enthusiasts and also environmentally conscious. At the time of establishment only 25 species of the butterflies could be seen here but currently 133 species of butterflies beautifying the conservatory. The entire conservatory is designed in the manner of a park like structure where one can stroll and indulge in a visual treat of the nature. It is a great place to take the kids to introduce them to the colorful world of butterflies and caterpillars. The butterfly house or conservatory is a facility which is specifically intended for the .....

Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary

#53 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 66 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and 44 km from Margao Railway Station, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Mollem village in Sanguem Taluka, Goa. Formerly known as Mollem Game Sanctuary it was renamed as Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary in 1969. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is among prime place to visit on a Goa trip . Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary sprawling an area of 240 sq km, this is the largest of four protected wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. It also encompasses the 107 sq km Mollem National Park. The Sanctuary is divided into two halves by the National Highway 4A and by the railway line of Londa to Mormugao. The Sanctuary is particularly known for its Leopards, Elephants, Deers & Gaur or Indian Bison. The chief attraction of the sanctuary is the King Cobra, which is found here in abundance. One can also see various other snakes like krait, python, viper etc. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife .....

Benaulim Beach

#54 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 36 km from Panaji Kadamba Bus Stand, 6 km from Margao Railway Station and 4.5 km from Colva beach, Benaulim Beach is known for its calm and peaceful environment located in South Goa. The best thing about Benaulim Beach is that it is still rather undiscovered by domestic tourists even though it is a famous beach for fishing. This beach gets fairly crowded in the evenings and on weekends. This Beach is right place for picnic and one can just relax the day off soaking in the sun. Moreover, one can see bull fighting at Benaulim Beach between the months of October to March. Watching the bull fight at the beach adds delight to traveling in Goa. Dolphin Cruises are the main attractions on this beach. The trips are reasonably priced and chances of spotting dolphins fairly high. The Benaulim village in Goa is known for its carved rose wood furniture. Also Benaulim is famous as the place where the legendary Parashuram's arrow landed, by which Goa was created. Apart from .....

Betalbatim Beach

#55 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 31 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and 9.5 km from Margao Railway Station, Betalbatim Beach is located north of the famous Colva beach in South Goa. This is one of the virgin and most beautiful beaches in South Goa. It is also one of the relatively less known beaches in Goa . Betalbatim beach is popularly known as the Sunset Beach of Goa. This vast stretch of white sand beach lies in between the Majorda and Colva Beaches. You can literally walk up to Betalbatim Beach from Colva Beach (road distance is about 4.5 km). Unlike most Goa beaches that are lined up with palm trees, this beach has a numerous pine trees along the shoreline. Betalbatim is known for its clean sands and beautiful surroundings. It is a very quiet and a secluded beach and because of the shade of the pine trees, it is used as a picnic spot by families and schools. This Beach is amongst the cleanest of all .....

Butterfly Beach

#56 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 69 km from Panaji Kadamba Bus stand, 36 km from Margao Railway Station and 3 km from Canacona Railway Station, Butterfly Beach is located on the Butterfly Island in South Goa. Butterfly Beach is a tiny beach cove that lies just 6 km north of Palolem beach. The sands here are perfectly white and the water translucent. Butterfly Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches among all the beaches of Goa. It is serene, peaceful and mesmerizing. This beach would be the best place to unwind and relax. The Butterfly Beach is surrounded by a lot of rocks. Butterfly beach can easily be described as a piece of heaven on earth. It is one of the most photogenic beach paradises in the world. The Butterfly Beach was named by earlier tourists who used to visit the place and saw millions of butterflies flying on the blossoms on the hillside. The main attraction of the beach is its famous Dolphin Play and the mesmerizing sunset. The sea urchins, sea cucumbers, footprints .....

Bambolim Beach

#57 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 7 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus stand and 22 km from Vasco Da Gama, Bambolim Beach is a popular stretch for tourists located in North Goa. Bambolim Beach is a small, clean and largely undiscovered beach that is a bit away from the mainland. This beach is basically located in a shaded spot right before the mouth of Zuari River and in between the Medical College of Goa and the University of Goa. Bambolim Beach is lined up with trees and shrub vegetation with many paths leading to the beach. Many Goa University students visit this beach during their free time due to the close proximity to the institute. The beach is clean and quiet, yet beautiful. Bambolim Beach is very peaceful and calm beach. Very beautiful shells are found on the shore of this beach. It is famous for Oyster shells. The Bambolim Beach has its beach shacks where exotic Goan cuisine can be tasted. The restaurants offer not just amazing food but the very location gives you the combination of beauty .....

Betul Beach

#58 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 48 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 18 km from Margao Railway Station and 41 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station, Betul Beach is a small picturesque beach in South Goa. Betul Beach is a small beach amongst the beaches of Goa and is situated along the southern end of the River Sal. This beach is basically a cove, it has a hillock on one side and laced with coconut tree plantation on the other side. You will be able to see where the Sal River drains out into the vast Arabian Sea in the Betul Beach. Moreover Betul Beach is a stretch of silvery sand it offers total privacy and breathtaking views. The sea breeze keeps the climate pleasant for almost the entire year. This secluded beach is known as the fishing beach of Goa and is very famous for its cool climate. A number of tourists visit this beach to enjoy their fishing in Goa as the fishing port situated here is well advanced. A number of deep sea trawlers and fishing boats also bring in their fresh catch .....

Bogmalo Beach

#59 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 28 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 5 km from Dabolim Airport and 9 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station, Bogmalo Beach is one of the least crowded beaches of Goa and is quite picturesque. It is situated in a small bay with around a mile of curving sandy beach, which is generally very quiet. The beach is also considered to be the cleanest in South Goa. The beach is safe and perfect for swimming. Even though swimming is safe in Bogmalo, one must be careful when swimming and check out with the lifeguards for the strength of the undercurrents. Water sports are the prime attraction of Bogmalo. Activities like windsurfing, water skiing, ski-jet facilities are available. Dolphin spotting is other popular attraction for the tourists. Sunbathing is another popular activity on Bogmalo beach. The Sunset view is amazing from the beach. The sandy beach at the end of the cove is the most picture perfect spot at Bogmalo. While visiting Bogmalo one should visit .....

Cansaulim Beach

#60 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 31 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 16 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 15 km from Margao Railway Station, Cansaulim is a famous beach located in South Goa. Cansaulim Beach along with Arossim Beach and Cuelim Beach forms India's second largest stretch of beach. Cansaulim Beach is actually an extension of Velsao Beach. The beach has clean white sands and lots of palm trees. It is located on the northernmost end of Velsao beach. The large stretches of white sands give the beach a deserted look. Cansaulim Beach is among the mostly secluded Goan beaches. Coastal dense palm groves at Cansaulim Beach provides a refreshing cool roof from the bright sunshine and appears more pleasant during the hot months of April and May. This beach is lined with many beach shacks with comfortable accommodation facilities. Some of the famous bars and pubs are also located at this beach that serve refreshing drinks like beer, feni, wine and vodka. In addition, Cansaulim .....

