Panaji is a small and pleasant capital city of Goa. Located near the river Mandovi, it was also called as Panjim in the Portuguese times. The city is headquarters of North Goa District and also acts as a perfect base for touring central Goa.

Area: 35.99 sq km

Population: 1,00,000 (approx.)

Places to see:

The Church Square or Municipal Garden with the Portuguese Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, built in 1541, is an important edifice in the heart of the city. Other tourist attractions include the Adilshahi Palace (or Idalcao palace), dating from the 16th century, the Menezes Braganza Institute and the central library, the Hindu Mahalaxmi Temple, the Jama Masjid mosque, the Chapel of St. Sebastian and beach Miramar. The 18th June Road is a fine shopping destination for the tourists and locals.

How to reach:

• By Air: Goa is connected by flights from Mumbai, Bangalore, Cochin, Delhi, Chennai, Mangalore and Trivandrum. Gateway for Goa is Dabolim Airport not far away from the city of Panaji.
• By Rail: Panaji is connected with Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Secunderabad, and Jaipur. Madgaon is the nearest railway station. Advance reservation can also be made at the Railway Out Agency at the Panaji Bus Terminus.