Local Attractions

Ideally located in the very heart of Panjim’s Old Latin Quarter of Fontainhas and 10 minutes walk from the city centre, this Heritage Hotel in Goa makes a perfect place to explore Panjim by foot. It is also an ideal base to explore Goa with its world heritage site of Old Goa, its temples, Beaches and Casinos. The baroque Church of Immaculate Conception, Municipal Garden, Adil Shah Palace, Chapel of St. Sebastain, Goa State Museum, Miramar Beach, Mahalaxmi Temple, Old Medical complex-Inox, Kala Academy, Campal Gardens and Maruti Temple are some of the landmark destinations that are worth a visit.

Beaches

• Miramar Beach – 3 km from Panjim Inn
• Dona Paula Beach – 8 km from Panjim Inn
• Bambolim Beach – 6.5 kms from Panjim Inn
• Candolim/Calangute/Baga – 10-12 km from Panjim Inn
• Anjuna Beach – 20 kms from Panjim Inn

Local Attractions

• Latin Quarter of Fontainhas, Panjim Church, Boat Cruises, Casinos, Mandovi Promenade
• State Museum (half a km)
• Water sports – At Dona Paula (8 km away)
• World heritage churches of Old Goa (10 km away)
• Salim Ali Bird sanctuary (10 km away)
• Houses of Goa Museum (8 km)
• Reis Magos Fort (8 km)
• Flea markets – Local market about 2 km away while main shopping area about half a km away. Saturday night market at Arpora (12 km away) and Wednesday flea market at Anjuna (15 km away). Both Markets are seasonal.
• Nightlife – Down the road PUB (less then half a km), casinos (half a km), many small bars around, night clubs at Candolim about 12 km away (Sinq, LKP waterfront,etc).

Suggested 4 day Itinerary in Goa

Day 1- World Heritage Churches of Old Goa

Distance of 12 km from Panjim Inn. Old Goa was once the Rome of the East and one of the 5 Great cities in the world. In the main square it has the chapel of St Catherine, Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. Other sites worth a visit are Church of St Cajetan, Viceroys Arch, Capella De Monte, Museumn of Christian Art and St Augustine tower. From Old Goa you could proceed to a Spice plantation (either Sahakari (20 km) away or Pascoal (30 km) where you can have a traditional lunch, play with elephants and have a farm tour. You could then visit the temples of Ponda (Mangeshi where Lata Mangeshkar comes from and Shantadurga) or return back. Old Goa was part of the Old Conquests of the Portuguese and thus there is a greater Christian influence while Ponda was part of the new conquests and thus there is a greater Hindu influence. It is interesting to see the differences in culture across such a short distance. The Total distance covered for the day would be approximately 110 km.

OR

After Old Goa you could return back and head to Baga Beach (25 Km from Old Goa, 12 Km from Panjim Inn) or Anjuna Beach.

You could also take the following detours from Old Goa:

• Divar Island Detour: visit a picturesque island and the pretty church of our lady of Compassion, perched on a hill top with fabulous views.
• Chorao Island detour: Drive to this picturesque island which also has the Salim Ali bird sanctuary.

Day 2- North Goa

Visit Fort Aguada (12 km from hotel), Candolim beach (another 2 km) and Anjuna Beach (another 12-km). You could also stop at Calangute/Baga on the way. If it is a Wednesday you could visit the flea market at Anjuna (Operational only during the season). If you are looking for quieter beaches then Morjim/Mandrem/Ashwem (about 25 km from hotel) would be a better bet. An alternative option is to visit the Houses of Goa museum at Porvorim/Succoro (8 Km from hotel) and then visit Baga/Anjuna. At Morjim/Ashwem, the La Plage restaurant with the boutiques of Jade Jagger, Aurobell, Kalyani, are well recommended by most guests.

Day 3

Visit Goa Chitra Museum in Benaulim (45 km away) followed by lunch Zeebop on Utorda beach or Martins at Betalbatim. Zeebop is a shack right on the beach which serves good seafood and Martins is a very popular multicuisine restaurant.

Day 4- Shopping in Panjim

Gallery Gitanjali, Old Goa Galleria, Barefoot, Sascha’s store, Fusion Access, Fab India are popular Art Galleries/Boutiques. Zantyes for Cashew nuts.