Cavelossim Beach

#61 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 46 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 16 km from Margao Railway Station and 38 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station, Cavelossim Beach is a beautiful beach situated in South Goa. Cavelossim Beach is situated between Sal River and Arabian Sea. This beach presents a beautiful view of the river Sal, the paddy fields and soft sandy beach. Cavelossim Beach is filled with soft white sands and dotted with black lava rocks at certain places. This beach is much bigger and cleaner and quieter than most of the famous beaches in Goa . The tourists can enjoy sun bathing on the beach, dolphin trips and sunset cruises are among the other attractions at the Cavelossim Beach. Cavelossim Beach is ideal for shell collecting, strolling or indulging in more active pursuits like renting a kayak or catamaran. Tourists can come to the beach at any time throughout the year. November to March seem to be the best time for coming to the beach. .....

Chapora Beach

#62 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 20 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 46 km from Vasco Railway Station and 13 km from Mapusa, Chapora Beach is a picturesque beach situated in North Goa. Nestled at the mouth of the Chapora River, it is a pleasant change from the bustling Anjuna Beach. This beach is famous for fishing and boat building. Like the other popular beaches of Goa, Chapora also stays crowded most of the time of the day. The picturesque beach with white sand and a number of coconut palms along its stretch is well known as the Chapora Fort that was built 500 years ago during the Portugal rule is situated nearby. There is a famous Ganesh fruit juice center in Chapora selling organic juices and gathering people from around. The Chapora Beach is picturesque and offers amazing views of the sunrise as well as the sunset. Swimming at the Chapora Beach is not safe as the undercurrents are sometimes very strong. At Chapora Beach, you can take a lazy walk, soak the sunrays or just play around .....

#63 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 66 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 61 km from Vasco Da Ma Railway Station and 33 km from Margao Railway Station, Cola Beach is a stunning remote beach in Goa and among the most beautiful beaches in South Goa. The Cola Beach or Khola Beach is a private beach located 5 km north of Agonda Beach and 12 km from Palolem Beach. It is one of the remote beaches of Goa that is suitable for those seeking a lovely place for complete peace and relaxation. It is also much cleaner and quieter than the better known Goa beaches . One distinctive point that separates Cola Beach from others is the fresh water lagoon on its sea shore that is connected to sea. It is one of the unexplored beaches in Goa which glorifies exotic beauty and tranquility. Cola Beach is characterized by the fresh and cool breeze of palm trees. There are two beaches, Little Cola Beach in the north and usual Cola Beach .....

#64 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 10 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and 17 km from Mapusa, Coco Beach is one of the popular beaches in Goa at a distance of 2.5 kms from Reis Mogos Fort. The Coco Beach is located at the mouth of the Nerul River on the Mondovi Estuary. It is a protected bay of the Mondovi River. The beach is often regarded as an abridged gateway between Candolim and Nerul. Beautiful tall palm trees framed the beach. The beach though little dirty compared to other beaches is popular for water sports and boating. Boat trips into the Mondovi River also hosts another tourists attraction which is spotting the wild dolphins. These trips also extend up to the base of Aguada fort and present magnificent view of the fort, Aguada prison and the lighthouse (usually one hour boat ride). The busy mornings spent in boat trips are followed by quiet and tranquil afternoons and evenings. Reis Magos Fort and Reis Magos Church are situated close to .....

Candolim Beach

#65 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 11 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 38 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 12 km from Mapusa, Candolim Beach is a part of a long extension of beach coastline along the Arabian Sea that begins at Fort Aguada and ends at Chapora Beach in North Goa. Candolim Beach is positioned between Sinquerim and Calangute beaches. Candolim Beach is another relatively busy soft sandy beach that due to erosion can be narrow in some places. The bulk ore carrier River Princess ended up being grounded some 100 m from the beach during the 2001 monsoon. Despite numerous pledges by both local and central government, she still lays rusting. Various attempts have been made to salvage or refloat the ship. The founder of science of hypnotism Father Abbe Faria was born here. Candolim is also the place where the Goans launched first revolt against Portuguese. Candolim Beach was the first area to have adopted Christianity under the Portuguese rule. The water can be rough .....

Canaguinim Beach

#66 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 52 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 47 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 19 km from Margao Railway Station, Canaguinim Beach is the last beach in South Goa. Canaguinim Beach is the most secluded beach lying south of Betul Beach. It has a low wall around it and also has some sedimentary rocks and a river Sal inlet at the end of the beach. Due to this reason the beach is usually deserted. However, since the beach is not frequented by tourists and is secluded from a safety point it is advised not to visit the beach during the night. Canaguinim Beach is covered with sandy rocks and becomes isolated. The silver coastal stretch of the beach is much small and less crowded compared to other beaches in the vicinity. Canaguinim Beach consists of two amazing beaches North Canaguinim Beach and South Canaguinim Beach. These beaches are surrounded by lush wild vegetation, covered with golden sand and washed by warm waters of the Arabian Sea. North Canaguinim Beach .....

Dona Paula Beach

#67 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 9 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 30 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 38 km from Mapusa, Dona Paula Beach is one of the famous beachs in Goa. Dona Paula Beach has a very romantic legend attached to it. It is believed that Dona Paula De Menzes, daughter of a viceroy, threw herself off the cliff when she was not allowed to marry a local fisherman whom she loved. It is said that she is still seen emerging from the moonlit waves wearing only a pearl necklace. This idyllic rocky tourist attraction lies at the spot where the Mandovi and the Zuari rivers meet the Arabian Sea. This is a spot to sunbathe and relax. At the end of the bay there is a beautiful islet-hillock. From the top of this hillock one can have views of the Marmugao Harbour and the Arabian Sea up to the Zuari Bridge to the east. At the base there is a carved sculpture named ' Image of India' depicting a couple, a man facing west and a woman facing east. It was made by Baroness von Leistner. .....

Galgibaga Beach

#68 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 84 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 79 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 50 km from Margao Railway Station, Galgibaga Beach is the less crowded beach in South Goa. Galgibaga Beach is also known as the Turtle Beach and is one of three other Goa beaches along with Agonda and Morjim Beaches, where the state program of olive turtles saving and protection works and implemented perfectly. The whole northern part of this beautiful beach is used for turtles nesting. This is the reason why there is an absence of the shack culture or any permanent structure on the beach, which otherwise is a very common sight on the other beaches of Goa. This empty stretch of beach with its silvery sands and clusters of coconut palms is a calm and serene paradise and a poet's delight. If you are in Goa in January and February you may be lucky enough to see the turtles nesting and hatching. Visitors are only requested not to touch or .....

Kegdole Beach

#69 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 9 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 35 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 17 km from Mapusa, Kegdole Beach is a serene and comparatively less commercialized beach in North Goa. Kegdole Beach is famous for having highly beautiful surroundings and strategic location at the base of the hillock close to the mouth of the Mandovi River. The Indian Navy has a Naval Academy on the top of the hillock. Among the more exploratory kind, the beach is known for its enchanting views of the ocean and sunset on one side and the Reis Magos Fort on the other side. Like the other commercial Goa beaches Kegdole Beach is not over crowded so tourist spend some time on sea shore in solitude and enjoy the natural beauty scattered there. Towering just above the beach is the Reis Magos fort. Also located close by is the Verem Lighthouse and the INS Mandovi Jetty of the Indian Navy. The light house is no longer in use. To the left of the .....

