From Wikitravel

Panaji is the capital city of the tiny state of Goa in India. 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.

[edit] Get in

Panaji is 30km from Vasco da Gama (Dabolim airport). It can be accessed via railway (the nearest station along the Konkan Railway is Karmali (about 10 kms to its east) while the rail-line linking Goa with Bangalore brings you in via either Margao or Vasco da GAma (between 25-33 kms from Panjim). Buses connect Panjim with many nearby cities, most ply overnight.

Taxis and buses go to Panaji, but if you have only got backpack, motorcycle taxis are a bargain, plus you get to ride on the pillion seat! Be sure to fix fares before the ride. Margao (also spelt in railway parlance as Madgaon) is a Konkan Railway train station.

Most trains from Bombay stop at a small station called Karmali. This is the place to get down while going to Panaji.

The NH17 (National Highway-17) goes through Goa. (This is the route buses will take while coming down from Bombay). The route is scenic, but narrow and risky along part of the journey, so driving down it is not recommended unless you are used to Indian roads.

The NH-4 (National Highway-4) connects to the NH-17 from Panaji. This is the main highway connecting Goa with the Southern states of Karnataka and Kerala.

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] 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 (D'Silva's) and Mid-East shwarma-based food (on the beachside stalls). Nice playground for kids, including a giant fish made of cement.
• 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.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Casino Caravela, Renaissance Goa Resort, Varca Village, Salcette, Goa 403721 (this is the starting point for the cruise), +91 832 745-200 (FAX - +91 832 745-225). India's only legal casino (on board a yacht!) offers a combination of sightseeing and gaming - American Roulette, Black Jack, Rummy, Stud Poker, Baccarat, Pontoon and Flash. Rs. 900 (For entry and buffet. Does not include casino chips. Other packages that do are available. )

• Dive Goa

• 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. Dont forget to bring along some Mosquitoe repellant, as the marshy land and mangrove forests have a lot of mosquitoes.

[edit][add listing] Buy

• 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

[edit][add listing] Eat

Some of the best food in the world is found in this calm and breezy capital city.

• Try out the native Vindaloo curry with fish or chicken. It's hot!

[edit][add listing] Drink

There are lots of places in Goa where one can find a bar and restaurant. There's one around every corner of the every road.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• 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.

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.

[edit] Contact

Cybercafes around Panjim:

• Yeshwant Anant Kamat Tarcar, Ground Floor, John Paul Building, Panjim 403001 Ph 2426537
• E-Com Synergies G-2 Unitech City Centre, Panjim 403001 5641305
• Magsons Network (P) Ltd, 2 Ground Floor, Maganlal Sadan, Dada Vaidya Rd, Panjim 403001
• Magsons Network (P) Ltd 707, DB Marg 403012 Ph 2463700

Cybercafes around Miramar:

• M/s SharpShooters.Net, Opp: Maruthi True Value, D.B.Marg, Miramar 403001 Alto Porvorim:
• Kool Dude Cyber Cafe, H.No.860/3, Alto Porvorim, Bardez 403521 Ph 2415502
• Shaileshdotcom, Shop No.14, New Housing Board Market Com 403521 2412376
• Arte D Ouro Cell World, Nova Cidade Building Complex, S-1, Porvorim 403521 Ph 2276790

[edit] Get out

• Dona Paula - A beach town 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.

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