IMPORTANT PLACES OF INDIA - PANAJI A LAND OF UNENDING POSSIBILITIES.

 

Panaji is the state capital of Goa, the smallest state in the southwest of the Indian Sub Continent.  This state capital is on the bank of river Mandovi and is also known by the name Panjim.  Panaji is a small but very beautiful capital city.  The cobblestone laid streets, architecture, and landscaping of buildings and their beautiful villas resemble the Portuguese style of architecture.  Not only the landscape but the cuisine, culture, and the life of common people have some Portuguese influence probably because of the colonial rule that existed there.  Although the British had controlled the whole of India, the Portuguese took possession of Goa and Ppndicherry and controlled these two even after the British left India in the year 1947.  Goa was under Portuguese rule which was ended with operation Vijay through which India took possession of this state under its control expelling Portuguese authority.  It continued as a union territory and in 1987 it became the 25th state of the Indian Union with capital as Panaji.

Goa is well known for its tourist activities.  Tourism and its allied sectors provided a major source of employment and income.  The people here possess mixed variants of Indian and European culture and taste.  If we walk along the streets of Panaji, we can really feel the influence of western culture on it.  The buildings, roads, and institutions all got some uniqueness which no other Indian state can claim.

ALT - Goa is an Indian state known for its beautiful beaches and is the major tourist destination in India.

Due to its touristic importance Government of Goa has envisaged various plans and schemes to attract tourists from all countries.  The new trend nowadays is to woo domestic tourists.  Since the liberalization and development of IT sectors, the number of Indian nationals spending their money on traveling has increased.  Most of the tourist destinations around the world understood this Chung of Indian tourists who can afford to pay any amount of luxury.  The tourism sector of Goa understanding this has made Goa easy access to Indian tourists.

ALT -  Panaji has well-tiled and neat roads with beautiful villas on both sides which has Portuguese style of Architecture.

Connectivity.

The city of Panaji is well-connected rest of India and other important cities of the world.  It has well-developed road, rail, and air connectivity. Konkan Railway, which goes along the western coastline, connecting Karnataka and Maharashtra runs along Panaji.  There is an international Airport in Dabolim, near Panaji.

How to reach

By Air.

Dabolim airport which is approximately 26 km away from Panaji has both Domestic and International terminals which are well connected with major cities of India and other countries. Terminal 1 which is a domestic one has got many flights connecting major Indian cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta, etc.  Terminal 2 connects most of the gulf countries and some European countries.  Oman Air, Qatar Airways, etc provide regular services to Panaji connecting it well with other important cities of Asia and Europe.  

By Road

Karnataka and Maharashtra State Transport run regular buses connecting Panaji to cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, etc.  NH 4 and NH 17 pass through Panaji.  Those who wish to travel by car can enter these Highways to reach Panaji.

By Train

Panaji has two important Railway stations namely Vascodagama and Madgaon Railway stations connecting it well with other cities and rail journey is relatively the best option to visit Goa.  There is regular train services from Delhi to Madgaon.  Sampark Kranti Express which starts from Trivandrum, Kerala, and Konkan Railway line passes through Panaji.  Both stations are about 30 kilometers away from the city of Panaji.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Panaji or Goa is in the month of December and till the new year.  Churches will be decorated with lights for their Christmas celebrations and the tourists from all parts of the world start to flow here for their Christmas and New year Holidays.  Though the city of Panaji has many hotels to accommodate the flowing tourists, rates will be high during this period.

Places of Interest.

Fountainhas Heritage Walk

A walk through fountainhas heritage street helps a traveler to understand the history and glory of Goa and its rich cultural heritage.  The walk starts from Tobacco Square which is the excellent starting point to enter all the fountainhas roads.  You can walk along neatly tiled roads with heritage buildings on either side and numerous churches telling us the story of Portuguese influence in this state.  You can also enjoy the delicious ethnic street food and seafood served by numerous cafes that provide refreshments to the tourists.  Shopping is the main activity here. Here you can shop for various handicrafts and paintings.  Art galleries, music houses, etc add to the flavor of your walk making it the most memorable event in your visit to the city.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Dudhsagar waterfalls are the four-tier waterfalls on the river Mandovi which is about 60 km from Panaji.  It is one of the tallest waterfalls with a height of around 300 meters and around 30 meters wide.  Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National park, both on the Western Ghats is near these waterfalls.

Churches of Panaji

Christian churches and their architecture are the centre of attraction in the city of Panaji.  The majority of the population is Christian here.  If you want to see the real beauty of Goa, make sure you are not missing these churches which are the architectural marvels and structure of excellence.  Most of them have century-old traditions built by Portuguese.  Famous Churches of Goa are Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Church of Lady of Rosary, St Francis, Chapel of St. Catherine, etc.

ALT - Churches in Panaji are a centre of major tourist attraction.  Many churches in Panaji tells us the glory of Portugese architecture which becomes centre of attraction during the time of Christmas.

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Santury

Dr. Salim Ali Bird sanctuary is one of the protected areas of Goa, named after the famous Ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali. This sanctuary is on the banks of river Mandovi and is about 15 minutes drive from the city Panaji.  This sanctuary is a host to many rare species of birds and animals.  The best time to visit is in the winter months; from October to March.

Mandovi River

Though the goa and Panaji are known for their beaches, Mandovi being a river also attracts tourists very much and its banks are well developed to attract the tourists.  Many tourist activities available in Panaji are on the banks of this river.  It originates from Karnataka and flows through states like Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra before pouring into the Arabian Sea.  This river is the lifeline of Goa, Dudhsagar waterfalls are on this river.   Many tourists operators operate their cruise ships along this river.

Beaches of Panaji.

Panaji is known for its pristine beaches and is a major part of tourist activity. It was always heaven for the tourists who are in search of sun, sand, and sea bath.  Here the beaches are wide, water is pure blue and clear.  One can see the sand underneath the water.  The major beaches in the city o Panaji are Palolem ,Baga Beach,Colva Beach,Vagator Beach and Anjuna Beach.

Night Life in Panaji

Goa is famous for its dazzling nightlife which is beyond comparison with other Indian cities.  No other Indian city can compete with Panaji regarding this.  The streets of  Panaji start their active mode and tourists start to assemble in the evening itself.  Panaji has many nightclubs, bars, and beach shacks that provide their best with nonstop music and dancing floors.  The variety of drinks and seafood add to the charm of the night.  Not only friends but families take part in the nightlife and enjoy it till the sun is rising.

Cruise ships, Scuba Diving, Parasailing, and water sports

Panaji offers the best cruise ship experience both on the river Mandovi and on the deep sea.  A small boat will fetch travelers to the lavish cruise ship giving the tourist a memorable experience with drinks, dance, and parties.  The entry to this is regulated by tickets.  Tourists can either opt for single nights or for a period of nights.

Economy

Tourism is the main source of income for the people of Panaji.  Tourism here is well developed and attracts tourists from all over the world.  This tiny state has got many beautiful beaches which have fascinated tourists all over the world.  The beaches like Agonda , Aguada and Arambol are only a few among them.  Along these beaches, Panaji has very well laid state of the art tourist destinations and facilities.  Goan beaches wakes up with cheers and festivity mood with the dawn of the sun making the nightlife more electric.  There are many tour operators running their cruise ships on the bank of river Mondovi and in deep-sea attracting tourists both from India and all around.

Besides Tourism, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing are the other main source of income for the people of Goa.  They produce coconut, areca nut, cashews, mangoes, etc. fishing is also a major industry there. They also manufacture bamboo and timber products and are exported.  

By Padmanabhan S 13 January 2022 for www.erakina.com