Kalacha Beach

#70 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 34 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 61 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 21 km from Mapusa, Kalacha Beach is located in North Goa. Kalacha Beach is also known as Paliem Beach. It is famous for its picturesque fresh water lagoon named Vagkolam or Sweet water Lake, which is near the shore at the very end of the beach. This fresh water lagoon is fairly secluded and very popular among the foreign tourists. Kalacha Beach is a small beach located to the south of Querim Beach. As per the local belief, the beach was discovered by the hippies in the 1960s. Surrounded by rocky terrain and steep cliffs, this beach is popular for its scenic beauty. The Kalacha beach is incredibly beautiful with its silver and golden powder sand and is lined with palm and coconut trees. This beach is a more unexplored and quieter beach as compared to the Arambol. The beach can only be reached by foot by taking a walk along the north of Arambol beach. To the north .....

Keri / Querim Beach

#71 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 42 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 68 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 29 km from Mapusa, Keri Beach is the northernmost beach in Goa. Keri Beach also known as Querim Beach is a quiet beach located to the north of the Arambol Beach. The beach lies at the mouth of the Terekhol River on the southern bank. Across the riverbank one can also see the famous ancient Portuguese fort known as the Terekhol Fort. The fort today is operational as a legacy hotel. There is a ferry service available that takes you to Terekhol every 30 min, except at low tide. The view from the fort is definitely worth a visit. Querim Beach is dotted with many pine trees. The waters here are clear and the beach is serene and calm. A long strip of sand is interrupted by jagged red rocks and headland on the south side and the Terekhol River to the north. The white sandy beach is one amongst the less crowded beaches of Goa and is a serene and calm place to spend a beautiful holiday. .....

Majorda Beach

#72 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 29 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 21 km from Vasco Da Gama and 11 km from Margao Railway Station, Majorda is one of the most popular beaches in South Goa. Majorda Beach is situated in the southern part of Bogmalo. This beautiful beach covered with lot of palm groves. Some of the most famous hotels and resorts of Goa are found here and thus it is quite a popular place for a holiday. According the Indian mythology, Legends believed that Lord Rama was kidnapped and brought to the Majorda beach in his childhood. Later, again in life while in quest of his consort Sita, he came to the Cabo-de-Rama which lies at the southern end of the Majorda beach. Majorda is also the place where the Jesuits discovered the best toddy of Goa who used it to leaven the bread. Even today the people of Majorda are known to be the best bakers of Goa as they were the first to know the art of baking European breads. The calm and clear waters are ideal for swimming, though .....

Mandrem Beach

#73 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 31 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 57 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 18 km from Mapusa, Mandrem Beach is an isolated beach with vast stretches of empty sand that has very little shade and is located in North Goa. It is one of the secluded and less crowded beaches in Goa . The Mandrem Beach is situated to the north of Ashwem Beach towards the Arambol Beach. It is a continuation of the Ashwem Beach and very similar to it. This beach is quite secluded to the other beaches. Being a serene beach one can see white bellied fish eagles that live in the casuarinas trees at Mandrem Beach. Sometimes even the famous Olive Ridley turtles have their hatching nests over here if the Morjim Beach is overcrowded. The beauty of Mandrem Beach is especially during the High Tide time when the sea water rushes into the Mandrem Creek or River. This Mandrem creek runs parallel to the beach which swells with water during the high .....

Miramar Beach

#74 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 8 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and 3 km from Dona Paula Beach, Miramar Beach is situated 1 km ahead of the confluence of Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. Miramar Beach is also known as 'Gasper Dias Beach'. The name of the beach is derived from the word 'Miramar', which in Portuguese stands for 'viewing the sea'. Miramar Beach is the place where the Mandovi River meets the blue water Arabian Sea. From the beach across the river is an excellent view of Fort Aguada. One can see migratory birds such as gulls and plovers at the beach from November to March. The Miramar Beach is said to be one of the cleanest beaches in Goa and it offers the opportunity to view the stunning sunset. It is a romantic gateway for adventure freaks, beach lovers and honeymoon couples. At Miramar beach one can get pleasure and satisfaction with some interesting activities like fishing, .....

Mobor Beach

#75 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 49 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 40 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 17 km from Margao Railway Station, Mobor Beach is a beautiful beach located in South Goa. The Mobor Beach is a beautiful, tranquil and clean beach situated at the south of the Cavelossim Beach. It was practically unheard of till 1980s. Around 1980s, this pristine beach was discovered by the tourists and started gaining popularity. It is a public beach and is amply provided with the beach umbrellas and chairs. It is situated close to the famous Colva Beach. A major factor that attracts the tourists to this place is its serenity and less crowded atmosphere. This beach is now one of the most happening and popular holiday destinations in Goa and is known to be an ideal location for the adventure tourists. The beach is located close to the mouth of the river Sal. The tourists can enjoy sun bathing on the beach. Dolphin trips and sunset cruises are among the other attractions at the .....

Morjim Beach

#76 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 27 km Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 54 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 15 km from Mapusa, Morjim Beach popularly known as the Turtle Beach is located in North Goa. Morjim Beach is situated on the northern side of the Chapora River and south of Ashvem Beach. One can see the beautiful Morjim Beach from the Chapora fort. The part of the beach directly opposite the fort is usually deserted. A few palm and Casuarinas pines can be found on the beach. In recent years, Morjim has earned the label as 'Little Russia' due to the concentration of Russian tourists visiting and residing in the beach town. Morjim Beach is a quiet and secluded beach unspoilt by tourism. The Morjim Beach is most renowned for the Olive Ridley turtles that have their nesting ground here, which are an endangered species. The sight of the tiny hatchlings, turtles and crabs makes your experience at the beach an unforgettable one. However, touching the eggs or hatchlings is a punishable .....

Odxel Beach

#77 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 11 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 28 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 4 km from Dona Paula Beach, Odxel Beach is located in North Goa. The Odxel Beach is a very small sea beach approximately 250 m in length but is very pleasant and quite. Odxel is located between Dona Paula and Bambolim just before the Goa University. This beach is a favourite picnic spot of the local people and not known on the tourist map. Odxel Beach is not favourable to swim as there are a lot of rocks and current. The beach offers a quite and peaceful place to just relax. The locals are quite friendly too. A picnic spot favoured by the locals, the Beach is today the site of some real estate development. In Odxel Beach there is a Portuguese Catholic chapel located at the right hand position. Many a couple has got married here. This church is the pilgrimage tourism spot in this region. The chapel caters to the local Catholic population in the village. There is also a shrine .....

Ozran Beach

#78 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 20 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 46 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 12 km from Mapusa, Ozran Beach is also known as Little Vagator situated in North Goa. Ozran Beach is located just after Anjuna Beach, close to the Vagator Beach. The Ozran Beach is a small but very picturesque beach. It is situated behind the hillocks on which the fort of Chapora is located. To reach the Ozran Beach travellers have to climb a small hill. Wonderful surroundings make the beach one of the main attractions of Goa. Ozran Beach is an extension of the Vagator Beach. It is a hotspot for foreign tourists and has one of the most picturesque settings found in this coastline. Ozran is a rocky beach more so on it's left and right extremes. The beach appears less crowded compared to Vagator Beach. Mostly Goan's in many groups spend their day at Ozran beach with their family and friends. Towards the northern side of the beach there is a huge human face carved on a rock. .....

