Capital city of small state Goa, Panaji is a small charming city. This is a city with its own persona and fascination. Unlike other state capitals, Panaji has a unique, peculiar kind of laid back character which is itself a great allure for its visitors.

It is located on the southern banks of the Mandovi River which gives a different feel to the city. It is the city where many cultures meet to create a melting pot. Panaji gives excellent opportunities to enjoy many sightseeing attractions in Goa.

Panaji is a perfect blend of contemporary and old heritage of Goa. Like in other Goa towns, Panaji is also spread around a prominent square. You must see Old Town while on Goa Tour. Panaji has many baroque styled buildings and old pretty villas, made by Portuguese. There are white colored houses with wrought iron balconies on the riverside which give enchanting views. The town has old cobbled ways which give an alluring quaint feel to the town. The whole town has distinct Old Portuguese ambience. The Largo da Igreja Church Square is a fine example of Portuguese Goan style.

The main tourist attractions in Goa are located in Panaji. The city has houses with red-tiled roofs, bleached clean churches and perfect riverside promenade. Fontainhas is the Old Portuguese quarter with narrow cobbled streets, tiny but charming pubs and bars which remind of old days of yore.

Panaji was a simple Konkani port for many centuries which was surrounded by hill fort. The word Panaji means “river that never floods”, but Portuguese corrupted this name and it became Panjim. Panaji was made the state capital in 1843 when the then capital Old Goa silted up. Though much was done by Portuguese to make Panjim attractive like Old Goa, it could not match the grandeur held by that place.

In this Goa travel guide, you get to know about various Panaji attractions. Take car ferry to reach islands just across the river. Miramar Beach is a pristine golden beach, adorned with palm trees and is a popular picnic spot of locals. Dona Paula is another beautifulbeach just outside the city.