Around Panji Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Panji

• AguadaFort
• Dona Paula
• Miramar Beach
• Mapusa
• Old Goa
• Main Square & Se Cathedral
• Archaeological Museum & Portrait Gallery
• Basilica of Bom Jesus
• Viceroy's Arch
• Gateway of Adil Shah's Palace
• Church of St. Cajetan
• Pilar
• Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary 

AguadaFort (18kms.)

It was built by the Portuguese in 1609 - 1612, to guard the entry into river Mandovi. Today, it houses the central Jail. A lighthouse is located nearby.

Dona Paula (9 kms.)

It is set on the scenic headland between the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries and is named after Dona Paula de Menezes, whose tombstone can be seen at the chapel in Cabo. The site is associated with various myths of Dona Paula and has earned the epitaph of Lover's Paradise'. The delightful Dauna Paula Bay, where Goa's two most famous rivers Zuari and Mandovi meet the Arabian Sea, is an important tourist attraction. One can enjoy picturesque view of the Zuari estuary and Mormugao harbour. Ferry service is available between Dona Paula Jetty and Mormugao, except during the nionsoons. Water-scooter and boat rides here are very popular among the tourists. Near the ferry jetty on a small outcrop of arock is the beautiful sculpture of a couple (man and *ornan) named 'Image of India', made by Baroness Yrsa von Leistner. On the Westernmost tip of the peninsula is Cabo Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the ^overnor of Goa. The famous Institute of Oceanography is located nearby.

Miramar Beach (Caspar Dias) (3 kms.)

'he lovely golden beach beyond a small forest attracts a large number of locals and °urists. It is not ranked among the safe beaches for swimmers.

Mapusa (13 kms.)

It is one of the most important towns of northern Goa, especially for the tourist lolidaying on the beaches of northern Goa. Mapusa is 45 kms. from Dabolim airport, on the Mumbai-Goa National Highway 17 and is an important road junction. Mapusa Rd. railhead lies on the Konkan Railway.

Old Goa (9 kms.)

The   former   capital   and   the principal   city   of  Portuguese eastern empire was known as the Rome of the East' and the 'Pearl of the Orient'. It is set on the southern bank of Mandovi river and is an splendid showcase of themassive   and   overpowering Portuguese presence in India. Old Goa  is  studded with majestic cathedrals and monuments, reflecting the rich history and glory of the bygone era. The impressive monuments of Old Goa are considered to be the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in the world. A visit to Goa is rendered incomplete without visiting this religious historic town.

Main Square & Se Cathedral : It is set in the heart of Old Goa and flanked by the Basilica of Bom Jesus to the south and the Se Cathedral, Church of St Francis Assisi and an archeological museum to the north. The imposing Se Cathedral dominates the main square and is the largest church in entire Asia, measuring 35.56 m high on the facade, 76.2 m in length and 55.16 m in width. It is dedicated to St. Catherine and is built in Portuguese-Gothic style, with Tuscan-Doric exteriors and Corinthian interiors.

Archaeological Museum & Portrait Gallery : It is housed in the convent behind the Church of St Francis of Assisi. The building has two floors, the lower one has an Archaeological Museum, exhibiting sculptures and bronzes. The Portrait Gallery on the upper floor has several paintings and portraits of the Portuguese viceroy's to India. Chapel of St. Catherine : The chapel located just west of the Archaeological museum was originally built in 1510, by Albuquerque to commemorate his victory of Goa on the St. Catherine's Day.

Basilica of Bom Jesus : This most popular church of Goa is dedicated to 'Bom Jesus'— meaning 'good or infant Jesus'. It is located to the south of the main square and houses the uncorrupted remains of the holy apostle St. Francis' Xavier. The historical church was declared as a 'World Heritage Monument' by the UNF.SCO. The construction of the basilica started in 1594 and was completed in 1605. Built in cruciform plan, it is an excellent example of Jesuit architecture and is an amazing blend of Neoclassical restraint and Baroque extravagance. The magnificent three-tiered facade adorned with intricate carvings, has elements of Ionic design at the lowest level, Doric in the middle and Corinthian design at the top. It has a disproportionately large central pediment at top and is crowned by a large Jesuit emblem which depicts three letters 'IHS', meaning 'Jesus Saviour of men'.

Viceroy's Arch : This ceremonial gateway was built by Governor Francisco da Gama (1597 - 1600), in honour of his great­grandfather Vasco da Gama. It marks the traditional entrance to Old Goa from the Mandovi river front and was used as the main entry point for the Portuguese viceroys. The arch was rebuilt in 1954 and stands in regal majesty, although few traces of the original arch are present.

Gateway of Adil Shah's Palace : It lies to left of Viceroy's Arch and is the only surviving part of the magnificent palace of Adil Shah. After the independence of Goa, the Archaeological Survey of India erected this gateway by piecing together the ruins.

Church of St. Cajetan : It was built in 1655, by the Italian friars of the Order of Theatines, on the lines of St Peter's Church in Rome. Other important churches at Old Goa are - Church of Our Lady of the Mount, Church of Carmelites, Convent & Church of St. John of God, Church & Convent of St. Monica, Chapel of St. Anthony, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary etc.

Pilar (11 kms.)

It was an important religious and educational centre of Christian Missionaries. The Church, Seminary and School perched atop a hillock affords a panoramic view of the Mormugao Harbour, Zuari river and the scenic countryside.

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (3 kms.):  The beautiful sanctuary sprawls over an area °f 1.78 sq. kms. on the south-western tip of Chorao Island along Mandovi River. It is covered by lush mangrove vegetation criss­crossed by a network of tributaries and mland streams. Although small in size, the sanctuary plays host to several species of Ocal as well as migratory birds and is aptly named after Dr. Salim Ali, India's most celebrated ornithologist. It can be easily reached from the Ribandar ferry wharf in Panaji. After crossing over on the Ribandar – Chorao erry, one has to walk to reach the sanctuary. Taking a boat tour on a canoe fitted with an 1 motor is very exciting.