Holidays to Panjim - the laid back capital
Panjim – Panaji in Indian – is Goa’s wholesome and charming capital city, worlds apart from other busy state capitals like Delhi and Mumbai. Meaning ‘the land that never floods’ Panjim lies on the banks of the Mandovi River and has a laid-back atmosphere which hails from the Portuguese colonial era. Whether it’s exploring the cobbled streets or taking an afternoon susegad like the locals, a holiday in Panjim offers a city escape with plenty of opportunity for sightseeing and relaxation.
Check out the many sights on a holiday to Panjim
Panjim, with its Baroque architecture, riverside promenades and red-tiled roofs that line the hills give the capital a unique feel not found anywhere else on the sub-continent. Admire the Portuguese influence in the buildings on your holiday to Panjim – head to Praça de Igreja to see the spectacular Church of the Immaculate Conception and take in the sights of the green, yellow and blue colour-washed houses. Head to the heart of the city, 18th June Road, which is a nice area to explore and shop local goods.
The Latin Quarter, Fontainhas, is Goa’s oldest district where you can see Baroque churches, such as the Chapel of St. Sebastian. In mid-November the Portuguese-speaking locals hold a festival in the square to celebrate their patron saint’s day. For more striking architecture visit Old Goa which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take a rickshaw to The Houses of Goa Museum, a look at the houses from the colonial era. If you’re after tranquillity, then a visit to the lily-covered Carambolin Lake, which is just east of Old Goa, is a must.
A holiday to Panjim wouldn’t be complete without dipping your toes into the balmy Arabian ocean. Head to golden Miramar beach, a favourite amongst tourists, or spend the day at Dona Paula, the mouth where the two rivers meet the sea. Here you can purchase cheap local goods or try your hand at some watersports. The beautiful Calangute beach is a 45-minute bus ride up the coast – enjoy the delicious food on offer here while watching the sun set or stay past sundown to experience the vibrant nightlife.
Food on your holiday in Panjim is an important factor. The mixture of Arabic, Portuguese and native cultures make for an interesting food mix in Goa. Try the popular fish curries, a staple dish for Goans, or the meat ones – Sorpotel is equally appetizing. Wash it all down with native alcoholic drink Feni – either coconut or cashew flavoured. For more holidays check out the stunning scenery of Divar Island
Holidays to Panjim – a truly unique experience
A variety of experiences are offered with a holiday to Panjim. As Goa’s relaxed capital city, it has a unique feel different to other areas of India, mainly due to its history of Portuguese influence which has affected not only the architecture and cuisine in Goa, but the way of life too. Start your cultural experience today and book all your holidays to India with lastminute.com