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Panaji
 Location
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Capital city of Goa, located on the west coast of India.
For most Panaji is simply a busy bus terminal, however it is worth spending a few hours exploring this most sedate of State Capitals. Situated on the southern banks of the Mandovi River, Panaji only became the capital of Goa in 1843 by when the harbour at Old Goa had silted up and disease had driven its inhabitants out.
The best way to explore the town is by foot, wandering around the old cobbled alleyways, colonial villas, red-roofed houses, taverns and cafes, much like any small Portuguese town.
There are some wonderful old government buildings; some dating to before colonisation, and some elegant churches. Most memorable is the Church of the Immaculate Conception, which was built in 1541; it is topped with a huge bell that sits between two delicate Baroque-style towers.
Major Tourist Attraction
 The Church
Square
The Church Square is the center of attraction, it forms the heart of Panaji. It has the church of The Lady of Immaculate Conception which is absolutely spell bounding and photogenic.
The Archaeological Museum
The museum has been maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and it has been functioning since 1964 in the abandoned convent of St. Francis of Assisi. The museum has a good collection of sculptures, paintings, old coins and other ancient items.
Miramar Beach
Its the nearest beach from Panaji. It is a marsh beach encircled by Palm trees. This beach also provides the enchanting view of the Aguada fort lying across the Mandovi river.
Arjuna Beach
This beach is famous for its Flea market held every Wednesday. It also provides a mesmerizing view of nearby Chapora fort and the Vagator. Anjuna Beach is the favorite of all kinds of tourists.
Biocholim
Biocholim is known for waterfalls and Mayem lake, which is a popular picnic spot. It has temples like Shri Datta Mandir, Vithal Mandir, Saptakoteshwar temple and Aravlem caves.
Other hot spots in Panaji are the Mahalaxmi temple, the Jama Masjid Mosque, the Menezes Braganza Institute, the Chapel of St. Sebastian, the Adilshah's Palace and many more such exciting places.
Getting There
Air : Indian Airlines is at Dempo Building, D Bandodkar Marg, on the river- front. Air India is next to the Hotel Fidalgo on 18th June Rd. Other airlines with offices in Panaji include Jet Airways, and NEPC Ltd.
Road :
Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka state road transport corporations (STRCs) all operate services out of Panaji`s Kadamba bus stand.
 Typical
Timings Are
Mumbai (17 hours), Bangalore (14 hours), Belgaum (five hours), Hospet (10 hours). If you miss the Hospet bus you can easily take a bus to Hubli (seven hours) and get onward transport from there. From Hubli to Hospet is another 4:30 hours. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) also has direct services to Bijapur, Badami and Shimoga.
Many private companies offer luxury, air-con and sleeper buses to Mumbai. There are also daily private buses to Bangalore,
Pune and Mangalore.
A couple of companies offer buses to Hampi, although these are only laid on when there`s sufficient demand. There are several private operators` offices just outside the gates of the bus stand.
For journeys within Goa, there are frequent buses to Vasco da Gama, Margao, Old Goa, Calangute and Mapusa.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not a big problem in Panaji other than the peak season, when tariffs are high and places are less.
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