Goa’s capital city, Panjim, often spelled Panaji, is located in the North Goa region. It is situated along the banks of the Mandovi River’s banks. The vibrant homes in the city are a legacy of Portuguese colonial architecture. Panjim has a unique scenery, with picturesque hills, structures, and esplanades along the river. Panjim and the mainland are connected by magnificent bridges.
There are several locations to explore and things to do in Panjim that will certainly enthral you. For its historical significance, Panjim is admired. Panjim was a fishing community with coconut trees, creeks, and meadows centuries ago. Today, Panjim serves as Goa’s state capital and serves as the region’s commercial, cultural, and educational centre.
You can reach Panjim:
By Air: The Goa Airport is located in the city of Dabolim, 4 km of Vasco de Gama and 30 km from the state capital, Panaji.
By Train: The Karmali railway station is the closest railway station to the State capital Panaji or Panjim, which is the administrative capital of Goa.
By Road: You can fly to the Goa Airport and from there you can take the road.
Places to visit and things to do in Panjim
Dona Paula Beach
The sad love story between two lovers is how Dona Paula Beach earned its name. It features crystal-clear water and numerous picturesque locations around. This beach’s serene ambience makes it a great place to unwind and tan. Adventure-seeking visitors may partake in a variety of water sports, including kayaking and parasailing. This is one of the top sites in Panjim for those who enjoy retail therapy. There are a number of small stores nearby. Additionally, there are bars and restaurants on the beach that provide delicious food. One of the must-see locations in Panjim is this.
Timings: All day
Entry fees: Free
Source: Pinterest
Baga Beach
Baga beach, a popular tourist destination in North Goa, is 3.1 kilometres from Calangute and features the breathtaking beauty of the Arabian Sea. Take part in a variety of thrilling water activities to make the most of your vacation. Get involved in exciting activities like banana boat rides, parasailing, and more.
The activities are carried out safely and skillfully by guides.
- Every day, the activity runs from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM.
- For a two-hour experience, arrive at Baga Beach at the times of your choosing.
- Begin your day by going parasailing, then enjoy a thrilling tandem jet ski ride.
- Until engaging in each water sport, there is an activity briefing session that lasts for approximately (8–10 minutes), followed by a wait period of around 5-7 minutes before the commencement of the following activity.
- Enjoy various thrilling water activities like speedboat rides, banana boat rides, and bumper boat rides in addition to a relaxing boat trip for a truly unforgettable experience that is organised by a qualified local activity leader.
- Enjoy a banana boat trip with your friends and family because it can accommodate 5 to 6 people.
Source: Pinterest
Dinner Cruise in Mandovi River
One of the most well-known tourist attractions worldwide is Goa. To make the most of your stay, this vibrant location provides a wide range of tourist attractions and activities. One of them is a dinner cruise on the Mandovi River in Goa, which offers two hours of entertainment on the upper deck and is a must-try event. Spend a special evening with your partner as your taste buds are tantalised by a mouthwatering supper beneath the sky. Dance to your favourite tunes on the DJ night and have a great time.
Discover some of Goa’s well-known sights while on the fantastic cruise.
- This two-hour cruise and eating event takes place on the Mandovi River.
- Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled boarding time and get set for an exciting Goa dinner cruise.
- With your loved ones, enjoy Goa’s calm shores at night.
- While sailing, look out for some notable Goa sights and catch glimpses of the floating casino.
- With the DJ, demonstrate your dancing prowess to popular Bollywood and throwback music.
- A complimentary beverage, nibbles, a supper buffet, and sweets that honour Goan culture and flavour are all included in the package.
- All of the package deals include a river trip that takes you from the Atal Sethu to the river’s mouth
Source: Pinterest
Gamble at Casino Royale Goa
This casino is submerged under water! The 40,000 square foot casino is open to guests of all ages. There are 123 gaming tables here. Here, people play games like poker, black jack, teen patti, etc. A whiskey lounge and hand-made cigars are available in the casino. Numerous Panjim hotels are close by, and the casino offers first-rate services.
Timings: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Entry: Prices start from Rs 2,500
Source: Pinterest
Appreciate nature at Coco Beach
The Coco Beach is 2 kilometres from Panjim. Diverse water sports are popular on this stunning beach. One of the most beautiful beaches close to Panjim is Coco beach, which is wonderfully encircled by a chain of palm trees. Upon arriving here, one will undoubtedly forget all of the tension. One of Panjim’s most popular tourist destinations is this one. One of the top destinations in Panjim for couples is this.
