About Panaji
Located in the north-western coast of Goa, Panaji is a compact little city, no larger than some of the big suburbs of Delhi or Mumbai. Also known by the name Panjim, it is the capital city of Goa and also serves as North Goa’s headquarters. The stirring landscape of the region is defined by the meandering Mandovi River, and the city is spread over many low hills and features a long riverside promenade. The Portuguese influence is seen everywhere in this city, all the way from its beautiful architecture and heritage landmarks to mouth-watering cuisines. Travelers looking for budget hotels in Goa will find a lot of options in this capital. These Panaji hotels are known to offer comfortable accommodation at cost-effective rates.
Shopping and Dining in and around Panaji
Want to shop like a local? Then you must head to the Municipal Market where you can pick up spices, seafood, locally-brewed wines, and also sample some nice snacks. Caculo Mall, another popular destination for shopaholics, offers a rather modern shopping experience. Other places to shop in Panaji include Khadi India, Singbal’s Book House, Velha Goa Galleria, and boutiques like Barefoot and Orchid.
Coming to food, the restaurants in Panaji offer you the best of Goan flavors. The Fisherman’s Wharf, Ritz Classic, Mum’s Kitchen, Viva Panjim, Baba’s Wood Café, and Konki Canteen are among the best eateries dotting the city. Panaji also has a vibrant nightlife, which you can experience at its floating casinos, and bars and pubs like Café Mojo, Down the Road, and The Black Sheet Bristo.
Places to Visit in and around Panaji
A trip to the churches in and around Panaji will introduce you to some of the best Baroque structures on the continent. These include Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Basilica of Bom Jesus, and Se Cathedral. Other popular places to visit in Panaji are Fontainhas, Shree Mahalaxmi Temple, and Goa State Museum. While staying at hotels in Panaji, Goa, you can also explore nearby attractions such as Reis Magos Fort (9 km), Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (11 km), and Fort Aguada (16 km). The popular Goa beaches around the area are Miramar (3 km), Dona Paula (6 km), Vainguinim (8 km), Bambolim (10 km), and Coco (11 km). A number of North Goa attractions are a short drive away from the capital, including Candolim (12 km), Calangute (15 km), and Baga (18 km).
How to Reach Panaji
The International Airport in Goa is 26 km south of Panaji in Dabolim. You can reach your hotels in Panaji from the airport using taxis. Madgaon Junction, the major railhead in Goa, is about 45 km away. The major bus terminal serving the city is Kadamba Bus Station. There are daily buses to Panaji from cities in the neighboring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. NH-17, the scenic route that connects Goa to Mumbai, passes through Panaji. You can find a host of taxi services in the city for local traveling and sightseeing.
