Goa abbreviation decoding. What is Goa and where is the state located. Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

Panaji is the most colorful and interesting city in Goa, and its dissimilarity to India is visible to the naked eye. Take one day out of your vacation for a leisurely walk through this amazing and very non-Indian city. Today, Panaji is the capital of the state of Goa, in this city you can see the Portuguese past at every turn, you should definitely visit the Fontaines area, walk along the narrow street of Sao Tome and explore Altino Hill.

After walking around the narrow Portuguese streets lined with colorful houses and snow-white churches, browse the branded shops on 18th June Rd or try your luck at one of the floating casinos on the Mandovi River (dress code must be followed). If shopping and gambling aren't your thing, then visit the Hindu temples (Shree Mahalaxmi Temple and Maruti Temple) on Altino Hill, or have a cup of coffee at the famous Café Al Fresco in the shady courtyard of an old Portuguese estate.

History of Panaji

Back in the 15th century, it was planned to build a fortress at the mouth of the Mandovi River, the author of this idea was the Arab ruler of Bijapur, Yusuf Adil Shah. However, there are no obvious traces of the fortress. Yusuf Adil Shah was not the first who wanted to settle in this place, in the historical annals there are references to the presence of a settlement here, documents date back to 1100 AD.

The capital, the city of Panaji, became only in 1843, when a terrible plague epidemic in Old Goa finally decided the fate of Panaji and all the powers of the capital passed to him.

But in the history of Panaji there were several more dates when the city became the capital. After the departure of the Portuguese (in 1961), Goa was included in India, and Panaji became the capital of the union territories of Daman and Diu. And only in 1987 Panaji becomes the capital of the state of Goa. Today, Panaji is the administrative, cultural and scientific center of the state, with all the necessary infrastructure and major transport hubs: the seaport in Vasco da Gama, Dabolim International Airport in Vasco da Gama and several railway stations.

The population of Panaji is 100,000 people, a small part of which are descendants of the Portuguese conquerors.

Districts of Panaji

There are several areas in Panaji that every traveler simply must visit. To be precise, the whole city can and should be walked around in half a day, then you will determine exactly which areas of the city you like best.

Kampal area

The Kampal district is located in the western part of the city, there is one of the city parks, the main cultural center (Kala Academy), a modern INOX cinema and a market.

Fontaines District (FONTAINHAS)

The Fontaines area in Panaji is considered the most beautiful and looks more like Portugal than India. On the narrow streets of the old district of Fontaines, you can find colorful houses, there are all the colors of the rainbow, except for white. It was customary to paint churches white, so the locals still adhere to this tradition and decorate their houses in bright colors.

The Fontaines area was founded by immigrants from Portugal and to this day the descendants of those people live in quiet, green streets in insanely colorful houses. There are several stories about the origin of the name of the area, one of which says that the area was named because of the abundance of fountains (“fountain quarter”), the main one was called “Phoenix”, where the locals took fresh water.

Fontaines is partly located on the Altino hill, it is especially green there and there are several attractions that will be of interest to you (Hindu temple, Café Al Fresco, etc.) for inspection.

Altino Hill (Altinho)

Altino Hill is part of the famous Fontaines area, the area here is especially attractive for hiking. The Hindu temple Maruti Temple was built on a hill, and if you go west, you should definitely look into Café Al Fresco, which is located in the cultural center of Sunaparanta.

Climbing to the top of the hill you can see the panorama of Panaji. It is believed that it was on this hill that Pope John Paul II stopped during his visit to Goa. On Altino Hill are the mansions of government ministers, the bishop's house and the houses of the oldest families of the city. The serpentine road wraps picturesquely around the hill in several tiers.

Sao Tome Street Area

The Sao Tome street area fully conveys the atmosphere of the Portuguese era. The quiet street of Sao Tome of colorful houses with tiled roofs was named after the church of the same name.