Note: Heritage Walks can be organized on request. North Goa/South Goa tours can be organized on request as well as boat cruises. All such activities are outsourced to 3rd parties. Other customised Excursions can be organised on prior notice.

Disclaimer: All above activities are listed to purely facilitate a holiday in Goa. They are carried out at your own risk and WelcomHeritage Panjim Inn in no way will be responsible for any acts of omission/commission carried out by the third party operators.

Travel India, Travel Goa, visit Panjim!

About Panjim

Breaking away from the popular notion about Goa – the busy beaches, hustling restaurants and hectic nightlife –is the city’s capital Panjim (known as Panaji by many) known for its history and a dash of refreshing relaxation. It is centrally located and easily accessible to both North Goa as well as South Goa.

Panjim has been the capital of Goa since 1843. It is quaint, charming, has old fashioned character, Heritage and probably has the longest river promenade in India. By Indian standards it is a small town different from other cities in India.

Characterized by a mix of the old and modern, it still retains its Latin influence from the colonial era. This intriguing charm of Panjim makes it an attractive leisure destination in India.

Panjim’s Latin Quarter and Heritage district Fontainhas has a distinct old-world charm where our Heritage Hotels the WelcomHeritage Panjim Inn, WecomHeritage Panjim Pousada and a more upmarket Panjim Peoples are located.

There is plenty of shopping for tourists. Panjim is well known for handicrafts such as terracotta, shell work, crochet, bamboo work etc. 18th June Road is filled with modern shops and pretty boutiques as is Fontainhas.

The Panjim experience is incomplete without the authentic local cuisine and local liquor Feni. Fish curry and rice, coconut based dishes and Goan-style seafood are a must have. Cashewnuts and feni are a must buy.

The best way to explore Panjim is to walk around the town at leisure amongst the Fontainhas, Sao Tome and Altinho areas. Stroll down the Mandovi river front, shop at the busy streets of 18th June road, or enjoy the Sussegado ambience of the bars and cafes.

Things to do in Panjim

The baroque Church of Immaculate Conception, Municipal Garden, Adil Shah Palace, Chapel of St. Sebastain, Goa State Museum, Miramar Beach, Mahalaxmi Temple, Old Medical complex-Inox, Kala Academy, Campal Gardens and Maruti Temple are some of the landmark destinations that are worth a visit.

Church of Immaculate Conception

The baroque Church of Immaculate Conception stands tall in the heart of the city overlooking the main Church Square. Originally consecrated in 1541, it was built in Portuguese Baroque style for the benefit of sailors from Lisbon. True to its name, this impressively large Church flaunts itself majestically sitting atop zig-zag white-washed stairways.

Goa State Museum

The Museum has an eclectic collection of mostly pre-colonial artifacts which include beautiful Hindu and Jain stone sculptures, ancient coins and artifacts, quirky ancient Portuguese furniture, paintings, manuscripts etc.

Secretariat Building (IDALCAO Palace)

The Secretariat building dates back to the 16th century as the oldest surviving building in the city. Originally it was Muslim ruler Yusuf Adil Shah’s palace. It was later converted into the Viceregal Palace for the Portuguese governors and then the Viceroy’s residence in 1759. Tilll recently it housed the Goa Legislative Assembly and plans are afoot to make it a Museum/Art Gallery. There is a quirky statue of Abbe Faria to the west of the building, as if he is about to strangle a woman. Abbe Faria was a Goan priest renowned for his hypnotic powers and is infact known as the father of hypnotism.

Chapel of St. Sebastian

Located at the centre of the Fontainhas is the Chapel of St. Sebastain built in the 1818. The white washed church has a striking crucifix which originally stood in the Palace of Inquisition in Old Goa.

Fontainhas and Sao Tome

The old Latin Quarter and heritage district of the Fontainhas houses many heritage buildings including the Chapel of St. Sebastian and with its winding alleys and narrow byelanes is an interesting area to walk in.

World Heritage Churches of Old Goa

The once majestic city of Old Goa, also famous for its churches, museums and cathedrals, is just a 30 min drive from Panjim (12 km from Panjim Inn) serviced by buses that frequent every 15 mins. The remains of Old Goa are a UNESCO world heritage site.

