Panji Important information

Panji

Picturesque Panaji, the capital city of Goa sprawls along the southern bank of the river Mandovi and is dominated by a wooded hill, called Altinho. This well planned town is noted for its beautiful red-roofed houses in Latin style and a network of streets laid out at right angles, which are lined with gulmohar, acassia and other ornamental trees. The area between the bus terminal and town centre is marked by .the Church Square and the Municipal Garden and is indeed the most pleasant part of Panaji.

Tourist Acctration in Panji

• Secretariat Building (Idalcao Palace) 
• Statue of Abbe Faria
• Church of the Lady of Immaculate Conception
• Municipal Gardens
• Jama Masjid
• Azad Maidan
• Menezes Braganza Institute & Central Library
• State Archaeology Museum
• Sculpture Gallery

Secretariat Building (Idalcao Palace)  : It occupies the site of the castle built by Yusuf Adil Shah of Bijapur in 1510 and is the oldest building in this part of Goa. The Portuguese rebuilt the castle in 1615, to defend the mouth of the river Mandovi. The fort became the official residence of the Viceroy in 1759, which was shifted to Cabo Raj Bhawan in 1918. In 1843, the Secretariat was shifted here and now it houses the Passport Office.

Statue of Abbe Faria : The bronze statue of Abbe Faria, located next to the Secretariat is an important landmark of Goa. It portrays Faria, regarded as the 'Father of Hypnotism' in an act of mesmerising a woman patient.

Church of the Lady of Immaculate Conception : This imposing church at the main square in the heart of the town was originally built in 1540 and was rebuilt from the foundation in 1619. It is modelled on the church of Reis Magos and has tall twin towers in Portuguese Baroque style.

Municipal Gardens : The well laid out garden at the city centre has an Ashoka pillar at its centre.

Jama Masjid : The domeless mosque lies just south of Municipal Gardens. It was built by Suleiman Shet and Aba Shet, about 200 years ago and was recently renovated.

Azad Maidan : It is the venue for flower shows and also has a small pavilion where modern Indian sculptures are displayed.

Menezes Braganza Institute & Central Library : It is located to the north-west comer of Azad Maidanand was established in 1871 as a scientific and literary institution. The institute also has a small art gallery, which displays some rare prints and paintings. The Central Library at the lower floor of the building was set up in 1832 and is the oldest public library in India.

State Archaeology Museum : It was initially located at St. Iniz and has now been shifted at Patto Plaza. The museum has about 8000 exhibits, which includes sculptures, wooden articles, bronzes, paintings, manuscripts, numismatic collection etc.

Sculpture Gallery: It has Hindu carvings and bronzes dating back to 4th century.

Other places of interest at Panaji are - Astronomical Observatory, Christian Art Gallery, Mahalakshmi Temple, Fontainhas, Chapel of St Sebastian etc.

Reaching There

Airport: Dabolim (29 kms.).

Railhead: Karmali (15 kms.)

Road: Well connected by road.