Panaji attractions on the map

Panaji attractions

There is something for everyone in Panaji, from strolling through the picturesque Portuguese-style streets to going to the casinos that abound in the city. Panaji has its own beaches and small shady parks with standard Indian infrastructure, but the main attraction of the city is the huge white church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It is in this place that any taxi driver will bring you if you say that you want to see the city.

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

In the very center of Panaji there is a snow-white church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the building is more like a wedding cake, just as magnificent and pompous. However, initially there was a small chapel on this site, which eventually acquired a snow-white facade (in 1619), and a little later (in 1871) the famous multi-span staircase. The church is active, so you have every chance to look at the interior.

Next to the church is a small and very cozy garden, named after the 17th century Portuguese doctor Garcia de Orta. The locals are very fond of this garden and during the afternoon siesta you can see how they sleep right on the benches.

There are a lot of parks and gardens in Panaji, but in order to distinguish this particular park, look for a column with a capital of the ancient Indian ruler Ashoka in it. Once there was a statue of Admiral Vasco De Gama, but they decided to change it.

The Secretariat Building is the oldest building in Panaji. The building was built in the 16th century, originally the building served as the palace of Shah Adil, and since 1759 it has been the residence of the Goan governors-general. In order not to remind anything of the previous owner, the Europeans partially rebuilt this Islamic building and it turned into a colonial building with wooden verandas and a tiled roof, but the square shape speaks of its history.

Opposite the secretariat building is a monument to Abbot Faria, who was a famous hypnotist. A native of Candolim, in his youth, he emigrated to France, where he taught for a long time at the University of Marseille and ended his days in the Chateau d'If (exactly like the famous hero Dumas).

The Vasco da Gama Institute was opened in 1871. The grandiose building occupies an entire block and is an excellent example of Portuguese architecture of the 19th century. Subsequently, on behalf of Vasco da Gama, they refused and began to name the institute in honor of the wrestling hero Menezes Braganza.

Azad Maidan Square is located next to the Menez Braganza Institute. In the center of the square there is a pavilion with a memorial to the independence fighter Dr. Tristao de Bragança Cunha.

If you want to have fun and get rid of unnecessary cash, then feel free to go to one of the casino ships that stand on the roadstead of the Mandovi River. Entrance to the casino is paid and it is required to comply with the dress code of the casino. The entry price to the Casino Prade is from 1500 rupees.

Goa- a state in India with a total length of more than 3.7 thousand square meters. km. Geographically located in the north of the country, directly adjacent to the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The western part of the state is washed by the Arabian Sea, which flows directly into the Indian Ocean. The length of the coastline of the region is about 100 km.

The conquest of Goa as a colony took place in the first half of the 16th century. Europeans first landed in the state in 1510. This was done by A. D'Albuquerque. During this period, the state becomes the center (capital) of the Portuguese colonizers. Here are the main governing bodies of the controlled territories, which stretched from Africa (Mombasa) to China (Macau).

In the 16th century, a new religion, Catholicism, was actively promoted. Residents of the state are being persecuted for mixed marriages. Since the conquest of the state, the kings of Western Europe have seen the region as the first step towards the conquest of the coastal regions of India. Portuguese power dominated the state until the 19th century. In the first half of the 19th century, the region came under British control. In the middle of the 20th century, the state was occupied by Indian troops. The state acquires sovereignty in 1973.

Population

It is one of the least populated states in the country. The specific annual population growth does not exceed 15%. At the moment, the state is inhabited by about 1.33 million people. The majority of the population lives in cities.

Religion

The role of the center of colonial activity left its mark on the dominant beliefs. The following beliefs appeared in the state at different times:

• Sikhism. It was founded in the 11th century. The main provisions are reduced to the existence of a single god. The founder of the religion was Nanak, who had a negative attitude towards the caste system prevailing in the country.
• Hinduism. The main religion of the state until the 15th century, i.e. before colonization. The sacred books of this faith - the Vedas - are considered as the main source of Indian philosophy. Religion provides for the possibility of reincarnation of a person in various forms, each of which is determined by individual karma.
• Christianity. During the period of colonization, the Portuguese spread Catholicism throughout the region. Local Catholics recognize the authority of the Pope, and the state as a whole is secular.
• Buddhism. As a religion, it was spread during the period of domination of Sikhism and Hinduism. The territory of the spread of belief is Tibet and the inhabitants of the coastal part of the state.