Patnem Beach

#79 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 70 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 66 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 37 km from Margao Railway Station, Patnem Beach is situated in South Goa. Patnem Beach is a 900 m long, wide beautiful strip of golden sand, which reclined from both sides onto rocky headlands and capes. Patnem beach is situated to the southern edge of Colomb, south of Palolem. The Arabian Sea is shallow here. Really it is much the same beach with only about 1 km separating from Palolem. Patnem Beach is also the quietest place amongst all the beaches of South Goa. The Patnem Beach is a crescent white sand beach and is not as long as Palolem and Agonda Beach. Patnem is never overcrowded even in the peak season, on Christmas and New Year and is an ideal place for complete relaxation. Patnem is one of Goa's best beaches for children since the nightlife is low-key, the food is varied and high quality and the sea is relatively calm. The Patnem Beach is suitable for swimming .....

Rajbagh Beach

#80 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 70 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 66 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 36 km from Margao Railway Station, Rajbagh Beach also known as Rajbaga or Rajbagh is situated 3.5 km south from the famous Palolem Beach in South Goa. The main Rajbagh Beach starts from the southern end of Patnem Beach. This beach is very nice, beautiful and clean. The length of the Beach is about 1 km. The Rajbagh sea coastline is covered with high palm trees and heavy pine trees which stretching from the cape, that separate the Rajbagh Beach from the neighboring Patnem Beach up to the Talpona River mouth. The Rajbagh Beach acquires its name from the famous hotel Rajbagh Residency located close by. The hotel authorities are to be credited for keeping the beach clean and tidy. The Rajbagh Beach is ideal for a do nothing vacation. Almost the entire Rajbagh coastline is occupied by luxury five-star. Though not a private beach, Rajbagh gets very few visitors other than the hotel .....

Sinquerim Beach

#81 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 12 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 39 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 14 km from Mapusa, Sinquerim Beach is known as the first tourist beach of North Goa. The Sinquerim Beach is a beautiful beach that has a spectacular stretch of sand. It is located at the south of the famous beaches like Baga, Calangute and Candolim. It is an ideal place for swimming and one should not miss visiting this beach when on their travel to Goa for beach holidays. The Sinquerim Beach is a semi circle shaped beach lies adjacent to the Aguada Beach. The lovely beach of Sinquerim is one of the oldest preserved beaches in Goa . The famous fort Aguada is located near the beach. Fort Aguada was built by the Portuguese in the early 17th century to defend them against any foreign attack and to control the entry of the intruders through River Mandovi. This beach gets very crowded with tourists and vendors. It is not really a .....

Sernabatim Beach

#82 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 36 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 27 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 7 km from Margao Railway Station, Sernabatim Beach is an idyllic, virgin and silver sand beach located in South Goa. Sernabatim Beach is sandwiched between Colva and Benaulim Beach. This Beach is essentially a continuation of the Colva Beach and lies just 1 km from Colva Beach. It is far from the hustle and bustle of other major beaches of Goa. This beach is a much cleaner and quieter beach in Goa and an ideal place for swimming and relaxing. The sun setting into the Arabian Sea at Sernabatim Beach is a mesmerizing scene, which is not to be missed. Waves here are small and low which makes this fantastic beach is an ideal place for swimming. During monsoon period the beach slope is steep after the water line. The main activities at Sernabatim Beach are boating and hiking, dolphins watching and going onto different excursions to the nearby attractions like Colva and Benaulim .....

Siridao Beach

#83 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 8 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 20 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 21 km from Mapusa, Siridao Beach is also known as Shiridon and Xiddona situated in North Goa. Siridao Beach is a beach with coarse sand that lies at the mouth of the river Zuari. Siridao Beach is popularly known as the beach of Shell Collectors. One can come across a wide variety of oysters and pearl shells at the beach. The Siridao Beach is a rocky and sandy beach where you can see some mysterious caves. Another attraction is 'The Chapel of Jesus of Nazareth' and is situated atop a hill, right on the Siridao Beach. Thousands of the devotees come to the chapel to pay reverence to Lord Jesus. The first Sunday after Easter is the feast of Jesus of Nazareth at Siridao. At the entrance of the Siridao village you can see three stone carved statues playing musical instruments with a dog. Here is preserved the testimony of a huge man like creature who once inhabited the place .....

Talpona Beach

#84 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 76 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 71 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 9 km from Canacona Railway Station, Talpona Beach is located in South Goa. Talpona Beach is one of the remote beaches of Goa. Its nearest neighbors are Galgibagh Beach to the south and Rajbagh Beach to the north. The beach is about one km stretch of golden sand and stands at the mouth of the Talpona River. The beach of Talpona is covered with pure sand of a golden colour with some small patches in its northern part of the beach. The Talpona River joins the Arabian Sea here. The Talpona shoreline is framed with palm trees and pine groves. There is a spacious open sandy ground with small shrubs and seashells. The both sides of Talpona Beach is closed with woody capes and headlands. The sea is quiet and calm, water is crystal clear. The Talpona beach has small sand dunes and is not very frequented by tourists. It is suitable for those seeking complete isolation and is quite .....

Issorcim Beach / Hollant Beach

#85 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 32 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and 8 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station, Issorcim Beach is supposed to be a part of the Hollant Beach in South Goa. Issorcim Beach is located in the Mormugao Taluka. The Beach is about 1.5 km from the famous Bogmalo Beach. Issorcim of Hollant Beach is a peaceful and quite scenic beach especially during the high tide, when the sea meets a freshwater stream flowing nearby. There is also a spring near the church at the edge of lush green fields. The Issorcim Beach is smaller in size and it is good for fishing. This Beach is peaceful, isolated stretch of clean white sand which provides an excellent opportunity to spend some time without any noise. The beaches of Vasco, Cumberthi and Baina have become extremely polluted, so Issorcim provides a good alternative. It is also a good place for angling. Issorcim Beach is the only place other than Grande Island where you can see plate coral growing. The coral reefs and coral .....

Utorda Beach

#86 of 86 Places to Visit in Panjim

At a distance of 30 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 19 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 12 km from Margao Railway Station, Utorda Beach is located about 7 km from famous Colva Beach in South Goa. Utorda Beach is one of the most amazing and beautiful beaches in South Goa. It is bordered with two other famous beaches Majorda in the south and Arossim in the north. Utorda Beach is separated from its neighbors by a small river. Utorda Beach has a large cover of pine trees and palm trees. It is a very quiet and peaceful beach because of less crowed. The beach has long straight patches of unspoilt soft sands. Waves of the Arabian Sea here is calm and not so high, which make swimming safe and enjoyable even for novice swimmers. Parasailing, jet skiing and beachside shopping are some of the activities in this beach or you can choose to go for long walks along the beach strip and enjoy a beautiful sunset. Utorda Beach has some good beach shacks and restaurants. Good .....

Most Asked Questions on Goa

It usually takes minimum 3-4 days to visit top tourists attractions in Goa. Goa Can also be mixed with near by wonderful destinations like Dandeli, Murudeshwar and Gokarna by adding few additional days to your trip.

Being in the tropical zone and has a hot and humid climate for most of the year. However, Winter seasom from October to February is the best time to visit Goa to explore its beaches. December is the busiest season in Goa and often hotels run full and tourist places are crowded.

Budget of Goa trip depends on the trip duration and category of hotel you choose for your stay along with the kind of vehicle you prefer. Goa tour packages offered by Trawell.in start from as low as INR 7900 per person for a 3D/2N trip and from INR 10650 per person for 4D/3N vacation.

