Panaji

Location: North District, Goa
Climate:
Summers: 32⁰ C (Maximum), 21⁰ C (Minimum)
Winters: 28⁰ C (Maximum), 20⁰ C (Minimum)
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport
Nearest Railhead: Karmali Railway Station
Must Visits: Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Miramar Beach, Kala Academy cultural centre, Menezes Braganza Institute and Old City
Language Spoken: Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English
STD Code: 0832

Panaji is the beautiful capital city of Goa, situated on the bank of Mandovi River. It is also the district of North Goa with an area of 36 sq km. "Panaji" literally means "land that never floods". The name has been derived from an old word, "Panjakhali". Panaji has its early reference in various inscriptions belonging to 12th century. Goa, along with Panaji, was ruled by many kingdoms of Kadambas, the Chalukyas and the Satavahanas. It was colonized by Portuguese in 16th century. Panaji was incorporated into Indian constituency in 1961, shortly after the Portuguese colonial rule ended in Goa. Before the statehood of Goa, Panaji was the capital of Union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu. In 1987, Goa was declared a state of India with Panaji as its state capital. Panaji has a tropical monsoon climate.

Summers are usually hot and humid, whereas winters are little dry. It rains very heavy in monsoon season, especially during the months of June to September. Panaji is famous for its Portuguese ambience, the church at the main square, cobbled streets, the Baroque architecture and enchanting old villas being a testimony of the same. Main places of tourist attractions in Panaji include Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Miramar Beach, Kala Academy Cultural Centre, Menezes Braganza Institute and Old City. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is one of the finest examples of Portuguese Baroque architecture. Apart from this, Panaji boasts of a long list of old churches that are worth a visit. Few of the notable ones are The Royal Chapel of St. Anthony, The Convent and The Church of the Cross of Miracles, The Church of St. Cajeton and The Church of St. Francis Xavier.

Along with these dozens of churches, Panaji also have few famous temples which include Sri Mahalakshmi Temple, Sri Devaki Krishna Temple and Sri Saptakoteshwara Temple. Apart from churches, temples and cathedrals, Panaji is also famous for its beautiful beaches. Miramar Beach and Dona Paula are two famous beaches in Panaji. While Miramar is known for its golden soft sand and palm trees, Dona Paula is quite a name for its Hindi films shootings. Being a capital city, Panaji is well linked to the rest of the cities in the country and abroad through its transportation. Dabolim Airport is the main aerodrome that is about 30 kms away. The airport operates plenty of domestic and international flights. The city is also well connected with other parts of the state and the country by a well developed railway and road network.

Best Time To Visit Panaji
To enjoy your vacation away from the usual crowded beaches of Goa, you must visit Panaji, a wonderful city highly influenced by Portuguese culture. With its great heritage and rich history, the place takes you across a completely new experience. Dotted with number of churches, villas, forts and palaces, a trip to this tiny place promises to be highly exciting.

Panaji History
If you think that a vacation is all about sightseeing during the day and partying by night, think again! Apart from exploring the city's string of attractions, there is more to do and explore when in a city. Imagine the thrill of exploring a city that has a good deal of history attached to it.

How To Reach Panaji
If you are looking for unlimited fun and an unforgettable beach holiday, Panaji is the place to go! Beautiful blend of Portuguese legacy and Indian tradition makes Panaji one of the best tourist hotspots in the country.

Panaji Food
The best part of being a global trekker is the opportunity to experience diverse culinary delicacies, especially if you are a foodie. Panaji food, which is mainly about Goan cuisine, caters to different palates from western victuals to authentic Goan food. From classic dishes like fish curry and rice to continental food, Goa offers a complete feast to its vacationers.

Nightlife In Panaji
The history of hippie culture and endless fun and entertainment makes Panaji one of the most exotic party destinations in the country. Immortalized by its beaches and churches, this old city is replete with typical Goan charms that make the city even more riveting.

Places To Visit In Panaji
Panaji, a small town with interesting landscape, carries a tinge of old colonial charm that is hard to put in words. Panaji is easily reachable form any part of India. With its well-laid out structures and neat roads, a jaunt to Panaji promises to be a pleasant outing.

Shopping In Panaji
The quaint little town of Panaji is endowed with old colonial charm that reminds the tourists of its rich historical past and heritage. As you trail down the wide alleys of the city, you can see many mansions and red roofed buildings built in typical Latin style.