Panaji

*Panjim Church; Heritage houses along the altinho slope, at Altinho, High COurt Complex & Lawyers Building at Altinho, Maruti Temple, , Customs Museum, Santa Monica Jetty Boat Rides, Old GMC Complex, INOX theatre, Salida Del Sol (one of its kind Hotel in India) on Bernard Gues Road, Kala Academy at Campal *Don't miss out on the old city. *Miramar Beach - A lovely golden beach of soft sand girdled with palm trees. The main beach outside of state-capital Panaji. The usual hangout for urbanites from Panaji and around, and also for 'desi' (domestic, Indian) tourists visiting the region. Try the fast-food of both Goan origin. ''D'Silva's'', serves delicious authentic Goan snacks opposite the children's park, just past the roundabout. The place is obscure and easy to miss out. For other Indian snacks, Chaat (Bhel Puri) and Mid-East shwarma-based food go a little ahead on the beachside stalls. Cafe Coffee Day is a hip hang out for the younger set. Nice playground for kids, including a giant fish made of cement. *Dona Paula A beach outside Panaji and beyond Miramar. This is where so many Bollywood (Hindi) films have been shot. No wonder it is hyped up among Hindi film audiences. Scenic. In fair weather, a boat service connects this point with Vasco da Gama.

• See the islands that are just across the river. It only takes a couple of minutes to cross on the car ferry, and on the other side there are unpopulated fields of high marsh grass, sweeping views and utter peacefulness. To access the islands go to Ribandar, on the road to Old Goa, and take the ferry at Ribandar going to Chorao. Or go further down, just past the Goa Institute of Management and take the other ferry. The ferry service is free to passengers, though cars, motorcycles and other vehicles pay a small fee. The islands can also be accessed from the Ferry crossing at Old Goa, behind the Church Complex, also a calm spot for a bit of fishing.
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• • • • Walk around the alleys of Panaji soaking in the beautiful Portuguese architecture.
• • • Catch up with plays, dramas and Musicals at the open air theatre at the Kala Academy in Campal.
• Visit the Central Library, the oldest public library in India, founded in 1832, and housing a vast collection of books, some printed almost half a century ago.
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Some great food can be found in this calm and breezy capital city. Goan chefs have for generations graced many a royal kitchen in Europe and have been practising their culinary skills on some of the grandest cruise ships in the world. If you like spicy food, then try the native Vindaloo curry with fish or chicken. It's hot!

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There are lots of places in Goa where one can find a bar and restaurant. There's one around every corner of every road. Visitors arriving in Goa during the very early hours, stand a better chance of getting a tipple than a cuppa.

Many small village bars also serve authentic Goan fare. Some of the best and freshest fish curry and rice and fried fish, squid, mussels, crabs etc. can be had here. You can be sure it is authentic Goan fare as few tourists visit these places. Most of these bars offer a quiet laid back atmosphere to sip your drink and contemplate, unless of course a Cricket match is on television.

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• Cashew nuts of various varieties, spiced, roasted and in a host of different flavours.
• The famed Goan Cashew Liquor, and port wines.
• Spicy Goa Sausages "Choricao", made of pickled dried pork.
• Goan Handicrafts shell and terracotta ware.
• Hotel Mandovi packs in a surprising amount of interesting reading material, specially books related to Goa, in its limited space.
• and also some good prices.
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There is a wide choice of hotels to stay in, in and around Panaji. The week between Christmas and New Year however tends to be very crowded, as in the rest of Goa.

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