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Situated on the south bank of the Mandovi estuary in north Goa is Panaji or Panjim the State Capital. Built around the Altinho hill, its Portuguese appeal can still be seen in its elegantly red roofed Portuguese villas, boats plying up and down the Mandovi river, gardens and avenues lined with Gulmohor and Acassia trees as well homes built using Latin architecture.

The history of Goa dates back when it changed hands from the Mauryan Empire to the Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Shilharas and Kadambas till it fell into the hands of the Muslim rulers the Bahami Sultans and the Adil Shahis of Bijapur from whom the Portuguese took over in 1510. The Portuguese also drove away the Turks and emerged as the singlemost power in Goa. It was only in 1961 when the Portuguese were finally driven out.

Panaji has a very rich Goan cultural heritage. Music, dance and folklore are deeply rooted in the heart of the goans and the rhythm runs in the blood of the Goans. Goan folklore comprising of folksongs, dances, music, visual arts and folk tales, are rich in content and variety. The folk music has devotional as well as contemporary overtones, and it displays a lively rhythm. And the folk dances reflect that rhythmic vitality.

Climate & Geographical Location -

Panaji enjoys a stable warm and salubrious climate without much variation throughout the year. Panaji or Panjim the State Capital of Goa is situated on the south bank of the Mandovi estuary.

Air, sea, rail and road connect Panaji. By air, Panaji is connected to major metros and cities, which include Mumbai, Bangalore, Cochin, Delhi, Chennai, Kuwait and Thiruvananthapuram. By rail, the nearest stations are Margao, Karnali and Thivim and are connected with Mumbai, Bangalore, Cochin, Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Mangalore and Thiruvananthapuram via the Konkan Railway Corporation. By road, Panaji is connected by good motorable roads with all the major towns in India via the National Highways NH4A, NH17 and NH17A. KTC, MSRTC, KSRTC and APSRTC as well as private operators operate bus services on interstate routes to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mangalore, Mumbai, Pune and others. A catamaran service also links Mumbai to Panaji.

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An idyllic picturesque spot, it commands a fine view of the Zuari river and Mormugao Harbour. Water scootering facilities are available here.

Basilica of Bom Jesus -

Built in the 16th century, it is the most popular and famous, of all churches in Goa. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, kept in a silver casket, are enshrined here. This church, dedicated to Infant Jesus, is now a World Heritage Monument.

Most imposing of all the churches in Old Goa, its vaulted interior overwhelms the visitors, by sheer grandeur. This Cathedral has five bells, of which, one is the famous Golden bell, the biggest in Goa and one of the best in the World. The church is dedicated to St. Catherine.

The entrance and the choir, are in the Manueline style, the only fragment of its kind in the East. The interior is illustrated with exquisite paintings. The adjacent convent, now houses the Archaeological Museum.

It was built by the Portuguese in 1609-1612, to command the entry into the river Mandovi, in order to protect, Old Goa from potential enemy attacks. A spring, within the fort, provided water supply to the ships, that called there. The fort, presently houses the central jail. A lighthouse is situated nearby, the visiting hours for it being 16.00 to 17.00 hrs.

East of, Panji, lies the site of Old Goa, founded by Adil Shah, in the first decade of the 16th century. It was being developed by him, with a view to shifting his capital, from Bijapur. However, Al fonso de Albuquerque made short work of it, when he stormed and took over, to house the centre of power of Portugues colonies.

It is a popular beach, dominated by the Chapora Fort, to the North, on its imposing headland. To theSouth of Vagator is Calangute beach.

A popular beach area, adjacent to the Chapora Fort. In Anjuna there is a magnificent Albuquerque mansion, built in 1920, flanked by octagonal towers and attractive Mangalore tiled-roof.

Calangute, is the most popular holiday resort in Goa. The Albuquerque mansion built in 1920, is flanked by octagonal towers and attractive Mangalore tiled roof.

Colva beach is about 6 kms from Margao. Colva beach is the pride of Salcette and only rival to Calangute, by its scenic splendour. Here, sand, sea and sky blend in enchanting natural harmony, unspoilt by men. Has good accomodation facilities, particularly at the tourist cottages.

22 kms from Panaji, at Priol - Ponda Taluka, the temple of Shri Manguesh, is located on a hillock, surrounded by lush green hills. Though small, it has an air of distinctive elegance. Its lofty white tower at the entrance, is a landmark of the country-side. This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Sumptuously built at Kavlem, it is dedicated to Shantadurga, the Goddess who mediates between Vishnu and Shiva. It has a rich and beautiful Garbhakuda, or the holy of holies, where the deity is kept. The deity was shifted from Kelsi. Agrashalas provide lodging facilities for the devotees.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls, is accessible by train only. Water plummets hundreds of feet in large volumns, in cascades, forming one of the most spectacular of all natural phenomena in Goa and the life of our ecosystem, in one of our Sanctuaries. A popular destination to hikers and trekkers, it is also acessible by jeepable (4 wheel drive) route (14 kms) through the Bhagvan Mahavir Sanctury. However, one needs to obtain permission in advance from the Department of Forests at Junta House, Panaji.

ARVALEM WATERFALLS - Leaving the temple of Rudreshwar, one can descend the staircase to look at a majestic waterfall shedding its exuberant silvery showers. The beautiful fall, with a head of about 70 ft. forms a sizeable like at the bottom which offers a temptation to season.

BHAGVAN MAHAVIR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - Situated along the North-East border of Goa at Molem the sanctuary is rich in wildlife. It is a paradise for bird watchers. Besides flora and fauna, there are many important geological and historical features in this sanctuary.

MARGOA - The capital of South Goa district in the hinterland of Southern Goa in Salcete Taluka is a thriving commercial metropolis linked by rail to the rest of India & Mormugao Harbour and by National Highways, with Maharashtra and Karnataka.

MIRAMAR - A lovely golden beach of soft sand girdled with palm trees facing the blue Arabian Sea, is the nearest to Panaji.

SHRI MAGUESH - Dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated in the village of Bandora about 4 kms. to the east of Ponda. The temple Sabhamandap has a gallery on both side that contains exquisite specimen of intricate wood carvings of the event of Ramayana on one side.

VASCO -DA - GAMA - A modern, well laid out city close to Mormugao Harbour, has beautiful and extensice avenues. The air terminus of Goa at Dabolim lies on the outskirts of the city. It is also the railway terminus for passanger service on the South Central Railway.