Panaji Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Panaji, the capital city of the Indian state of Goa, is a vibrant and picturesque destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Located on the banks of the Mandovi River, Panaji is known for its colonial architecture, sandy beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere that captures the essence of Goa.

One of the highlights of Panaji is its charming Latin Quarter, Fontainhas. With its narrow winding streets, colorful houses, and quaint Portuguese-style buildings, Fontainhas exudes an old-world charm that transports visitors back in time. Strolling through these cobbled streets, you can explore art galleries, boutique shops, and enjoy authentic Goan cuisine at the local restaurants.

For history enthusiasts, the historic neighborhood of Altinho is a must-visit. Here, you will find the imposing Adil Shah Palace, which dates back to the 16th century and showcases Indo-Portuguese architecture. The palace now serves as the official residence of the Governor of Goa and is surrounded by beautiful gardens that offer panoramic views of the city.

Panaji is also famous for its vibrant markets, where you can experience the vibrant local culture. The Municipal Market is a bustling hub where you can find a wide range of fresh produce, spices, and local handicrafts. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the mouthwatering street food, such as Goan fish curry or pork vindaloo, which can be found in the market stalls.

No visit to Panaji is complete without exploring its stunning beaches. Miramar Beach, located just a short distance from the city center, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. With its golden sands, clear blue waters, and breathtaking sunset views, it offers the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Local name: पणजी Population: 65.6 thous.Area: 13.9 mi²Elevation: 33 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 15°29'52"N, 73°49'36"E

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Panaji Top Attractions

Panaji Attractions - What to See and Explore

Panaji offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Goa Science Centre, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Goa State Museum, Sunaparanta. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Science museum
Goa Science Centre
Nestled in the picturesque city of Panaji, the Goa Science Centre is a beacon of learning and a fascinating attraction for tourists of all ages. This museum, dedicated to the wonders of science, is not only an educational hub but also a place of entertainment where...
Architecture • Church • Historical place
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
The Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is located in Panjim, Goa, India. The Church conducts Mass every day in English, Konkani, and Portuguese. The colonial Portuguese Baroque style church was first built in 1541 as a chapel on a hill side overlooking the city of Panjim.
Museum • Art museum • Archaeological museum
Goa State Museum
Goa State Museum, also known as the State Archaeology Museum, Panaji, is a museum in Goa, India. Established in 1977, it contains departments including Ancient History and Archaeology, Art and Craft, and Geology.

