Panaji

Fast Facts
Location : Goa
Attractions : Altinho Hill, Bishop's Palace (Altinho), Boca de Vaca Spring, Mahalaxmi Temple, Kala Academy, Idalcao Palace, Immaculate Conception Church, Fontainhas etc.
Best Time To Visit : November to February

Introducing Panaji
When Old Goa grew unhygenic and was struck with disease and death, the Portuguese decided to shift their capital to Panaji. They pulled down the imposing structures of Old Goa and carried the stones to Panaji, where they set up several impressive structure. That was how Panaji, situated on the left banks of Mandovi
river, became the capital of Goa in the year 1843.
Today, the Portuguese heritage of the city will present itself before you as you make your way through the remarkably well preserved narrow winding streets, old houses with overhanging balconies and numerous small cafes and bars. You will also get the Portuguese touch in dress and lifestyle of the local people
Other than exploring the Portuguese legacy, Panaji will also throw open for you numerous other options to enjoy yourself. It is the cultural capital of the state and as such provides you an opportunity to stir your soul
with performances of local artists. Also, since the city of Panaji is netted, as if in a spider's net, with the network of waterways, river cruises are quiet an activity to enjoy. At one point of time, Panaji was the fishermen's habitat and hence the fish market of the town provides a visual impact in itself. The colourful fishes caught by the fishermen are sold here.

How to Reach
By Air : Nearest airport is located at Dabolim, at a distance of 32 kms. Indian Airlines and private operators offer flights for the major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. From the airport you have to take the road journey to reach Panaji.
By Train : Vasco-da-Gama (35 kms) is the nearest major rail head. Trains for the important towns and cities of India are available from Vasco-da-Gama. To get to Vasco-da-Gama from Panaji you can either go via the Dona Paula ferry or the Agassaim-Cortalim ferry.
By Bus : There are several private companies which offer luxury, air-conditioned buses from Panaji to Mumbai. Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka State Transport Corporation operate buses for Panaji. Daily buses are available from Panaji to Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and Mangalore. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) also run buses from Panaji to Bijapur, Badami and Shimoga.

By Local Ferry : One of the joys of the travelling around Panaji are the ferries across the rivers. Ferries ply between Panjim and Betim, Ribander and Chorai Island from 7 am to 7 pm.

Tourist Attractions in Panaji
Altinho : Altinho (pronounced as Aal-teenyu) is a hill located at the centre of the Panji, soaring high from the river and sea fronts. Originally Altinho was a long ridge called Oiteiro de Conceicao (Hill of Conception) and today it looks like two hills separated by a road known as Corte de Oiteiro. In Altinho you can see the
bungalows of government ministers, bureaucrats, the Bishop's Palace and houses belonging to some of Goa's oldest families. The tree-lined heights and quiet winding lanes add more to the beauty of Altinho. You can get breathtaking views of the capital city Panaji and its waterfront from the Altinho hill.