Lying on the banks of the River Mandovi, Panjim is the city’s colonial name, with its Indian named known as Panaji. The colonial features don’t stop at the city’s name; there is a distinctive colonial feel across Panjim, from its old architectural feats to its everyday houses. One of the best places to explore for soaking up this bygone era is the old Portuguese quarter, Fontainhas. There are some beautiful, colourful houses located in the historic neighbourhood, while primary attractions such as the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception also deserves a visit.
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Besides the obvious attractions, simply strolling around the city during your Goa holiday will allow you to absorb the infectious atmosphere of the state. Whether you choose to experience the hustle bustle of one of the city’s markets or take to an authentic restaurant to gain a taste of Goa’s wonderful culinary flavours, Panjim is a diverse and exciting destination.
Just inland from Panjim lay the beautiful islands of Charao and Divar. Easily accessible by ferry, the islands have remained relatively untouched by tourism over the years with their quaint rural villages, lush paddy fields and mangrove swamps. While on Chorao Island, it is highly recommended to take a boat trip around the beautiful Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, a roadless reserve home to a wide variety of coastal birdlife, the odd crocodile and flying fox.
