Panjim Holidays

Panjim ('the land that does not flood') lies on the southern banks of the Mandovi River in North Goa, and is located just 35km from the international airport, Dabolim. Originally built around a church facing a town square, the city has grown from a small riverfront village to the state's third largest city, and now serves as the capital of Goa and the main administrative headquarters. Panjim is a picturesque and charming city, with lovely views out across the river, and still boasts plenty of Portuguese influence as well as its colourful Goan character.

 

The colonial city centre is well-laid out and easy to navigate, home to a wealth of attractive tree-lined boulevards, riverside promenades, elegant villas and lush gardens, as well as narrow cobbled streets and bustling market stalls. There's a diverse style in Panjim, with an abundance of Latin-style buildings, red-brick roofs and stucco walls, as well as Baroque architecture and pristine churches that line the streets. The old Latin quarter, the Fontainhas, is great to walk around, full of colourful buildings and old villas, and retains a strong Portuguese influence. There are a host of hotels in which to stay in Panjim, and the extensive dining scene ranges from casual cafes, coffee shops and local bars, to gourmet restaurants and upscale international fare.

 

Although most of Panjim can be explored by foot, the water front is always busy with ferries and pleasure boats that ride up and down the river - all offering a great way to see the cityscape and enjoy a scenic cruise. Attractions to see in Panjim include the Baroque church, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, the Chapel of San Sebastian, the Idalcao Palace, the Mahalaxmi Temple and the Jama Masjid mosque. Local beaches to visit include Dona Paula and Miramar Beach, as well as the famous North Goan tourist resorts of Calungute and Candolim.