Now more than 60% of all residents profess Hinduism. Adherents of Catholicism are 25% of the population, the rest of the people profess other confessions (Buddhism - 5%, Jainism - 3%).

Climate

The region has 3 pronounced seasons - winter, summer, rainy season. The local climate is mild, tropical. It allows the development of tourism all year round. The best time to travel to Goa is from November to February. During this period, the average air temperature does not exceed +30 degrees. In summer, the air heats up to +45 and more, which creates problems for tourists from the European part of Eurasia.

June and July in the state is characterized by the dominance of the monsoon wind. This is the cause of tropical rains. They cool the air up to +20 degrees. From August to September - the velvet period, when the cost of living in hotels is minimal, and the average air temperature is + 28.

Attractions

The attractiveness of the state is due to the mild climate, the possibility of visiting the resort all year round, as well as the sights that have been preserved during the change of colonial power. Tourist trips are organized in:

Portuguese forts

In the region, these are Aguada and Alorna. The peculiarity of these buildings is that they were built in the 15th century, almost 80% of them have survived, on their territory there is the largest Christian cathedral of St. Helena, which is currently operating. It is a center of pilgrimage for representatives of the Christian denomination.

State capital

This is the city of Panaji. Architecture allows us to conclude about the dominance of various peoples in the state. The Portuguese quarter has been preserved - low-lying chapels, relief balconies protruding onto the roadway, the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Here, the historic district of Fonteyhans is a vivid example of the culture of Great Britain during the state protectorate, as well as the chapel of St. Sebastian, one of the main strongholds of Catholicism.

Mapusa city

Tourists visit it to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Indian culture. The Friday market is concentrated here - the main place of trade, through which more than 1 million people pass every day. Acrobats, musicians, snake charmers, circus actors, sword swallowers - all the colorful cultural life is concentrated in Mapusa.

In the 15th century - the center of control of the territories controlled by the Portuguese. Now it is a village where the architecture of the medieval period has been preserved, and Baroque cathedrals are also functioning.

National parks

There are more than 6 of them on the territory of the state. Natural areas and unique architectural monuments are concentrated here. The most visited place is the Dudhsagar waterfall, whose height exceeds 600 m.

Resorts

The state is divided into South and North resorts. In terms of tourism, the difference between them lies in the type of holiday - students and young people prefer the north. Discos, bars, recreation areas, as well as all the conditions for a noisy company are concentrated here. The southern part of the state - hotels and spas. Travel agencies motivate the choice of a hotel in this region for lovers of a relaxing holiday. The price of hotels is higher here, but the infrastructure and entertainment area is similar to the Northern part of the state.

The main resorts are:

More than 70% of all tourists are Russians. The abundance of restaurants with Russian cuisine, the dominance of the Russian language, the abundance of souvenir shops with the appropriate symbols are the main features of the resort.

A place of unity between man and nature. There are practically no achievements of civilization on the territory of the city: the houses are mostly clay, the infrastructure is transportation by horses and draft animals, the main food is seafood and vegetables.

Resort in the southern part of the state. It is characterized by an abundance of 4-5 star hotels, excellent service and ample opportunities for entertainment on the water: diving, boat trips, ferries, yachts. Hotels with a high level of service are concentrated on 10 km of sandy beaches.

The territory with tourist infrastructure extends for 35 km. The abundance of palm trees, fruit trees, restaurants with local cuisine - all this allows you to plunge into the cultural life of the region.

Kitchen

Traditional dishes are dominated by 3 main ingredients - spices, coconut oil (also used in cosmetology), seafood. The Portuguese colonizers had a key influence on the formation of the cuisine.