On this lovely beach, visitors may take boat excursions. A decent dosage of adrenaline rush may be obtained from a number of different adventure activities. Scuba diving is an option for individuals who want to explore the underwater environment in this area. The experience of seeing dolphins here occasionally is truly breathtaking.
Timings: 24 hrs a day
Entry fees: Free
Source: Pinterest
Pray at the Church of the Immaculate Conception
One of the most well-known attractions in Panjim is this lovely church, which is perfectly situated in the centre of a hillside. Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, and the Crucifixion of Jesus are its three most important sanctuaries. It was the first church ever constructed in Goa and is extremely important to the locals as well as the tourism industry. Because it has served as the backdrop for important Bollywood movies like Josh and Dilwale, this lovely temple is also among the most alluring and well-known locations in Goa.
Timings: 7:00 am – 8:00 am and 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Source: Pinterest
Get lost in the tranquillity of Odxel Beach
The adorable Odxel Beach is a little beach renowned for its tranquil and inspiring surroundings. This little beach, which is located in the middle of Dona Paula and Bambolim, is usually visited by peace activists and photographers. Despite the fact that swimming is currently banned due to historical occurrences of underwater currents, it nevertheless ranks as one of the top tourist destinations in Panjim due to its laid-back ambiance, tranquil vibe, and gorgeous surroundings.
Timings: 24 hrs a day
Entry fees: Free
Source: Pinterest
Goa Science Centre
The Goa Science Centre & Planetarium was built years ago as a collaboration between the state Department of Science, Technology & Environment and the National Council of Science Museums. It is one of the most popular Panjim attractions that you shouldn’t miss. This institution, which provides a welcome respite from Panjim’s beaches, churches, and marketplaces, tries to make science as engaging as possible for children and instil a love of learning in them. This enormous facility, which spans 5 acres, provides engaging learning opportunities with its vibrant planetarium, 3D theatre, and a number of scientific displays.
Timings: 9:30 am–6 pm
Entry Fees: Rs 10 per person
Source: Wikipedia
Bambolim Beach
The Bambolim beach is an amazing gem, and it’s just 7 kilometres west of Panjim. One of the greatest sites to visit in Panjim is the beach, which is situated in north Goa. The beach is renowned for being undeveloped. One of the must-see tourist destinations in Panjim because of its lack of commercialization and low visitor traffic.
The beach is a favourite destination for eccentric tourists and is nothing short of a utopia for anyone looking to get away from the monotony of city life for a while. The ideal location for picnicking with friends and enjoying a stroll along the beach.
Timings: 24 hrs a day
Source: Pinterest
Miramar Beach
The longest beach in Karnataka and one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Panjim is Miramar Beach, which is located in the city centre. The beach, which stretches for up to 2 kilometres, is situated where the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea converge. It’s the only location in Goa with unbroken views of the ocean.
This white-sand beach in Goa, once known as Porte de Gaspar Dias by the Portuguese immigrants who had already made their home there, is the ideal place for barbecues, picnics, and leisurely strolls in the evening. Nearby are a lot of Panjim’s well-known guest hotels and homestays.
Timings: 24 hrs a day
Entry fees: Free
FAQs
For Panjim, how many days are sufficient?
The finest of Panjim can be seen in a tour of two to three days. You will have plenty of time to take in outdoor activities and explore the top tourist sites.
What can one do in Panjim after dark?
You may go bar hopping in Panjim and stop at places like Floating Casinos, Taverna, Cafe Mojo, Soho Fontainhas, Down The Road, Joseph Bar, Quarterdeck, and Oak Barrel if you want to have a good time.
What season is ideal for visiting Goa?
The months of November through March are the ideal times to visit Goa. Avoiding the hot and wet months is recommended. Summers may get very warm.
What region in Goa is best?
The greatest beaches may be found in the North and South poles. Anjuna and Vagator in North Goa are good and popular, whereas Candolim and Baga are packed. Beaches at Ashwem/Arambol are enjoyable, lovely, and well-kept. Even further north, there are desolate, uninhabited beaches. The beaches in the South are more laid-back and easygoing. The beaches in the south are less crowded. For families, southern beaches are perfect.
