Goa's capital city is Panjim. Panaji is the city's other name. Panjim is the largest city in north Goa, and the state's third largest city after Vasco da Gama and Margao, with a population of 40,017 people (2011 census). It's situated on the Mandovi River's southern bank. The wider Panjim metropolitan region, on the other hand, enjoys an Arabian Sea beachfront location. Floating casinos and cruise ships can be seen on the Mandovi Peninsula.
The beaches of Goa are the most well-known feature of the state. The Miramar and other beaches may be found in Panjim, but the city is known for its heritage buildings, churches, temples, architecture, walking tours, and entertaining activities such as casino gaming and river cruising. There are numerous English cafes and French eateries tucked away in nooks and crannies across the city.
THINGS TO DO WHEN IN PANJIM :
• BANANA BOAT, JET SKIING AND RINGO RIDE - Don your life jackets and round off your day of fun with a thrilling Jet Ski ride on Goa's funky waves. Manoeuvre for a long time through the choppy waves before boarding the Banana Boats for a 15-minute journey through the water. Enjoy this thrilling boat ride before heading to Ringo Rides, the day's final activity.
• SCUBA DIVING - With its pristine water and rich marine life, Grand Island offers one of the best scuba diving experiences in Goa. The Grand Island Goa scuba diving trip will begin with a Long Tail boat ride from Sinquerim Boat Jetty to the Grand Island, where you will be treated to breathtaking vistas to relax your senses.
• SUNSET DINNER CRUISE - Sunset River Cruises are a must-do on any trip to Goa. A one-hour cruise down the Mandovi River is included. You will be able to see the sunset, as well as Panjim and Betim at dusk and night, as well as the Mandovi River Backwater during the day.
• HANGOUT IN JOSEPH BAR - You will not be disappointed if you are looking for nightlife in Panjim. Joseph Bar, nestled between the Latin Quarter's colourful streets, is one of the city's hidden beauties. Joseph Bar is open until 11 p.m., making it an excellent place to warm up with a local brew.
BEST TIME TO VISIT PANJIM :
Between November and February is the greatest season to visit, as the weather is pleasant and temperate, with little rain and humidity. Summer is scorching. Temperatures will range from 33 to 35 degrees Celsius, with some days being significantly hotter. Humidity exacerbates the problem.
PLACES TO VISIT IN PANJIM :
DONA POULA BEACH - Dona Paula is a picturesque and physically significant beach where the rivers Mandovi and Zuari meet the Arabian Sea. You can simply relax in the sun, buy trinkets at one of the shacks, participate in water sports, or sip feni, Goa's famed spirit produced from cashews or toddy palm, while watching the sunsets.
Best Time - October - March
BASILICA OF BOM JESUS - The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a sprawling structure that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is more than 400 years old. This Roman Catholic shrine is surrounded by landscaped gardens and houses the earthly remains of St. Francis Xavier.
Best Time - September - March
AGUADA FORT - The Portuguese built this massive 17th-century marvel as a defence against the Marathas and the Dutch, and it even boasts a high lighthouse. It got its name (Aguada, which means 'watery' in Portuguese) from a freshwater spring inside the fort that supplied water to the ships that halted here.
Best Time - September - April
SE CATHEDRAL - Se Cathedral, with its remarkable mix of Portuguese and Gothic architectural elements, was built to commemorate the Portuguese victory (under the command of Alfonso Albuquerque) over a Muslim army and the conquest of Goa. When the sky is blue, this cathedral, which is over 250 feet long and 181 feet wide, is nestled amidst verdant stretches and makes for wonderful images.
Best Time - November - March
VAINGUINIM BEACH - Vainguinim Beach is the perfect sleepy getaway for those who adore the sun, with the shimmering Arabian Sea on one side and the craggy cliffs of the Western Ghats on the other. This place is a photographer's dream, with rows of tall palm trees and lush foliage. You can also challenge yourself with wind surfing, banana boat excursions, water skiing, or parasailing.
Best Time - October - March
TOP CASINOS IN PANJIM :
Casino Pride - Another popular casino on the Mandovi River, this time on a 30,000-square-foot ship! Flush, mini flush, 5-card poker, Texas Hold'em poker, rummy, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and slot machines are among the games available on the three floors.
MV Caravela - Just off Panjim's Barco Jetty! The Deltin family also owns this casino. There are numerous games, guest suites, and accommodations to choose from.
Carnival Casino - Located in Miramar Beach at the Goa Marriott Hotel. American Roulette, blackjack, baccarat, 5-card poker, slot machines, and progressive jackpots are among the games available.
Casino Royale - The most well-known casino in Goa is Casino Royale, often known as Deltin Royale. It's located on a boat on the Mandovi River and features 50 classic board games, slot machines, blackjack, teen patti, American roulette, baccarat, Indian Flush.
HOW TO REACH PANJIM :
By Road - Goa's capital is well connected by road to other Indian cities.
By Train - The Karmali train station (KRMI) is 13.2 kilometres distant. Most fast trains, however, do not stop here.
By Air - The NH 66 and NH366 connect Panjim to the Dabolim airport, which is 27.8 kilometres away. The airport is served by Air India, Indigo, Spice Jet, Go Air, Etihad, Air Arabia, Air Asia, Qatar Airways, and Jet Airways
