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Panaji, The Capital City of Goa

Panaji is the capital of Goa. It is also serving as the district headquarters of North Goa. Panaji is spelled as different names in different languages, like Panjim in English, Ponnji in Konkani and Pongim in Portuguese. Initially, it was a small village under the control of Portuguese till 1961. In 1843, Portuguese changed their capital place from old Goa to Panaji as a new name of Nova Goa (Nova mean new). After that, the Portuguese vastly developed the village infrastructure and gave it in a new look.

After Indian independence, Indian Army attacked Goa including this city and totally uprooted the Portuguese controls in 1961. Thereafter, Goa was merged with India as a Union Territory. It was decelerated as a state of India in 1987 along with Panaji as the capital of Goa. Panaji is the third largest city in the state, after Vaco Da Gama and Margao with an area of about 36 km2.

Dona Paula Beach, Panaji, Goa

(Dona Paula Beach, close to Panaji Town, North Goa)

The city is located on the banks of the Mandovi River. The name Panaji denotes “the Land that never been flooded” it has an average elevation about 24 ft. from mean sea level. Today, Panaji is accepted one of the most beautiful cities in India with lots of historical sites, various architectural styles, a mix of different cultures and nearby lovely beaches.

People and their Culture at Panaji

According to census report of 2011 India, approximately 114,405 people reside in Panaji metro city. Among them the male person compromise a population of 59,379 and rest 55,026 are female. Maximum of them survive with the profession of fishing. Now a day’s tourism is another source of income by the inhabitants of Panaji. Usually, maximum citizen of Panaji use Konkani as primary spoken language. But, some other languages like Urdu, Marathi, Kannada, Hindi and English are also used by a marginal.

People of Panaji mainly belong to Hindu and Christian Religion. But, some other religions like, Muslim, Buddhist, Jains, Sikh, etc also live with marginal. Goans celebrate lots of fair and festivals throughout the year in the city. Most popular festival of Panaji is first day of New Year or Fontainhas celebration. Some other attractive festivals of the city are the Holi (festival of color), Narkasur parade before the festival Diwali, Bonderam, Festival, Christmas, Easter, Sao Joao Festival, Shigmotsav, St. Francis Day, Feast of Three Kings, Ganesh Chaturthi, Goa Carnival and Good Friday.

Climate of Panaji

Note
Area 21 Sq Km
Altitude 7 m (23 ft)
Location Ilhas de Goa sub-district of North Goa in India
Population 40,017 (2011 census)
Best season November To March
Languages Konkani, Urdu, Marathi, Kannada, Hindi and English
Railway Station Vasco Da Gama and Margao
Airport Dabolim Airport, about 30 km away
Currency Indian Rupee(indian rupee)
STD Code 0832
Time Zone UTC+5:30

The climate of Panaji remains hot and humid except in winter and receives heavy rain due to the proximity of Arabian Sea. Best season is winter when temperature stay pleasant.

Summer at Panaji: Usually, this season persists for a long times (March to early-July) in Panaji. Temperature may reach up to 35°C with a high humidity in May. Average temperature during this season is about 31°C.

Monsoon at Panaji; Usually, monsoon is continued from late-June to September in Panaji. Due to the proximity of Arabian Sea this city receive heavy rainfalls and some thunder storms during this season. Average annual rainfalls of Panaji are approximately 295 cm.

Winter at Panaji: Usually, winter season of Panaji persists for a short terms (December to February) with a pleasant temperature. Average temperature during this season varies from 18°C to 28°C.

Tour Spots around Panaji

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located on western part of the Island of Chorao in North Goa, along with Mandovi River. You can hire a private car from panaji to reach the sanctuary. It is very close to the ferry dock.

Dona Paula Beach is one of the best tourist places in Goa where two major rivers of Goa meet at Arabian Sea. It is located about 7 km away from Panaji city center

Bambolim Beach is located about 9 Km away from Panaji City centre, 45 min drives from the Goa Airport and 14 km away from Karmali Railway Station.

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is one of the most attractive in Panaji located at the heart of the town. This church was constructed by Portuguese ruler during colonial era.