Vegetarian udiliya, Indian Mughlai and Punjabi cuisine are served at the restaurants. On the coast, restaurants offer Spanish, German, French cuisine. Menu of local residents for every day - fig. It is cooked with basmati spices, curry sauce, grated coconut grains.

The long coastline leads to the presence of numerous rivers, streams, ponds - the main source of fish. Shrimps, sharks, sardines, oysters are mined in the Indian Ocean. They are in various forms, but with the obligatory addition of an abundance of spices, served on the table of local residents and tourists.

Leafy vegetables or "tambdi bhaji" are cooked with onion, coconut, green chili. A popular vegetable dish - "fugate" - consists of dry ground spices and long string beans. Breadfruit is used as a side dish for meat. They are cooked in coconut milk.

Currency

The state currency of the state and the country as a whole is the rupee. The exchange rate of the local currency against the dollar is 1 rupee = 0.2 USD; to the ruble - 1 rupee - 0.9 p. The exchange is made in banks, as well as on the territory of hotels. The dollar, pounds, Russian rubles are accepted for calculation. There is no need to exchange USD for local currency, because. You can pay directly in dollars in bars, restaurants. Travel vouchers are also sold at the rate of the US dollar.

Language and major holidays

Since the second half of the 20th century, the Konkani dialect has been the official language of the state. With the help of this font, correspondence is signed, as well as interaction at the level of statesmen. Over 60% of the population uses Konkani for communication. Other language groups are represented in the state of Marathi (25% of the total population), as well as Kannada (about 4%) and Hindi (2%). These languages ​​are used by immigrants and not by the native population of the state.

In the spring, the main holiday in the state is the Shigmotsav festival. This is an analogue of the Russian Maslenitsa. All residents of the state take part in the celebration. During this period, colorful parades, impromptu sword and ax fights, themed fairs and vibrant dance shows are common.

In May, "Igitun Chalne" or walking on fire is celebrated. Feast in honor of the goddess Lairaya. Locals walk on the coals at a temple near the village of Shirigao. This event attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world.

Some holidays are associated with craft activities in the state. June is Saint Anthony's Day. On the 13th, a statue of this saint is lowered into the well, if there was no rain before June.

Medicine

Local medicine is developed on the territory of the state. Ayurveda is a key direction in the development of the pharmaceutical industry. Cosmetics, drugs for the treatment of hepatitis C, generics, patents for the production of drugs under international licenses - all this is concentrated in India and Goa.

Vaccinations are not required to visit the state. A medical policy is issued for the entire period of rest. It has an international form and allows you to provide a full range of services, regardless of the location in the state.

The country is a collection of states, each of which is characterized by an individual culture. The dominant religion is Judaism. There are no bans on visiting public places - bars, cafes, restaurants - in swimsuits or revealing clothes, but the interests of local residents and their ideas about the culture of behavior should be taken into account.

Water should only be consumed bottled. There are hygiene problems in the state. Washing clothes in local rivers and reservoirs is commonplace. Most of the population speaks English and Russian. There should be no problems with transfer and trade. In a cafe, payment is possible, both using the local currency, and in dollars, pounds, rubles. When swimming in the ocean, one should take into account the changeable nature of climatic conditions. On the beaches, rescue teams are on duty, which signal the need to get out of the water if the weather deteriorates. Waves can reach several meters in height, which is life-threatening.

Helpful information

The Russian representative office in the state is located at Alcon Chambers, 2nd Floor, D.B. Marg, Panaji, Goa - 403 001. There is a single police call number - 100. An ambulance can be contacted at 102. However, this applies to exceptional cases. The main interaction with representatives of emergency services is carried out through the hotel or consulate.

Favorable conditions for air tickets

Panaji (Panaji), or Panjim (Panjim), as its inhabitants prefer to call their hometown, is a colorful mix of cultures and faiths. This third largest city in the state of Goa is its capital.

