Top 15 attractions from Panjim : easy sequence

Panaji or Panjim is the capital city of Goa, located on the banks of the Mandovi. 

Here are Top 15 attractions you can cover from Panjim, in an easy sequence to help you save time, effort and money.  

If you haven't then also check out : Top 10 Places in North Goa

 Day 1 

#1 Immaculate Conception church 

This distinctive zigzagging stairway, Portuguese Baroque style church was built in 1541. If you find this church familiar, that is because it has been the backdrop for many Bollywood movie scenes.

Mass timings : Sunday – 7.00am, 8.15am, 9.30am, 10.30am and 5.30pm. The church is also open to the public every day from 9.00am – 12.30pm and 3.30pm – 7.30pm

Opposite the church is George Bar and Restaurant, popular with both tourists and locals for typical old-world charm ambience and authentic goan cuisine.

You can fuel up here : Sorpotel, vindaloo, goan sausages (pork pickled in tangy masala) usually served with pav (bread), fish dishes besides other things. You can also order beer and any other liquors. Moderately priced.

#2 Explore Fontainhas (by foot)

When Goa was struck by an epidemic in the early 1800s, the Portuguese government moved their headquarters from Old Goa (old capital) to Panjim. As you walk down the lanes, it is easy to see that the Portuguese influence still prevails in this residential area.

A few cafes and bakeries can be found; where you can sit a while and order chorizo pav (pork sausage in pav), croquettes, tea or cold drinks.

#3 Altinho

From Fontainhas, as you go ahead, is the well-to-do residential area of Altinho.  The main attraction here is the Archbishop’s House (1893), which was previously a palace of historic importance (Entry Free). The State Chief Minister’s residence is also located here at Altinho and so is the Portuguese consulate.

A stairway leading to Altinho, Panjim

After lunch and an afternoon siesta

#4 Take an evening stroll along the river Mandovi

When the tide is low and as the sun sets, a stroll along the Mandovi is delightful, as you pass by art galleries and the Kala Academy

For a novel experience, you can watch a konkani tiatr (drama) at Kala Academy

Tiatr is a popular form of konkani theatre. Stories usually center around social, religious, political and emotional issues, interspersed with good music and songs.

Behind the kala academy is a small jetty, where there are few benches to spend some relaxing moments.

Through the 60s, 70 and until 1991 Panjim jetty (not above image) was the port of call for the majority of travelers who arrived from Mumbai, when two ships; Konkan Shakti and Konkan Sevak journeyed passengers along the Konkan coast. As a native of Goa who lived in Mumbai, I still recollect those days as a child - when our travel companions used to be goan drama groups, hippies besides the usual travelers. It was fun and nostalgic!  

These days the Mandovi is lit with casinos and river cruises that looks beautiful at sundown.

#5 Cruise on Mandovi river

As the sun goes down, the Santa Monica jetty is all set to entertain. The 1 hour river cruise is accompanied by goan traditional dance and music, and then a spin of Bollywood songs that keeps the boat rocking with gaiety and dancing. There is a snack and souvenir stall. 5.30pm | 7.00pm | 8.30pm Tickets may be booked in advance from the GTDC office opp. the jetty. Rs.300/ per person

#6 Try your luck at a casino

For a nice classy high-end experience; there are those who like to call the shots on one of Goa’s many cruise ship casinos that float on the Mandovi. Rummy, Stud Poker, Black Jack and Roulette, these luxury liners are equipped with everything you need to try your luck on a fun evening. Besides gambling activities, music, food and drinks are part of the entry fee. Popular ones are- Deltin Royale, Casino Carnival and Casino Pride.

You need to wear smart casuals (flip flops and shorts are not allowed). The entry fee is 1000rs and upward.

 Day 2  

Explore #7 Old Goa churches #8 Divar island

Read more~ Explore Old Goa and Divar island

 Day 3  

#9 The temples of Ponda and Spice plantation tour

A visit to the temples of Goa will take you to a time in history prior to the Portuguese. Temples and the deities that have resisted and stood the test of time and invasions of the Portuguese. These simple temples have their unique style and design.

Some important temples are located in the Ponda area; further down Old Goa on the Belgaum road.

Devaki Krishna temple at Marcel 

This temple will come first (immediately after crossing the Banastari bridge). Temple is dedicated to Sri Krishna and his mother.

Mangueshi temple

Has a large surrounding complex and is a very important temple dedicated to Lord Mangeshi, an incarnate of Shiva. The tall deep stambh or lamp tower is striking to look at.

Mhalsa temple

Located close to Mangueshi temple. It is dedicated to Mahalasa or Mohini, the female incarnation of Lord Vishnu. A rare feature indeed where Vishnu is worshipped in male and female form.

Mhalsa temple, Ponda- Goa

Shree Shantadurga mandir at Kavlem 

Just as the temple is striking and beautiful, so also the location. The temple is set amidst lush paddy fields surrounding it. The air is so pure and clean.

On the same route ahead is Bondla wildlife sanctuary, where you can do a short nature trail.

#10 Miramar beach

After visiting the temples, needless to say - you will reach Miramar only by evening. But you won't regret it; the beach looks glorious at sunset.

Miramar beach at sunset

 Day 4  

#11 Dolphin spotting cruise to Grande Island

There are few dolphin spotting cruise operators, who pick up tourists from certain shores by boat. One of them is Miramar beach.

Grande Island dolphin cruise boats pick-up point at Miramar beach

This was my first dolphin cruise experience, and I still think it was awesome. The boat passes by the fort Aguada, an exiting experience with people singing and dancing. We were able to spot dolphins and that makes the trip worth it. They even served a grand buffet meal on Grande Island. Tour cost Rs.1k apprx and takes the whole day.

Grande Island dolphin cruise boats passing by Fort Aguada

 Day 5  

#12 Ferry across to Betim

Take a free ferry across to Betim and check out the Reis Magos church and Fort Aguada.

#13 Kayaking on Mandovi river

There is a short (few hours) of catamaran cruise from the jetty at 'Penha da Franca' (maybe 500rs). The package included kayaking, unlimited beers and snacks. You can well imagine how awesome it might have been! 😃

kayaking on Mandovi river, Goa

#14 Witness IFFI (International film festival of India) in Goa

This extravagant event in Goa is held every year, around Nov and showcases cinema from all the world. There are various venues across Panjim where you can watch a screening of outstanding work in the world of cinema. A must-do atleast once in a lifetime.

IFFI screening at Inox, Panjim

#15 Carnival in Goa

And finally there are the days of the Carnival held during Feb - March just before Lent. There is a great deal of merriment and gaiety on the streets of Panjim with floats, dancing troupes and revelers wearing masks and costumes.

Friends, I do hope you enjoyed this blog. Your comments will be appreciated, and don't forget to subscribe so you get to know about the next awesome destination.

Next blog~

South Goa TOP 10 places