Ensure to cover most important places to visit in Goa like Reis Mogos Fort, Aguada Fort, Calangute Beach, Chapora Fort, Vagator Beach, Colva Beach, Shri Shantadurga Kunkalikarin Temple, Cabo De Rama Fort, Palolem Beach, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Basilica Of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, River Cruise - Mandovi River, etc.

Goa is one of the safest states in India and people are very liberal in nature. It is very safe for domestic & foreign tourists as well as single women to visit the state.

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Location Southern Banks of river Mandovi in Goa.

Panjim is the most famous tourist destination in Goa, in terms of beaches, churches, carnivals and natural beauty. Being the capital city, it is the focal point of tourism in Goa. It is a small and charming city on the banks of silvery Mandovi River. The town has some beautiful red-blue-green-yellow roofed buildings made in Portuguese Baroque style. While its official name has been Panaji (meaning “the land that does not flood) since the 1960's, it has been called Panjim by the Portuguese, who ruled Goa for over 400 years.

Panjim was a neglected fishing village of creeks, fields and coconut trees for many centuries. It was given the status of a city and was declared the capital of Goa in 1843. The city has tree-lined cobbled streets, pretty gardens and a beautiful promenade on the river-front.

Major Attractions Fontainhas is an old Portuguese district, located west of the Ourem River, near the hill of Altinho. It has been called so because of its location amidst several springs. The narrow cobbled streets, tiled red-blue-yellow-green buildings, shuttered windows and tiny overhanging balconies offer an atmosphere more reminiscent of the Portuguese days. You can visit the Church of St. Sebastian here, in the southern part.

The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is the main church of Panaji. Constructed in the 15th century, this church is believed to be one the oldest in Goa and is dedicated to Mary, with two altars flanking its sides, one dedicated to Jesus and the other to Our Lady of Rosary. The church is located on the eastern side of Church Square (a municipal garden or green park).

During your trip to Panaji, you can visit the museum , which is known for a marvellous collection of  artefacts of the pre-colonial era, including antique furniture, temple sculptures, deities and stones. The galleries of the museum feature Christian art, Hindu and Jain sculpture and bronzes, and paintings from all over India.

Miramar is the most famous beach of Panjim, and offers all facilities relating to water sports and beach activities. Dona Paula and the Calangute Beach are other popular beaches that are frequently visited by tourists.

Other Places To See You can also visit the Church of St. Anne at Talaulim. Located on the bank of river Siridao, this church is an excellent example of late 16th century Hindu & Christian architecture. With a cylindrical roof, it comprises of designs of lotuses, fruits, palm leaves, etc in its woodwork and walls.

Apart from the churches, Panaji offers its tourist guests some beautiful temples and mosques, including the Mahalaxmi temple, Hanuman temple, Jain temple, Safa Shahouri Masjid and Jama Maszid.

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary , located on the island of Chorao (along the Mandovi River) is a perfect place for bird watching amidst the green surroundings.

strong class="bigheading">Food Panaji offers a wide array of restaurants that serve mouth-watering Portuguese, Konkani and intercontinental cuisines. You are offered several Indian dishes and special sea food along with feni .

How To Reach Panaji is a town worth visiting. You can easily commute by air from the Dempo Building, by Indian Airlines, Air India, Jet Airways and NEPC Ltd. There are frequent public buses from Maharashtra and Karnataka. Apart from this, many private companies offer luxury, A/C and sleeper buses from Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune and Mangalore. A couple of companies offer buses to Hampi as well. You can also avail buses for travelling within Goa.

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A Gorgeous Guide to All the Old Goa Attractions

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This article lists the best places to visit in Old Goa and the Old Goa attractions

Let's face it - Old Goa is the most quintessential touristy place in all of Goa. Old Goa is made famous by the grand and historic Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is also commonly called as Old Goa church. While this basilica is quite grand in itself, there are a lot more places to visit in Old Goa than just the famed Old Goa Church. What most tourists are unaware of is that Old Goa is a actually a hub of a plethora of sites - each an architectural and historical marvel in itself. So here's presenting a list of all the Old Goa attractions to help you plan out an itinerary for covering Old Goa in one day.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

How to Reach Old Goa

• Old Goa Map of all Attractions

Old Goa Attractions: Places to Visit in Old Goa

• Hotels in Old Goa
• Places to Eat in Old Goa

Beaches in Old Goa

• Did you enjoy this article on the Old Goa Attractions?

First, let's talk about how to reach Old Goa from Panjim city. Old Goa is located in close proximity to Panjim. The distance from Panjim to Old Goa is approximately 13 km. You can easily rent a bike or take a bus going from Panjim to Ponda and get down at Old Goa. Buses ply frequently from the Panjim KTC bus stand.

Must Read: An Insider’s Guide to Goa, India

Map of Old Goa Attractions

When it comes to Old Goa attractions, most people are only aware of the Old Goa church and the museum location right opposite to the church. But there are lots more places to visit in Old Goa which most people aren't even aware of. So take a look at some of the offbeat and best Old Goa attractions besides the famous church.

1. Basilica of Bom Jesus

Named as "Bom" Jesus or "Good" Jesus, Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO world heritage site. The church itself is over 400 years old and is known to be an excellent example of baroque architecture in India. The Basilica holds the body of Saint Francis Xavier, who came to Goa as a missionary. The body is kept in a decorated casket on a high platform, which can be seen inside the Basilica. Moreover, once in ten years, the body of Saint Francis Xavier is brought down for public viewing. This Old Goa attraction is the most famous among all the places to visit in Old Goa.

Must Read: The Best Restaurants in North Goa

2. Se Cathedral and Church of St. Francis of Assisi

Se Cathedral was built to honour the victory of the Portuguese under Afonso de Albuquerque - a Portuguese general over a Muslim army, leading to the capture of Goa in 1510. Following that, in 1517, eight Portuguese friars landed in Goa and set up the Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi and an adjacent convent for them to reside to the west of Se Cathedral. A few years later, this chapel was constructed into a proper church and thus came to be known as the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. This area, much like all others in Old Goa, is quite well-maintained. The lawns are ever-green and decorated with colourful flowers year-round. You can either walk around here to enjoy the lawns or visit the museum inside to gain a little more knowledge on the Portuguese conquest of Goa.

3. St. Augustine Tower

Just a few hundred meters away from the Basilica of Bom Jesus, lies the iconic St. Augustine tower, one of the top places to visit in Old Goa. The tower is located in a complex which is in ruins. Look closely and you might recognise this tower from multiple Bollywood movie songs and action scenes. There used to be a bell in this tower which was removed and relocated to the Panjim Church - Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, where it still sits today. The best part about this area is that it's in close proximity to the Old Goa Church, yet there are only a select few curious souls that manage to make their way here.

Must Read: What to Pack for Your Goa Trip

4. St. Cajetan Church

Speaking of rarely visited attractions in Old Goa, St. Cajetan Church is high up on that list. This church is supposed to have been modelled after St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Notice the similarity in the column structure of both the Basilicas. Moreover, the interior of this Church is just as impressive as the exterior. It's a shame that so many tourists come to visit the Old Goa Church yet almost all of them miss out on yet another great church located just a few hundred meters away.

5. Church of Our Lady of the Mount

I had to save the best Old Goa attraction for the last. Perched comfortably at the top of a hillock, this is where you should end your day trip to Old Goa. Setting the stage for a spectacular sunset view, the church overlooks three marvellous structures. From left to right we see the St. Augustine tower, Se Cathedral and finally the Church of St. Cajetan to the right. As the sun goes down and the sky takes up an orange hue, you'll find a few curious souls as well as some cheeky youngsters enjoying their evenings here.