Museum • Art gallery • Shopping
Sunaparanta
Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts is a cultural centre in Altinho, Panjim, Goa. Its official website describes it as a "non-profit, process-based initiative to encourage creation, learning, understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts through education and dialogue in Goa".
Museum • Concert hall • Auditorium
Kala Academy
Kala Academy is a prominent cultural centre run by the Government of Goa, in Goa, India. Situated at Campal, Panjim, it is registered as a society, and was started in February 1970. The building was designed by Charles Correa.
Bridge
Atal Setu
The Atal Setu is a cable-stayed bridge in Goa that runs between Panaji and Porvorim. It carries National Highway 66 over the tidal part of the Mandovi River. It is 5.1 kilometres long, making it the third longest cable-stayed bridge in India.
Nightlife • Gambling • Casino
Casino Goa
The Casino Goa is a live casino located offshore in Panaji in Goa. The casino is located on a yacht, the M.V. Caravela, anchored in the River Mandovi. The casino vessel worth is 110 million Rupees and is owned by the Advani Pleasure Cruise Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Delta Corp and Casinos Austria.
Beach • Outdoor activities
Miramar Beach
Miramar is the beach area of the Goan capital of Panjim, also known as Panaji and is one of the most visited beaches of Goa. It is one of the two only beaches in Panjim, other being Caranzalem beach.
Street
18th June Road
18th June Road is one of the busiest streets in Panaji, Goa, India. It is located in the heart of the city, and is a major shopping destination for the tourist folks. Major businesses and restaurants line the street.
Memorial
Azad Maidan
Azad Maidan is a martyrs' monument and ground in the Indian state of Panaji, Goa. It is located opposite the Goa Police headquarters on the Mahatma Gandhi Road, Panaji. It is located at 15°30′0″N 73°49′34″E.
Temple
Shanta Durga Temple
Shri Shantadurga Saunsthan is a private temple complex belonging to the Goud Saraswat Brahman Samaj located 30 km from Panaji at the foothill of Kavalem village in Ponda Taluka, Goa, India.
15°26'42"N • 73°51'18"E
Siridao
Siridao, or Siridão, is a neighborhood located at the southern end of the city of Panaji, capital of the Indian state of Goa. It is completely located on the island of Tiswadi, one of the talukas in the state of Goa.
Bridge
Ponte Conde de Linhares
The Ponte Conde de Linhares, often shortened to Ponte de Linhares is a 3.2 km long causeway connecting Ribandar to the main city of Panjim in Goa, India. It runs along the flood plains of the Mandovi River and is surrounded by various salt pans. There are ducts which act as tide controls.
Library
Goa State Central Library
Goa State Central Library is the main library in the State of Goa, India. It is located in Panjim and its website claims that it is the first public library to be set up across India, in the early 1830s.
Historical place
Raj Bhavan
Raj Bhavan is a residential palace and fort situated in Dona Paula, Goa which serves as the official residence of the governor of Goa. The sprawling 88 acres estate is located on a cape in the Goan capital, Panjim.
15°27'0"N • 73°48'0"E
Caranzalem
Caranzalem is a neighborhood located on the west side of the city of Panaji, capital of the Indian state of Goa. It is completely located on the island of Tiswadi, one of the talukas in the state of Goa. It is known for its beach with same name.
15°30'4"N • 73°49'30"E
Instituto Vasco da Gama
The Instituto Vasco da Gama Goa, today known as the Institute Menezes Braganza, was founded in 1871 on the initiative of Tomás António Ribeiro Ferreira, better known by Tomás Ribeiro, with the aim of promoting and supporting science and Lusophone literature in Goa.
15°29'44"N • 73°49'33"E
Mushtifund
Mushtifund Saunstha, or simply The Saunstha, is a not-for-profit educational institution founded in 1908 in Goa, India by locals aspiring to spread elementary education in the native Konkani and Marathi language as opposed to that in the Portuguese language in use then as a...
15°29'56"N • 73°49'40"E
National Institute of Water Sports
The National Institute of Water Sports is designated centre under Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management which run by Tourism Ministry, India. The Institute, only one of its nature in South Asia, acts as the apex body for training, education, consultancy and research on areas related to recreational and leisure Watersports.

Day trips

Panaji – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Panaji, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Mapusa Friday Market (Mapusa), Basilica of Bom Jesus (Old Goa), Churches and convents of Goa (Old Goa).

6.3 miN
Market, Shopping
Mapusa Friday Market, Mapusa
Nestled in the bustling city of Mapusa, India, the Mapusa Friday Market offers a vibrant tapestry of Goan culture, commerce, and local charm. This weekly bazaar, which swells in size and energy each Friday, is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to immerse...
5.6 miE
UNESCO-listed Baroque Catholic church
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa
The Basilica of Bom Jesus stands as an architectural gem in the city of Old Goa, India. This Roman Catholic basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its baroque architecture. The basilica houses the mortal remains of St.
5.7 miE
Church,
Churches and convents of Goa, Old Goa
Nestled in the tropical landscapes of Old Goa, India, the Churches and Convents of Goa stand as a testament to the region's rich colonial history and architectural grandeur. These religious monuments, which were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986...
35 milesE
Natural attraction, Park, Waterfall
Dudhsagar Falls, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Nestled in the lush greenery of the Western Ghats on the border between the Indian states of Goa and Karnataka lies the breathtaking Dudhsagar Falls. Recognized as one of the tallest waterfalls in India, it boasts a height of approximately 310 meters (1017 feet)...
4 miW
Forts and castles
Fort Aguada, Candolim
Fort Aguada is a well-preserved seventeenth-century Portuguese fort, along with a lighthouse, standing in Goa, India, on Sinquerim Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea. It is an ASI protected Monument of National Importance in Goa.