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Things to do in Panaji

When you’re in capital of a state that is internationally renowned tourist destination, it is very obvious that you’ll get to enjoy more than enough things that is going to make your trip into a memorable affair. However, in case of Panaji or for that matter entire Goa, things at offer are so many that you’ll left confused about what to do and what not do. Therefore, we’ve sorted out some really must do things in and around Panaji city. We’ve even mentioned which places are good and which places are not good for certain things. If you do do the below mentioned things, we can assure that your trip to Goa and Panaji would surely become a memorable affair.

Enjoy Breathtaking Water Sports


things to do in Panaji

Goa is famous for water sports is not at all a secret. Goa is famous for its beaches and where there are beaches, there is always going to be plenty of adventure water sports. Panaji falls in North Goa and North Goan beaches are particularly famous for water sports. In fact Dona Paula Beach that is immensely popular for water sports is located barely few kilometers from Panaji city. Nonetheless, all other north Goan beaches that are located further away from Dona Paula like Anjuna and Calangute Beach are equally immensely popular for water sports.

While every water sport is enjoyable in their own way, but personally we’d suggest that you shouldn’t miss parasailing. Enjoying parasailing on Goan beaches is really something else. A memory that you’ll cherish for all your life.

Strolling at the beaches


things to do in Panaji

When sun sets on all the crowded north Goan beaches, they turn into a solitary world, where even taking a simple stroll accompanied by beautiful breeze and waves will completely calm you down. In fact we can assure that if you take stroll on Goan beaches during late evening, those peaceful and solitary moments will stay in your memory lanes for a long time to come.

As for which beaches are good for evening walk, actually all north Goan beaches that are crowded during daytime turn pretty silent and quite by late evening. But we’d highly recommend Candolim Beach, which is immensely popular for its peaceful and serene ambience. We’d also recommend Miramar beach; since it is located in the very heart of Panaji city and locals do flock to this beach for evening walk.

In case if you don’t want to wait till late evening for enjoying quite stroll on the beach, then we’d suggest you to head to south Goan beaches. They are less crowded and more peaceful. Hence here you can enjoy peaceful stroll and relaxing sunbath during daytime itself.

Take a Religious Expeditions


Things to do in Panaji

If beaches near Panaji can bring the wild side in you, then its sacred churches and temples can bring out the spiritual beauty from within you. And luckily, most sacred churches and temples of Goa are located barely few kilometers from Panaji city. Amongst churches, don’t miss Se Cathedral Church, Basilica of Bom Jesus Church and St. Cajetan Church. All these sacred and immensely beautiful churches are located in Old Goa, barely 9 to 10 kilometers away from the heart of Panaji city. Another very immensely beautiful church is Our Lady of The Immaculate Church (popularly known as Panjim Church). This one is in fact located in the very heart of Panaji city.

As for temples are concerned, then you shouldn’t miss Mahalaxmi Temple of Panaji. It is unarguably the most sacred temple of Panaji. But if you want to visit a temple whose architectural beauty can mesmerize you, then you shouldn’t miss Shanta Durga Temple and Mangeshi Temple; both of them are located some 20 kms away from Panaji city.

Explore the world of Art


Things to do in Panaji

Panaji city also gives equal opportunity to explore the artistic side of you. As here there are state-of-the-art art galleries where you can indulge in art revelries. The most famous one being the Kala Academy, a state-of-the-art art institute cum art center. It is located in the very heart of Panaji city. Here you get to enjoy art exhibitions, plays and even live music shows under one roof itself. In other words it is the art nerve center of Panaji city.

Another very worth visiting art gallery is Gitanjali Art Gallery. Again located in the very heart of Panaji city. This art gallery is located inside a heritage building, which will definitely add to your experience.

Do some great shopping


things to do in  Panaji

Although Panaji is officially the smallest city of India, but this enormously small city does offer some great destinations for shopping. Some are located in the very heart of Panaji, while others are located in the adjoining towns. The one famous shopping destination located in the very heart of Panaji city is 18th June Road. It is shopping nerve center of Panaji and is immensely famous amongst tourists.

Panaji city also boosts some great malls. Big G and Caculo Mall are two most famous malls of Panaji. They are obviously located in the very heart of Panaji city. Now about some details about legendry markets that though are not located in Panaji city, but are absolutely worth visiting. And what is even better is that these legendary markets are located barely few kilometers from Panaji city. These include Anjuna Flea Market (also known as Wednesday flea market), Mackies Saturday Nite Bazaar and Calangute Bazaar. Amongst these we highly recommend you Anjuna Flea Market and Mackies Saturday Nite Bazaar. These two legendry markets are conducted on sandy stretches of famous Anjuna and Baga Beach and they are crazily popular among tourists.

Relish Goan and Portuguese cuisine


things to do in Panaji

It would be really unfair if your trip to Panaji city is completed without tasting the authentic Goan and Portuguese cuisines. After all, they are specialty of this coastal state and every foodie literally swears by delicious taste of these cuisines.

Needless to say, there is no dearth of restaurants in Panaji that serve authentic Goan and Portuguese dishes. They are spread across all throughout Panaji. But, our personal suggestion is to head to famous 18th June road, where there are hordes of hotel that serve the most authentic Goan and Portuguese cuisines.

Explore the wildlife


things to do in Panaji

Yes! There is some breathtaking wildlife residing in the very proximity of Panaji. Sounds strange but this is very much true. There are total 4 wildlife sanctuaries near Panaji city, but amongst these only two are really worth visiting. These are Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. Both these are immensely popular among tourists.

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located in beautiful island of Chorao Island and is reachable by boat service from Rabandar Ferry wharf. Rabandar Ferry wharf is located just few kilometers from Panaji city. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located 53 kms away from Panaji in Mollem town. Although travelling from Panaji to these sanctuaries will surely take bit of time, but this shouldn’t stop you from visiting these places. As they will showcase you breathtaking wildlife of Goa, which is rarely talked about.

Enjoy Casino


Things to do in Panaji

Now this is the true specialty of Panaji or for that matter entire Goa. As Goa is the only state in entire India where gambling is legally permitted. And you can enjoy gambling in the very heart of Panaji city. That too inside a luxurious cruise ship. Now what else could you ask for. This cruise ship is known as Casino Royale Goa (now officially renamed as Dealtin Royale), which is stationed on the banks of famous Mandovi river. Inside this cruise ship you will get play casino in truly international and Hollywood style. This is surely an experience that no one should give a miss.

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