Panaji also known as Panjim is the capital of Goa state. It is situated on the banks of the river Mandovi. The city is known for Portuguese-era colonial charm, terraced hills, white churches, colourful villas, riverside promenade, etc. The heart of the city is the Church Square with a Boroque style Our Lady of the Immalculate Conception Church built in 1541. Panaji is also known for its many festivals including Sabado Gordo, Carnival, the Feast of St Francis Xavier, the Feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, International Film Festival of India, etc. Panaji is in close proximity to Old Goa and UNESCO World heritage sites.

Major tourist sites in and around Panaji: Adilshahi Palace, Institute Menezes Braganza, Secretariat Building, Mahalaxmi Temple, Jama Masjid Mosque, Chapel of St. Sebastian, old Latin Quarter Fontainhas, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, etc.

Tourism Board Website

When to visit: best time to visit October to March. March to May is hot and humid. June to September is monsoon season.

HOW TO REACH

Nearest railway station: Karmali train station is about 10 km (6.2 mi) away. Madgaon Junction railway station in Margao is about 37 km (22.9 mi) away. Margao station is the terminus station for several Konkan Railway trains and almost all trains passing through Goa stop here. There are direct trains from most parts of India including Delhi, Mumbai, Cochin, Mangalore, Bangalore, Gujarat, Kerala, coastal Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

For detailed train timings and other information log on to www.indianrailways.gov.in or https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search

Nearest airport: Goa International Airport (Dabolim Airport) is about 27 km (16.7 mi) away.

For more information see section TravelInfo/Airports/Goa/Goa International Airport

Buses: The Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) is the state government’s bus service. All the state transport buses, usually begin and terminate at the Kadamba bus stand at Panaji. Biggest bus stations in Goa are – Mapusa, Panjim, Vasco da Gama, Margao and Canacona.

By road: The distance from Goa International Airport (Dabolim Airport) to Panaji is about 27 km (16.7 mi) via NH 66. It takes around 1 hour.
The distance from Madgaon Junction railway station in Margao to Panaji is about 37 km (22.9 mi) via NH 66. It takes around 1 hour.
The distance from Old Goa to Panaji is about 12 km (7.4 mi) via NH748 It takes around 30 minutes.
The distance from Mumbai to Old Goa is about 571 km (354.8 mi) via NH48. It takes around 10-11 hours.