The first mention of Panaji dates back to 1107. In the 15th century, the Arab ruler of Bijapur, Yusuf Adil Shah, chose a strategically important area at the mouth of the Mandovi River for the construction of a fortified palace-fortress.

History has conveyed to the descendants the name of the ruler - Viceroy Manuel of Portugal, under whom the customs port of Panaji turned into the capital city of Nova Goa.

Panaji became the capital of Goa territory three times. The first time this happened in 1843, when the port of Old Goa finally ceased to be a port (it was covered with silt) and all metropolitan powers were transferred to Nova Goa. Then in 1961, after the end of the dictate of the Portuguese metropolis and inclusion in India, as the capital of the union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu. And, finally, since 1987 the city has become the capital of the Indian state of Goa.

In terms of population (100 thousand people in the city and suburbs), Panaji is only the third city of the state, and in terms of beauty, one of the most unique and beautiful capitals of the Indian states. During the years of independence, the city, which has retained its European layout, acquired a peculiar oriental shade of its appearance.

This is the administrative, cultural and scientific center of the state, with large transport hubs located near it: a seaport, Dabolim airport, and a railway station in Margao.

Description of Panaji

The first impression of Panaji is a typical Portuguese town, which wonderfully combines narrow medieval streets, bell towers of Catholic cathedrals and wide avenues with the cozy comfort of small cafes on cobbled squares. Under the red tiled roofs of one of the oldest quarters of Fontaines, the descendants of the first Portuguese settlers still live compactly.

"Where is India?" you ask and you will be absolutely right. India, due to centuries of colonial expansion, is not enough left, but, nevertheless, it was possible to preserve this part of the historical heritage of Panaji.

The name of the city itself has Sanskrit roots and, according to one version, consists of the words "panjani" - a boat and "khali" - a stream. According to other versions, the name of the city is translated as "non-flooded land" or "land without floods." The local flavor is conveyed by such names as Chudamani Island - “wonderful jewel”, Kumbarjua channel, Wainguinim beach, Mahalakshmi sanctuary. And, of course, the whole history of Panaji - Indian, Arabic and Portuguese - is carefully stored in the Goa State Museum.

Despite its small size, the city has a lot to see. In addition, the unique nature and picturesque reserves, wonderful nearby beaches and architectural monuments will interest almost all categories of tourists.

Nature of the city and surroundings

The relief of the area where the city is located is mostly flat, sometimes turning into hilly. Lush exotic vegetation grows in abundance both in the city itself and in its environs. In the immediate vicinity of Panaji there are magnificent natural reserves with rich local flora and fauna. And, of course, the beaches adjacent to the city are especially popular.

The most attractive places to visit are:

• Chorao Island, in ancient times called Chudamani, on the southwestern coast of which is the youngest Goan bird sanctuary, named after the Indian ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali. A huge number of migratory and exotic birds live in unique mangroves and in flood waters, silt jumpers and crocodiles inhabit the swamps.
• The Kumbardzhua Canal connecting the Mandovi and Zuari riverbeds. The waters of the channel slowly flowing between the mangrove jungle provide an excellent habitat for freshwater crocodiles.

The beaches of the city, in addition to clean sand and constantly developing infrastructure, often have their own special history and legends associated with them.

• Wainguinim Beach, or Kurlavangni, was mastered by the Jesuits in the 16th century. A chapel was built here in the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, around which fruit orchards and flower plantations grew. The seashore was adorned with lush exotic vegetation brought by missionaries from different parts of the world, the surroundings were inhabited by numerous species of animals and birds. The ban on the activities of the order led to the decline of missionary buildings and plantings. The next round of development of the Wainguinima territory was reached in the 80s, after the construction of the fashionable Cidade de Goa hotel.
• Miramar beach, the most popular of the recreation areas in Goa. Silvery sand and magnificent views of the expanse of water and the fortifications of the fortress of Aguada help to understand the meaning of the Portuguese word Miramar, in literal translation - the contemplation of the sea.
• Name legend Dona Paula beach has many options, while all of them are of a love-tragic nature. According to one version, the beautiful lady-in-waiting Dona Paula de Menezes was drowned by the wife of the governor-general, not forgiving her connection with her husband. According to another version, the same Dona Paula, in the status of the daughter of the Governor-General, threw herself into the sea, as her father did not allow her to marry an obscure local fisherman. Either way, the unsettled spirit loves to cause trouble for swimmers and divers.

