Wednesday 22 February 2012

Panaji, Goa

Located along the banks of River Mandovi, Panaji is the capital of Goa. Once a nondescript fishing village, Panaji started to gain prominence during the second half of the 18th century when the erstwhile power center of Old Goa gradually faded into oblivion. On March 22, 1843 Panjim was conferred the status of a city and was rechristened `Nova-Goa' or New Goa. 

As the Portuguese strengthened their hold over Goa, Panaji developed into a vibrant city bustling with commercial and tourism activities. The Christian rulers built some of Goa's most majestic churches here. The quaint villas and pretty houses with red roof tiles present an enchanting spectacle in Panaji. Most of these buildings bear the hallmark of Portuguese architecture. 

As the state capital, Panaji figures prominently in Goa's tourism scenario. It houses some of the prominent government offices and educational institutions. The 15th century palace of Sultan Adil Shah, now housing the government passport office, is a major landmark of the Panjim city. Other major tourist spots include the Dona Paula beach, a bevy of ancient churches and the Braganza Institute. 


Places to See:

The palm-fringed beach of Dona Paula features prominently in tours of Panaji. The beach is named after Dona Paula de Menzes, the daughter of a viceroy during the Portuguese rule. The beach has come to be known as a favorite shooting destination for Bollywood movies. It is also a popular hub for various water sports.



The Miramar beach is located very close to the Panaji town. As such the beach remains overcrowded most of the time, with locals and tourists indulged in a multitude of activities. From the beach one can have a nice view of the Aguada fort across the river Mandovi. 

The Institute Menezes Braganza is named after eminent Goan freedom fighter Menezes Braganza. The museum boasts of an eclectic collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures, most of them dating back to the Portuguese era. 

Statue of Abbe Faria


Located centrally near the Secretariat building, this statue depicts Goan legend Abbe Faria hypnotizing a young woman. A veritable genius, Abbe Faria was a priest, scientist, revolutionary, and hypnotist all rolled into one. After completing his studies in Lisbon, Faria took part in the French Revolution. Faria's contribution to the science of hypnotism is unrivalled and he was the first one to proclaim that hypnotic trances were a result of suggestion therapy. 

Known as much for its impressive architecture as for the splendid collection of ancient artifacts and sculptures, the Goa State Museum has done much to preserve the heritage of the state. 

Established in 1541, the Church of Mary Immaculate Conception is one of the earliest churches built in Goa. Located at the heart of Panaji, this majestic church is a prominent landmark of the city. 

Located at the heart of the Panaji city, the Mahalaxmi temple is a sacred shrine for Hindu devotees. The Mahalaxmi temple enshrines the deity of Mahalaxmi, the Goddess of wealth. Mahalaxmi is also regarded the presiding deity of the Panaji city. 

Excursions...........

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Panaji Excursions

Located 9 km to east of Panaji, Old Goa was the erstwhile capital of the Portuguese dominions in Goa (India). As the epicenter of Portuguese territory, Old Goa witnessed the profusion of magnificent churches and majestic buildings befitting the stature of the city. Old Goa has been declared a World heritage Site by UNESCO.

Located about 21 km from Panaji, the Mangueshi temple stands tall amidst the scores of Hindu temple that dot the Goan landscape. Lord Manguesh is an incarnation of Lord Shiva and the Shivalinga inside the fluorite designed sanctum is flanked by dwarpalas (guards). During the annual Jatra, the temple is illuminated brightly.

Calangute is the numero uno beach in Goa. Stretching over an expanse of seven kilometers, Calangute beach is known by the sobriquet the 'Queen of Beaches' for its pre-eminence among the scenic beaches that dot the Goan landscape. Due to its extreme popularity, Calangute beach beckons tourists and backpackers from all over the world.

Built in 1551, the Reis Magos fort is another manifestation of the Portuguese rulers' resolve to defend their territory against invaders from the neigbouring states of Goa. Originally built by Sultan Adil Shah, the Reis Magos fort was annexed by the Portuguese in 1760. The Reis Magos church, present at the base of the fort, adds to the charm of the village.

Candolim Beach is situated in the northern side of Goa. It is the perfect place for those who have come on a vacation to forget the tensions of their daily life and intend to spend their time relaxing and rejuvenating. Though it doesn't boast of too many facilities, the beach can surely be your answer to the serene surroundings that you are looking for. 

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is the smallest among the wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. The small area notwithstanding, the sanctuary teems with the winged visitors who come here searching for the ideal habitat............