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6. Viceroy's Arch

The Viceroy Arch lies just a short walk away from the Old Goa church and a stone's throw away from the St. Cajetan Church. A long time ago, the arch used to be the main entrance to enter Old Goa. The church was built in the 14th century by Francisco da Gama, the great grandson of Vasco da Gama in his memory. It became a tradition for any newly elected Viceroy to pass through the arch and receive the keys to Old Goa, the former capital of Goa. This Old Goa attraction is a favourite among history buffs.

Hotels in Old Goa - Old Goa Residency

Since most people visit Old Goa while taking a day trip from Panjim, there are not a whole lot of hotels in Old Goa. However there is one hotel which is run by GTDC. Old Goa Residency is located quite close to all the Old Goa tourist places. There's a restaurant near the Divar ferry point called gene Garden. You can enjoy good food there along with river views to complete your stay in Old Goa. The major plus point of this hotel is it's proximity to the Old Goa attractions as well as the decent rates.

Must Read: 3-day Itinerary for Goa

Places to Eat in Old Goa - Where to Eat

The problem with visiting a popular tourist place like Old Goa are the tourist traps. When it comes to eating in Old Goa, you'll only find one restaurant near the souvenir shops. What's more, the prices in this restaurant will b extremely high for the taste and quantity. Luckily, there's a great restaurant just nearby. Gene Garden is a restaurant in Old Goa located near the Divar ferry point. The restaurant is located on the river side with a cool breeze at all times, good taste and unbelievably cheap prices. Alternatively, you can even try out one of the many Panjim restaurants and cafes for lunch or dinner after visiting Old Goa.

While teachnically there are no beaches in Old Goa, you will find a few beaches in the nearby Panjim city. Miramar beach, Siridao beach and Bambolim beach are some of the popular beaches in Panaji. If you're taking a day trip from Panjim to Old Goa then you can visit the Old Goa attractions in half a day then spend the evening at a beach in Panjim. Read this guide on the top things to do in Panjim city to know more. Better yet, go further North and see all the best places to visit in North Goa .

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A very exhaustive guide with lots of tips..keep up the great work Soujanya! 🙂

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Goa set to showcase its commitment to sustainable tourism at ATM Dubai 2024

Team Herald

PANJIM: As the global travel and tourism industry gears up for the prestigious Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2024, from May 6 to 9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), there’s one destination that’s poised to make a significant impact – Goa. 

Renowned for its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant communities, Goa is set to showcase its commitment to sustainable tourism at ATM Dubai 2024 with this year’s theme: “Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship”.

The Goa Tourism Pavilion at ATM Dubai will feature sustainable initiatives under the Regenerative Tourism approach which will focus on the pillars under this approach like hinterland exploration, restoration and replenish heritage sites, a journey towards spiritual tourism will include 11 temples under the Ekadasha Teertha circuit and the Exposition of St Francis Xavier’s relics at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa, from November 21, 2024 until January 5, 2025. 

Director of Tourism and GTDC Managing Director Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, said, “The Goa Tourism pavilion will reflect the traditional, historical significance and the rich cultural heritage of Goa under Regenerative Tourism. There will be approximately 17 co-exhibitors like tour and travel operators, wedding planners, as we have roped in various planners and MICE representatives. One of our main focuses will be on promoting MICE tourism in a massive manner, along with this, the Department of Tourism is in the process of forming the single window wedding in Goa policy; to rope in more tourists as part of this initiative at ATM Dubai.”

Anchipaka said, “Goa became the first State to launch Regenerative Tourism with hinterland tourism, spiritual tourism and various MICE tourism under it. All these initiatives are to attract inbound tourists and especially quality tourists. Through this mart, we aim to promote tourism within GCC countries, which have high-spending tourists so that they can visit Goa and explore the hidden gems our State has to offer.”

Goa Tourism’s pavilion will exhibit the best of what Goa has to offer with the presence of Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, Suneel Anchipaka, Deputy Director of Tourism Kuldeep Arolkar, Shawn Mendes, OSD to Tourism Minister and others.

assistant tourist officer, Chitra Vengurlekar, along with co-exhibitors from leading industries like tour operators, hoteliers and wedding planners.

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An Eater’s Guide to Goa, India’s Sunshine State

G oa is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. The southwestern Indian state, which is split into northern and southern districts along the Konkan coast, welcomes millions of visitors from other parts of India who party the night away with affordable booze. Known as India’s Sunshine State, the area is also a favorite for foreign tourists, who frequent resorts, guesthouses, and beach cabanas, lured by the state’s sun, sand, and susegado, the Goan version of the laid-back life. Local food businesses have responded in kind. Walk along the famous stretch of beaches between Candolim and Baga, and you’ll encounter North Indian dishes like palak paneer or dal makhani, restaurant brands imported from major Indian cities, and Western burgers. Goa’s incredibly diverse, flavorful cuisine rarely makes appearances in the buzzier areas.

But Goans nurture a deep love for their food, evident in everyday meals (like little touches of pickled fruits) and special occasions (like the 16-layer egg-and-coconut cakes that appear around Christmas). Locals tie together recipes, ingredients, and kitchen know-how from Portugal, South India, and other parts of the world, creating a culinary legacy that often goes overlooked by tourists. Across Goa, you’ll find a vivid mix of breakfast joints, roadside carts, generations-old taverns, and contemporary resto bars, all proudly contributing to Goa’s culinary narrative.

There are opportunities to escape the tourist circuit in the capital, Panjim (also known as Panaji), as well as the coastal towns, islands, and inland villages. After just a few meals, you’ll know why Goa is one of India’s most underrated food destinations.

What’s the food in Goa like?

Although small in size, the state has a layered cuisine from centuries of power shifts. Hindu royal families and Muslim dynasties ruled Goa before the Portuguese arrived in 1510. The Portuguese colonized the area for about 450 years and heavily influenced culinary traditions in the process; many dishes and desserts still have Portuguese-derived names. Goa also acted as a center of trade with Arab merchants and other territories of the Portuguese empire, like Japan, Indonesia, and Mozambique, bringing in spices along with textiles, horses, and other goods.

Goan food largely relies on locally grown rice and seafood like Bombay duck, mackerel, kingfish, pomfret, mussels, and prawns. The coconut palm is especially important; it’s used to produce palm jaggery, scraped coconut meat, vinegar (commonly used to add sour notes to dishes or pickle produce), and coconut milk that thickens stewy vegetable curries like khatkhatem.

In terms of meat, chicken, lamb, and beef appear often at Goan celebrations, but pork is king. Although there’s a common stereotype that pork carries a stigma across India, the pig is integral to many Indian cuisines, including Goan, where every part of the fattened animal is put to precise use. The state’s cuisine also makes use of abundant spring and summer produce, like cashews, mangoes, jackfruit, and kokum.

Key terms for food lovers

Pao and poee.

Ask any Goan and they’ll tell you that local life is deeply tied to pao (Portuguese for bread): puffy, square-shaped, golden-crusted rolls. Baking has a long, nuanced history in Goa running back to the mid-16th century. In her book Cozinha de Goa: History and Tradition of Goan Food, Fátima da Silva Gracias explains that Portuguese missionaries taught European techniques to one of the communities in coastal Majorda in southern Goa; from there the knowledge spread across the state and up the northwestern coast of India.