Old Goa was once the Rome of the East and one of the 5 Great cities in the world. In the main square it has the chapel of St Catherine, Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. Other sites worth a visit are Church of St Cajetan, Viceroys Arch, Capella De Monte, Museum of Christian Art and St Augustine tower.

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is one of the favourite beaches amongst locals as well as the tourists in Goa – a beautiful silvery beach carpeted with soft sands and palm trees! Situated on the confluence of the Mandovi River and Arabian Sea, it is the main beach of Panjim situated only 3 kms away from the Panjim Inn. It was originally named “Gasper Dias” by the Portuguese which means “Viewing the Sea”. You can relax by the beach and enjoy the charming view of the Portuguese Aguada Fort, across the river.

Dona Paula Beach

7 kms from Panjim is the Dona Paula beach – also known as the Lovers paradise. Legend has it that the daughter of viceroy Dona Paula de Mendez sacrificed her life from the cliff for a fisherman she loved and couldn’t marry. It is believed that she is seen emerging from the moonlight waters wearing a pearl necklace. The beach offers a lovely scenic view of the confluence of two local rivers Zuari and Mandovi. The Dona Paula Sports Club offers water-scooter facilities as well as cycle, and motorboat rides. Other water sports like sports fishing, para-sailing, water-skiing, snorkelling, are also available in the area.

Places to eat in Panjim

Authentic Goan cuisine and the local feni complete the Panjim experience. There are plenty of restaurants in the city offering Goan, Indian and International cuisine. The Verandah restaurant at WelcomHeritage Panjim Inn Serves Goan food.

Nightlife in Panjim

Sunset Boat Cruise – along the Mandovi river Deltin Royale – the most exclusive and popular off-shore live gaming casino in Goa and popularly called the next Macau for Poker – is located on a boat anchored on the banks of the Mandovi river. There is an entry fee that includes unlimited dinner, alcohol and snacks and is a great experience for those who enjoy a flutter.

Organise your holiday better by viewing our Suggested Itinerary in Goa.

About Goa

India’s tiniest state, yet Goa manages to capture the attention of almost every globe-trotting traveller and is one of the most sought-after touristic destinations in the world. Goa feasts on its scenic beauty, historical architecture, beautiful beaches and resorts, nightlife, water sports and much more. A rich cultural mix of the East and the West, it is the hotspot for local and international travellers alike!

Beaches

Goa boasts of beautiful beaches flooded with tourists all year round and stretching across 105 kms of the Konkan coastline.

Central Goa: Miramar (3km away), Dona Paula and Bambolim.

North Goa: Sinquerim, Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Morjim, Mandrem, Ashwem, Arambol

South Goa: Bogmallo, Velsao, Cansaulim, Arrossim, Majorda, Utorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavellossim, Mobor, Agonda, Cola, Palolem, Patnem, Colomb, Rajbhag and Galgibaga

Markets

Apart from the Local markets like the Friday Mapusa Market, some famous flea markets that you simply cannot miss are the Saturday Night Market at Arpora and the Flea market on Wednesdays.

Historical Visits

World heritage Churches of Old Goa (Se Cathedral, Bom Jesus, St Catherines Chapel,etc), Menezes Braganza house at Chandor, Houses of Goa Museum at Torda, Spice Plantations and temples of Ponda, Reis Magos and Aguada fort.

Nature

Dudhsagar waterfalls, Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary, Tambdi Surla temple.

Art Galleries and Boutiques

Gallery Gitanjali, Old Goa, Sascha’s Shop, Barefoot, Fusion Access, Fab India.

Nightlife

Tito’s/Cape Town / Cavala at Baga, Club Cubana in Arpora, Saturday Nite Market at Arpora, Down the Road in Panjim, Deltin Royale.

Other Activities

• Heritage walk in Fontainhas
• Scuba Diving at Dona Paula
• Cooking class
• Windsurfing
• Watersports at Baga/Calangute
• Boat cruises
• North Goa/South Goa bus tours
• Fishing trips
• Wildlife sanctuaries: Bondla, BhagwanMahavir, Cotigao

Experiences

• A cashew feni distillery
• Local Ferry ride
• Local motorcycle pilot ride