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Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary


Named after renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, this bird sanctuary is the abode of a myriad of bird species, both local and migratory. Encompassing an area of 1.8 sq. km, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is the smallest among the wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. The small area notwithstanding, the sanctuary teems with the winged visitors who come here searching for the ideal habitat.

The island landscape abounds with thick mangrove vegetation found sporadically along the banks of River Mandovi. The mangrove ecosystem facilitates breeding grounds for several varieties of fish and insects that are natural preys for birds. A watch-tower inside the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary serves the cause of enthusiastic bird-watchers.

Flora
The flora of the sanctuary largely consists of mangrove shrubbery. 

Fauna
A veritable paradise for bird-watchers, the sanctuary plays host to exotic varieties of avian species. During the winter season, migratory birds flock to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in large numbers. Apart from birds, flying foxes, jackals and crocodiles are found in the sanctuary............

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Mangueshi Temple, Manguesh


Located about 21 km from Panaji, the Mangueshi temple stands tall amidst the scores of Hindu temple that dot the Goan landscape. One of the survivors of the destruction unleashed by the Portuguese, the Manguesh temple was originally located at Kushasthali (present day Cortalim). With the threat of persecution looming, the linga was transferred from the original temple to the present location at Priol, then a part of the dominions of Sultan Adil Shah. 

After the shifting of the deity in 1560, the Sri Mangueshi temple underwent many subsequent rounds of renovation during the reign of the Marathas and again in the year 1890. As part of the refurbishment of the temple in 1973, a golden kalash (holy vessel) was fitted atop the tall dome of the temple. 

The architecture of the Mangesh temple reflects an amalgamation of Hindu, Christian and Muslim styles of construction. Lord Manguesh is an incarnation of Lord Shiva and the Shivalinga inside the fluorite designed sanctum is flanked by dwarpalas (guards). During the annual Jatra held in January, the temple is illuminated brightly and the deity is taken out in a palanquin and paraded in huge chariots............

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Mahalaxmi temple, Panaji


Located at the heart of the Panaji city, the Mahalaxmi temple is a sacred shrine for Hindu devotees. The Mahalaxmi temple enshrines the deity of Mahalaxmi, the Goddess of wealth. Mahalaxmi is also regarded the presiding deity of the Panaji city.

The Mahalaxmi temple assumes significance for being the first Hindu temple to be built in Goa after the Portuguese invasion by Alfonse de Albuquerque. The temple was approved for construction in 1818, after the elapse of 300 years and inordinate delays by the Portuguese authorities. The original structure has undergone renovations many times, the latest being in 1983. 

The deity of the Mahalaxmi temple was originally enshrined at the village of Taleigao. It was secretly moved to Bicholim in the 16th century to escape Portuguese persecution. The Maruti Jatra festival held at the Shri Mahalaxmi Temple during January-February draws a large number of devotees............

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Church of Mary Immaculate Conception, Panaji


Established in 1541, the Church of Mary Immaculate Conception is one of the earliest churches built in Goa. Located at the heart of Panaji, this majestic church is a prominent landmark of the city. A silhouette of the Mary Immaculate Church illuminated with thousand of bulbs shimmering against an inky dark sky is one of the most enduring images of the Panaji city.

The great bell at the Church of Mary Immaculate Conception is acclaimed as the second largest bell in the world. Known as the Bell of the Inquisition, this bell was previously a part of the Church of Our Lady of Grace in Old Goa. It was shifted to the Mary Immaculate Church in 1841, after Panaji became the capital of Goa. The interiors of the church are elegant yet minimalist. 

The main altar dedicated to Mary Immaculate is flanked by two altars on either side. The left altar is dedicated to Jesus Crucified while the right one honors Our Lady of the Rosary. At the side of each altar is a marble statue, one of St Peter and one of St Paul. The Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, located to the south of the main altar, houses a glass-encased statue of him.

On 8th December every year, devotees flock to the church in large numbers to attend the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The feast is a celebration of the conception of Lord Jesus by Mother Mary............

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Goa State Museum, Panaji

Known as much for its impressive architecture as for the splendid collection of ancient artifacts and sculptures, the Goa State Museum has done much to preserve the heritage of the state. The humble origins of the museum can be traced to 1973 when the Archeology and Museum unit was set up in the Department of Archives in Goa

This unit was accorded the status of a full-fledged museum in 1977 and was subsequently shifted to the new museum complex at Pato which was inaugurated by the President of India on 18th June 1996. The State Museum of Goa houses an eclectic collection of over 8,000 items including stone sculptures, wooden objects, bronzes, paintings, manuscripts, numismatic collection, and anthropological objects. 

