Panaji

Panaji is the capital city of the tiny state of Goa. It has its own charm, a river flowing along one side of the city, some areas which are low-rise and red-roofed, and even a Latin Quarter at the eastern end of town. Increasingly, it is shaping itself as a centre where cultures (many from across the globe, and from diverse areas of India too) meet and creativity flourishes.

What to See:

• Don't miss out on the old city.
• See the islands that are just across the river. It only takes a couple of minutes to cross on the car ferry, and on the other side there are unpopulated fields of high marsh grass, sweeping views and utter peacefulness.
• Miramar Beach - A lovely golden beach of soft sand girdled with palm trees. The main beach outside of state-capital Panaji. The usual hangout for urbanites from Panjim and around, and also for 'desi' (domestic, Indian) tourists visiting the region. Try the fast-food of both Goan origin.
• Dona Paula A beach outside Panaji and beyond Miramar. This is where so many Bollywood (Hindi) films have been shot. No wonder it is hyped up among Hindi film audiences. Scenic. In fair weather, a boat service connects this point with Vasco da Gama.

What to Do:

• Barracuda Diving
• Bird Watching , The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located on the island of Chorao and can be easily accessed from Panjim. Take a bus, or drive down the causeway along the river Mandovi towards Old Goa. A little after the turn at Ribandar, take a ferry across the river to reach the Bird Sanctuary. The best time to spot birds is between October and March, when many species of migratory birds visit the sanctuary from as far as Siberia. Don't forget to bring along some mosquito repellent, as the marshy land and mangrove forests have a lot of mosquitoes.
• Watch the latest Bollywood flicks at the INOX theatre at Panjim.
• Go for a short boat ride on one of the many "Cruise" boats, that sail up and down the river, with loud music, and frantically dancing revellers. Located beside the Captain of Ports jetty on the Mandovi river at Panjim. The Santa Monica is the oldest and best known of the lot, though the others are as good. Cruises start from around Sunset. There is also a floating restaurant, on the same pier.
• Catch up with plays, dramas and Musicals at the open air theatre at the Kala Academy in Campal.
• Visit the Central Library, the oldest public library in India, founded in 1832, and housing a vast collection of books, some printed almost half a century ago.
• Relax under a palm tree on Miramar beach, feel the sea breeze in your hair and watch the surf on the waves. Watch the many iron ore barges cruise lazily down the river towards the Arabian sea, in a typical "Socegad" Goan manner.

What to Buy

• Cashew Nuts of various varieties, spiced, roasted and in a host of different flavours.
• The famed Goan Cashew Liquor, and port wines.
• Spicy Goa Sausages "Choricao", made of pickled dried Pork.
• Goan Handicrafts shell and terracotta ware.
• Hotel Mandovi packs in a surprising amount of interesting reading material, specially books related to Goa, in its limited space.
• Broadway Book Centre boasts of the "largest bookshop in Goa" (approx 5000 square feet) and also some good prices.
• Singbal Bookstall, tel. 2425747. Near the Panjim Church
• Book World, tel. 2421857.
• Jeevit Bookshop, tel. 2438638. Religious books.
• Velha Goa Galeria and De Goa Ceramics, for local hand-painted ceramics.
• 18th June Road Night Market

Where to Eat

Some of the best food in the world is found in this calm and breezy capital city. Goan Chef's have since generations, graced many a royal kitchen in Europe and have been practicing their culinary skills on some of the grandest cruise ships in the world.

• Try out the native Vindaloo curry with fish or chicken. It's hot!
• Godinho's and George Bar and Restaurant (near Municipal Gardens) serve authentic Vindaloo, Sorpatel, Cafreal and Goan Sea food dishes.
• Kamats, situated opposite the Municipal Garden serves good Goan Vegetarian dishes. Famous for their vegetarian Thaali (A stainless steel tray with Rice, Puris, various types of Daals, Vegetables served in small steel bowls)
• Cafe Real, near the Azad maidan serves excellent vegetarian snacks. Piping hot, Bhaaji pao (Curried vegetables with local Goan Bread), Crisp Hot Kandea Bojjea (batter fried Onions), Mirchi Bojjea (Batter fried Green Peppers that are not half as hot as you would have imagined) over a hot cup of tea shouldn't be missed.
• You can try Delhi Darbar, Shere Punjab for North India delicacies

Where to Stay

There is a wide choice of hotels to stay in, in and around Panjim. The week between Christmas and New Year however tends to be very crowded, as in the rest of Goa.

• Panjim Inn is a heritage hotel(one of the best in panjim) room prices are upwards of 1600/night. available only on advance booking.
• A Pousada Guest House on Luis de Menezes Rd. Telephone: (083) 2422618 Mobile: 09822175680 Doubles are 300-500 Rs per night. This is a small guest house so best to book ahead.