Miramar Beach is a beautiful and attracted lots of tourists throughout the year. It is located just 3 km from the city center.

Mandovi River Cruise at evening is very a wonderful experience. Spend some times on Mandovi Bridge between 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm to enjoy a very beautiful moonlit dinner.

Panaji Old Town, also known as Old Goa, is popular for several beautiful gardens and parks. You also found here some religious sites and hillocks (Altinho hills).

Besides of these you also found some more attractive spots in and around the city, Panaji. Some major of these are Bishops Palace at Altinho, High Court Complex, Maruti Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple, Customs Muesuem, Santa Monica, Old GMC Complex, Inox theatre, Salida, Kala Academy and many more.

How to reach Panaji?

Travel by Airway: There have only one Airport in Goa located at Dabolim about 31 km away from the capital city, Panaji. It is an international airport and the international flights from the country of Qatar, Dubai, Sharjah, Kuwait, Britain, Germany, Netherlands, Russia, etc are available here. Major cities of India are also connected to this airport with regular flights.

Available flights operators in Goa International Airports are Air Arabia, Indian Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines, Go Air, Spice Jet, Jet Airways, Qatar Airways, charter flights, Thomas Cook, Condor, Arke fly, Monarch Airlines etc. After reaching to the airport you can easily reach to Panaji with a four wheeler car. Airport Telephone Number: (+91) 832-540806.

Travel by Roadway: The roadway network of Goa is well-connected with two national highways, namely NH-17 (NH-17A, NH-17B) and NH-4A, and several state highways (about 231 km long). The state is directly connected to Mumbai and Mangalore with NH-17. State Government provides lots of buses to communications to the major cities of India. The Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) is under the Goa Government. Private bus and Taxi services are also available here.

National Highway No-17 has across over Panaji city and it connected with Mumbai Pune Expressway at Kolhapur. You can take a drive from Mumbai to Panaji along with this road. It takes around 11 hours to reach here through this route. On the way of this root you also meet with Lonavala, Khandala or Pune in your journey. In other side the NH-4A has connected Panaji to Karnataka.

Travel by Railway: There have 2 entries in Goa with rail travel; first one is the South Western Railway and another is the Konkan Railway. Vasco Da Gama and Margao are two major railway stations in the state. Vasco Da Gama Railway Station is located on the South Western Railway zone and the Margao Railway Station located on Konkan Railway zone. There have daily train from Mumbai, via Miraj and Pune witch take around 9 hours to reach.

Karmali is the nearest Railway station of Panaji located about 11 km away from Panaji City centre. But, the station is not so important and all trains are not stopped here. Margaon station is best destination to you on Konkan Railway zone. It is located about 36 km away from Panaji City centre. There have lots of regular available in Margaon Junction from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Panvel, T'puram and Kanyakumari.

Travel by Seaway
You can also reach here with a ship from Mumbai sea port. But, this service is not regular; especially it is operated during tour season in winter. Goa Sea port is located at Mormugao about 35 km away from Panaji. This port is about 501 years old and it also has a great historical value in Indian history. After reaching to the port you can easily go to Panaji with a Bus or private Taxi.

Hotel, Restaurants and beach resorts at Panaji

rangamati garden resort shantiniketan
₹ 6,200
Hotel Fidalgo
4 Star Hotel * 400 m from centre * near to Miramar Beach
7.5
Good
127 reviews
the elgin nor khill
₹ 2,800
Hotel Palacio De Goa
3 Star Hotel * 850m from centre * near to Miramar Beach
6.6
Review score
12 reviews
holiday hill gangtok
₹ 2,600
Hotel Park Plaza
3 Star Hotel * 200m from centre * near to Miramar Beach
5.5
Review score
59 reviews
emerald residency gangtok
₹ 3,800
Hotel Mandovi
3 Star Hotel * 300m from centre * near to Miramar Beach
7.0
Good
130 reviews
emerald residency gangtok
₹ 2,700
Miramar Residency
3 Star Hotel * 300m from centre * near to Miramar Beach
6.6
Review score
138 reviews
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