Traditionally, dough was fermented with sur (palm wine), adding a fluffy texture, though most bakers use yeast today. Freshly baked pao makes a great pairing with curry or an omelet. There are also other types of bread, like the popular poee, a hollow discus of leavened whole-wheat bread. Across Goan villages, you’ll still find a poder (breadman) on his bicycle delivering freshly baked pao and poee to every house.

A member of the mangosteen family, kokum is a tropical fruit that grows wild in the forests along the Konkan coast. A common souring agent in the region, the sun-dried outer flesh of the fruit is also boiled to prepare drinks and cooling condiments.

The assortment of dishes in a lunch thali varies across India according to region, community, and class. In Goa, a thali typically comes with rice, coconutty and tangy fish curry, vegetables, solkadhi (a cooling coconut milk and kokum drink), and a choice of spicy, fried fish or prawns. Some Goan thalis also include kismur (a condiment combining coconut with fish or dried prawns), pickles, and traditional desserts like bebinca (layered cake).

You’ll often see fish rava fry or prawns rava fry on restaurant menus. A common way to prepare seafood, this involves marinating fish with chile powder, turmeric, and salt before coating items in a thin layer of rava (semolina) and shallow frying them for a delightful, subtle crunch. Rava is also used for frying potatoes, okra, and eggplant.

Long before the Portuguese arrived in Goa, locals were making feni, a colorless, aromatic spirit originally derived from the sap of the coconut flower. When the Portuguese introduced cashews to the state, many distillers switched to cashew apples for their base. Today, feni is so strongly associated with Goa, the state received a geographical indication (GI) tag for the drink, a mark of quality. Feni is usually enjoyed neat or with Limca (lemon-lime soda), but you’ll also find bars making creative cocktails with this heritage spirit. Homegrown brands like Aani Ek also sell artisanal feni infused with chile, lime, or honey and cinnamon.

Chicken, beef, lamb, crabs, and chickpeas all get slow-cooked in xacuti-style curry. A labor of love, this dish combines ingredients like dried Kashmiri red chiles, poppy seeds, peppercorns, and coconut meat, along with other herbs and spices, all sauteed and pounded to make a spicy, aromatic gravy. Xacuti is usually served with rice, but leftovers are also great drizzled over an egg omelet.

Much like the ubiquitous rava fry, recheado fish fry or recheado masala shows up on a lot of Goan menus. Recheado is a red spice blend prepared with Kashmiri red chiles and herbs. This marinade is usually stuffed inside or coated on a fish before it’s shallow-fried.

A hot, sour, vinegary curry commonly made by those living along the Konkan coast, sorpotel traditionally features pork meat and offal including heart, liver, tongue, and blood. It’s mostly a ceremonial dish, prepared for special days like Christmas and weddings, when it’s served alongside sanna (soft, steamed, rice-flour discs).

Where to eat in Panjim, North Goa, and South Goa

Confeitaria 31 de janeiro.

This 1930 Goan Portuguese bakery is located in a tiny alley in the Fontainhas neighborhood of Panjim’s Latin Quarter, tucked among the vibrant houses sporting red tiled roofs and picturesque porches. Grab one of the outdoor tables — covered with azulejo ceramic tiles depicting scenes of Goan life — to people-watch with one of the bakery’s prawn rissois (cheesy, prawn-stuffed, half-moon patties) and other classics like Swiss rolls and chocolate-rum balls. Come early for the bebinca, Goa’s famous, pudding-like layered cake (believed to have been first made by a nun in the 17th century), which is golden brown, eggy, and sweet.

Since 1913, Goans have made the multiple locations of Tato synonymous with a quick snack, tea, and breakfast. Staples include a range of vegetarian bhaji, like the sukhi (a dry potato dish), onion and tomato salad, mushrooms, or cowpeas. Each dish comes with a choice of puri (deep-fried whole wheat bread), pao, or fluffy, deep-fried banana-wheat buns dusted with cumin (like you might find in Mangalore down the coast).

Kokni Kanteen

Indian tourists from other states flock to this little restaurant, which continuously hums with Konkani songs. You’ll definitely have to line up for the lunchtime fish thali, the restaurant’s most famous dish, which includes fried kingfish, mussels, dry prawns, and a lightly spiced fish curry, served alongside rice and other items like solkadhi.

Smack dab at the heart of Panjim, Bombil is a love letter to the small joints that once dotted Goa. The no-frills restaurant with vivid, yellow walls serves food inspired by owner Joseph Dias’s upbringing, especially the simple food cooked by his grandparents. Look for favorite bites like semolina-coated fried lepo (sole) or go for the daily lunch, which includes white rice with mango pickles, bombil (dried Bombay duck), and sorak (spiced, tangy coconut gravy known as “spinster curry” since it doesn’t include meat or fish). The menu also features kalchi kodi (day-old sorak eaten with hot pao and a fried egg) and more elaborate dishes, like a thali with kingfish that was part of the Sunday feasts of Dias’s childhood.

The Local Table

Dining at the Local Table feels like visiting old friends. The casual atmosphere adds to the warm welcome from chef Gaurish Madgaonkar and his wife, who run the place with help from their young daughter. The restaurant’s menu is a world apart from the North Indian style dhabas (roadside food stalls) catering to tourists along the busy Candolim Beach Road. Try the rava-coated silver pomfret, which is shallow-fried on a low flame, or the crab xacuti. Wash down your meal with a refreshing glass of kokum soda.

Once a sleepy little village with colonial-era residences, Assagao is now nicknamed the Beverly Hills of Goa for its fancy cafes, luxe boutique hotels, and fine dining venues. For a pocket-friendly option in the area, head to Sabor. Goan co-owner Jack Gerald opened the charming cafe in 2022, serving local snacks with modern twists (like roasted pork sandwiches on poee). With paned windows and indigo walls, it almost feels like a slice of Portugal in Goa.

While Brahmins across India are generally known to be strictly vegetarian, the coastal influences are evident in the fish dishes of Goa’s Saraswat Brahmin. Though the cuisine is rarely seen outside private homes, Shubhra Shankhwalker wants to promote the cuisine to a wider audience while honoring century-old recipes from her community. Set in a farmhouse in North Goa, Aayi’s — meaning “mother’s” — serves an experiential, hyperlocal, multicourse menu. Shankhwalker uses handpicked ingredients from local markets and fishmongers to make dishes like kalundarche hooman (pearl spot fish curry) and adsarache pole (tender coconut dosa with garlic chutney).

Susegad Anjuna

This incredible, little food truck in Mazal Waddo is just a 30-minute walk from the famous Anjuna beach. Everything here is home-cooked and perfect for a quick, affordable evening snack. While there are several meat-stuffed poee on offer, the winner is clearly the truck’s choris pao: poee stuffed with Goan pork sausage (originally influenced by Portuguese chouriço) that’s spicy and tangy with vinegar.

Home-Made Goan Fish Curry

Tucked away in a small dirt road far away from Anjuna’s buzz, this small, confusingly named restaurant gets busy at lunchtime, when people pile in for the fish thali. Order the rava fry prawns, grab a chair beneath the tin roof, and dig in with locals who prefer to keep this place a secret.