The museum has been divided into twelve galleries for facilitating the classification and display of the artifacts. While the Sculpture Gallery features stone sculptures and copper inscriptions, the Contemporary Art Gallery displays paintings and sculptures of eminent Goan and Indian artists. The Unique Freedom Struggle Gallery houses rare photographs that elaborate the freedom struggle of Goa............

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Candolim Beach, Panaji


Candolim Beach is situated in the northern side of Goa. It is the perfect place for those who have come on a vacation to forget the tensions of their daily life and intend to spend their time relaxing and rejuvenating. Though it doesn't boast of too many facilities, the beach can surely be your answer to the serene surroundings that you are looking for. The lip-smacking cuisine available at the food stalls lining the Candolim Beach of Goa will only serve to complete the delightful experience. 

All you need is a mat and a beach umbrella and you can spend the entire day sipping in the delights of nature. The surroundings are so calm and serene that you can even indulge in yoga and meditation. Even the rush is not too much, mainly because of the fact that there are no resorts around the beach. Candolim Beach is the first beach that can be approached from Panaji, the capital city of Goa. With youngsters, monks, artists, researchers, tourists and adventurers, the crowd of Candolim is quite varied.

However, all of them have the same purpose, to lose themselves in the tranquility of the place and forget all their frustrations. For those who love adventure, there are a number of options for water sports, like parasailing and water skiing. The scrub-covered dunes augment the magnificence of the, otherwise, plain and sandy Candolim Beach. While visiting the beach, do not forget to have a look at the famous Aguada Fort, built by the Portuguese in the year 1912, along with the church and the lighthouse............

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Institute Menezes Braganza, Panaji


Established in 1871, the Institute Menezes Braganza is a repository of valuable paintings and antiques dating back to the Portuguese rule. Originally called the Institute Vasco da Gama, this century-old institution was later renamed after Menezes Braganza, an eminent Goan freedom fighter. Over the years, the Institute Menezes Braganza has come to be known as an integral part of Goa's cultural landscape and a hub for the local intelligentsia. 

The Menezes Braganza museum boasts of a priceless collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures. Its enviable repertoire contains 250 original works in the form of oil paintings, prints, and sculptures of European and Portuguese masters of the 19th century, including father of modern art Cezanne, Henry Russo, Reonar, Groze, Pissaro and Mattis Broque, a contemporary of Picasso.

The Institute Menzes Braganza also houses over 50 collections of Indian masters like Laxman Pai, Prafull Dahanukar, M F Hussain, Souza, Raza, etc. The piece-de-resistance among the historical artifacts is the famous "Inquisition table," on which the council of the Inquisition's proceedings were conducted. The Central Library of the Institute, founded in 1832, is the oldest public library in India............

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Miramar Beach, Panaji


3 km from Panaji, the Miramar beach is a bustling tourist hub due to its close proximity to the town. Miramar in Portuguese translates to 'viewing the sea,' an apt sobriquet considering the azure waters of the mighty Arabian Sea that expand into the horizon. The beach was previously known as the Gaspar Dias beach. 

Spread over a stretch of 2 km, the Miramar beach teems with vacationers and locals all the time. Pulsating with activities, the Miramar beach is definitely not the ideal place for those looking for a tranquil beach vacation. Apart from tourists, the beach also serves the cause of the people of Panaji, quite a few of whom come here an evening stroll.

Panaji is just a fifteen-minute walk along the riverfront avenue called Dayanand Bandodker Marg, named after Goa's first chief minister. From the Miramar beach one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Aguada fort just across the Mandovi River. Due to its urban nature, accommodation is not a problem in the Miramar beach and a number of beach resorts and hotels are located in close vicinity............

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How to Reach Panaji

Air
The Dabolim Airport is located 29 km south of Panaji. Domestic flights operate between Dabolim and major cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Kochi, Delhi, Chennai and Thiruvananthpuram

Rail
The Panaji railway station is part of the Konkan Railway network. Trains run between Panaji and prominent cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and New Delhi. The Vasco Da Gama railway station is 30 km away from Panaji. 

Road
Buses of state transport corporations of Goa and the neighboring states ply from the Kadamba bus stand, Panaji's main bus terminal. Private operators also run bus services to different destinations of the state............

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More Pictures on Lal Qila


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