Panjim – the capital of the sunny state of Goa, is often ignored as visitors flock to nearby beaches for some sun and sand. But if you’re looking for something different with a little bit of history and a lot of colour, then Panaji, as it is locally called, is it.
Good Morning Panjim! The Mandovi River (in photo) is an important lifeline of Goa. It actually originates in Karnataka and ultimately joins the Arabian Sea.The colourful buildings of Fontainhas – It’s easy to forget that you’re in Goa when you walk around its Latin Quarter and explore the old Portuguese houses.Beautiful staircases along the way – Panjim is truly an artist’s delight!A visit to Panjim is incomplete without a traditional Goan meal at Viva Panjim.Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church was first built as a Portuguese styled chapel in the 1500s and is one of the most prominent landmarks of Panjim today.Gallery Gitanjali is perfectly located in the UNESCO heritage site of Fontainhas, and it has an interesting display of artwork from contemporary local and international artists.Poi bread is passé. Let’s have some freshly baked Kangna, a doughnut shaped bread which tastes just as good! (In Hindi, Kangna means Bangle. What an apt name!)Some more snacks! This cute little cart is setup every evening and it serves authentic Goan snacks. A must try for every foodie!
My walk through Panjim lasted an entire day, but I could’ve easily spent another day walking through its quaint streets.
Here are a few additional spots you might like to cover if you happen to go to Panjim:
Joseph Bar – a tiny bar that brews its own beer and occasionally has live music
Velha Goa – to buy hand painted Portuguese tiles or ‘Azulejos‘
Ritz Classic – for local thalis
Sunaparanta – a centre for the arts that also happens to have an al fresco cafe
For more information about Gallery Gitanjali, please click here
Have you been to Panjim? What did you like the most?
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The Weekend Explorer 
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