Monte Carlo

If you want to go where the locals eat, head to Monte Carlo. The family-run place in the village of Betalbatim offers Goan classics like pork jeerem meerem, a spicy, tangy gravy made with herbs like cumin, peppercorn, turmeric, and green chile, flavored with tamarind syrup, tomatoes, and vinegar. Look out for the tora shiro, pickled mango slices served alongside mains.

Mon Petit Frère

A tiny, open-air bakery, coffee shop, and brunch spot with rustic interiors in Colva, one of South Goa’s famous beach areas, Mon Petit Frère is one of those unexpected gems you find during a Goan holiday. Famous for breakfasts and Sunday brunches of Western-style eggs, crepes, pancakes, and falafel burgers, the cafe also serves house-made sourdough loaves, chocolate almond banana muffins, cinnamon buns, and handmade pasta dishes. Go for coffee and stay for the basque cheesecake that’s developed a cult following.

Ulhas is a gaddo (street stall) specializing in ros omelet. Your choice of spicy chickpeas or chicken xacuti curry is drizzled over a fluffy omelet, topped with chopped onions and coriander leaves, and served with fresh pao and a lime wedge.

Kausar’s Biryani

Perhaps the best place for biryani in all of Goa, Kausar’s offers homestyle chicken and mutton dum biryani (layers of rice and meat slow-cooked in a large pot). There are also other popular Indian dishes like butter chicken; Mangalorean chicken ghee roast marinated with spices, curry leaves, ghee, and jaggery; and desserts like sheer khurma (sweet vermicelli pudding) prepared by Muslims during Eid.

Cavatina by Avinash Martins

At his Benaulim restaurant, renowned chef Avinash Martins serves Goan food with a contemporary twist, including a modern take on Indigenous Goan food and highly seasonal produce. Check out the spanakopita made with Goan tambdi bhaji (red amaranth) and cashew butter; or go for Martins’s toranja starter, a local pomelo tossed with onions, cilantro, cucumber, mint, dried Bombay duck, and a tangy, spicy dressing of chiles, tamarind, and jaggery.

The best places to drink in Goa

For the record.

India’s first vinyl bar, founded by audio engineer and jazz musician Buland Shukla, this Panjim hangout has a curated list of craft cocktails made with native spirits like feni and seasonal ingredients like amaranth. The bar’s impressive food menu focuses on different types of fermentation.

No guide to Goa is complete without this iconic space, where time has little meaning. Frequented by locals, Joseph is an old bar with rustic decor and space for about 15 people. Grab a draught beer and sit down for a chat with Prabhakar Azagaokar — known simply as Gundu — Joseph’s iconic, always-smiling barman, who’ll whip up anything you like.

Villa 259 Taproom & Cocktail Bar

This tap room is fancy, like everything else in Assagao. Set in a charming old, renovated Portuguese house with plenty of private nooks, the restaurant and bar serves modern European food and great cocktails named after Goa’s iconic tourist spots. There’s live music on the weekends.

The Flying Goat

The Flying Goat not only does great coffee and cocktails using local ingredients, but it’s also an incredibly peaceful spot to while away the time with an extensive book collection. Full of houseplants, friendly dogs, and soulful music, it’s dreamy and intimate, particularly during monsoons.

Patnem Chai Shop

One of South Goa’s oldest shops for chao (the Konkani term for chai), Patnem is a go-to place for samosas (deep-fried patties stuffed with spicy potatoes, peas, and meat). With images of Hindu goddesses flanking the vintage pink walls, this iconic place is run by friendly folks who welcome a mix of foreigners and locals.

A cute little bar reviving the tavern culture in Goa with a contemporary twist, Feli occupies a spot in the beautiful village of Benaulim. The cocktails pay homage to Goan traditions, incorporating ingredients like coconut feni and mango. The watering hole also pours craft beers from Susegado, Goa’s first microbrewery.

The best food tours and experiences in Goa

Make it happen.

Homegrown tour organization Make It Happen conducts whisky distillery tours, feni and tapas hours, and food trails through Goan towns, all of which make ideal introductions to local cuisine. Go for the Margao Food Trail, which explores local markets, breadmaking, and dining at a heritage restaurant. Tours start at $30 per person.

Soul Travelling

One of Goa’s leading tour organizations, Soul Travelling stands out by offering curated culinary tours that explore various aspects of Goan cuisine, like home-cooked Saraswat Brahmin meals. Go for the Chorao Island tour, which gives you a chance to explore Goa’s largest island and cook dishes with local families. Tours start at $23 per person.

The Local Beat

Founded by Goan Mackinlay Barreto, Local Beat goes beyond typical tourist experiences to explore Goa’s charming villages. All tours include food experiences, dipping into what Goans eat on a typical day depending on the season, like kelyachyo fodi (spicy, rava-fried banana) and urrak, the first distillation of the cashew apple extract (a second distillation produces feni). Contact Local Beat for curated tours and prices.

The best hotels in Goa for food lovers

Ahilya by the sea.

With only nine tastefully designed rooms set across three villas, Ahilya by the Sea sits on a secluded spot by a bay in Nerul, a picturesque village in North Goa. Known for his table d’hote fine dining, chef Jason Pereira serves Indian and Goan dishes, like a rava fry prawn thali, in a charming setting. Aside from two pools shaded by frangipani, the Arjun’s Tree House room, nested in a 200-year-old banyan tree, is particularly stunning. Rooms start at $744 in the peak season.

MansionHaus

This 300-year-old luxury hotel in North Goa’s Anjuna sports chic, white interiors, a communal courtyard, and a veranda dimmed with moon lighting. It’s also particularly great for hungry guests, as it hosts suppers with traveling chefs from across the world. Though the menu changes often, it always features fresh, organic ingredients from the Goan coast and nearby farms. Visitors can join curated cooking classes or private food and wine pairings hosted by the chefs. Doubles start at $230 during the high season.

Casa Menezes

Located in Batim, a village outside Panjim that retains the charm of old Goa, this 300-year-old home of the de Menezes family comes with four suites. Consider dining on-site at the country-style restro bar, which is tastefully decorated with teak furniture and serves home-cooked, traditional Goan Portuguese dishes like sorpotel and spicy Konkani-style prawns, all paired with feni. Suites start at $85 during the high season.

Alila Diwa Goa

High-ceilinged corridors, reflective pools, and charming courtyards full of mango trees effortlessly blend in with the surrounding lush rice paddies at this 118-room luxe Hyatt resort in South Goa. The hotel restaurant, Spice Studio, encircles a majestic banyan tree and serves homey dishes from India’s southwestern coast, like the Thalassery Kozhi Biryani from northern Kerala, in which rice and chicken are cooked separately and later layered in a large pot. Be sure to sip one of the Courtyard Bar’s kokum-infused martinis. Rooms start at $200 during the high season.

Hugging a rocky clifftop in Cabo de Rama, one of South Goa’s more dramatic seascapes featuring crags and coconut palms, this 14-acre eco-resort by the Arabian Sea is ideal for a relaxing getaway with daily yoga and meditation. The resort sources some ingredients from its own organic garden, while fish and grains are sourced locally for seasonal menus. Dine alfresco at the restaurant, join a wellness cooking experience, or ask for private dining in the garden. Goan and other Indian cuisines are on offer, including tisane (tea) made from garden herbs. Rooms start at $230 during the high season.

Zinara Rathnayake is a writer based in India and Sri Lanka with bylines in New York Times, BBC, CNN, Atlas Obscura, and others. Her work largely focuses on travel, food, and culture, among others.