Sights of Panaji

The history of the city is rich in events and very diverse; it is almost full of sights for every taste and wealth.

Church Square and City Garden

The Church Square and the City Garden are famous, respectively, for the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary (16th-17th centuries) and the garden named after the 17th century Portuguese physician Garcia da Horta. The history of the temple began with a modest chapel in honor of the Virgin Mary, the temple acquired a snow-white baroque facade in 1619, and a bell tower with a multi-span staircase appeared in 1871. The center of the square is decorated with a column with a capital of the ancient Indian ruler Ashoka, a symbol of Indian statehood, which replaced the statue of Admiral Vasco (Vashka) da Gama.

Goa State Museum

The State Museum of Goa is famous for its rich exposition, which includes: evidence of rock art of Kajur and Usgalimal, works of Hindu sculpture of the 4th-7th centuries (statues of deities), cult objects of Hindu and Jain sanctuaries, memorial stones of devli or sati (in memory of the self-immolation of devoted wives) , as well as later traces of colonial culture - a table of Goan inquisitors, smuggled coins.

Hidalgo Palace

Hidalgo Palace, originally the residence of the Sultan of Bijapur, Yusuf Adil Shah, was rebuilt by the colonialists in the early 17th century. A typical example of Muslim architecture, without thinking twice, was turned into a Europeanized building with a tiled roof. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the former Sultan's Palace served as the official residence of the Viceroy of the Portuguese colony. Not far from the building is another attraction of the city - a monument to Abbot Faria. Born in 1756, the priest took part in the French Revolution, was a student of Mesmer and coined the term "mesmerization". His classic work, The Case of Conscious Sleep, gave reason to consider him the prototype of the Abbé Faria in Dumas' famous essay on the Count of Monte Cristo.

A typical example of 19th-century Portuguese civil architecture is the Menezes Braganza Institute (formerly the Vasco da Gama Institute) with the Central Library of Goa located in it.

Casino on ships

Goa is the only state in India where gambling is legal and most of the casinos are located on ships. This happened in view of the fact that initially the federal law prohibited gambling activities on Indian soil, but some cunning people circumvented this law by opening a casino “on the water”.

Other equally interesting places in Panaji

A pavilion in Azad Maidan Square with a statue of Dr. Tristao de Braganza Cunha, a fighter for the independence of the state.

The neoclassical Portuguese district of Fontaines with the chapel of Saint Sebastian with an incredibly realistic crucifixion of the Savior.

The complex of buildings on Altinho Hill begins with the Hindu temple of Mahalakshmi, the deity of good luck and the main object of worship for the inhabitants of the capital. The marble deity was hidden from the persecution of Christian missionaries for a long time, and only at the beginning of the 19th century was it placed in a new sanctuary. Further, Pe Angelo Avenue leads to the residence of the Prime Minister of the State, located next to the Archbishop's Palace. If you continue climbing, you can get to another Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Maruti.

The districts of Sao Tome, Kampal, the Jami Maschid Mosque, and the house of Mamai Kamat are no less interesting for inspection.

In the vicinity of Panaji, the most interesting and attractive places to visit are Cape Kabu with the Franciscan monastery, turned into a fortress, and later into the summer palace of the Portuguese rulers. Now it is the official residence of the governor of the state - Raj Bhavan.

The village of Goa Velha also attracts attention with beautiful churches in its vicinity.

Climate and weather

The most comfortable period of stay in the resort of Panaji is from October to March. At this time, dry and warm weather (+ 22-28 ° C) is established here, and the sea is cleared from the effects of the monsoon season. The monsoon period falls on July-September and is characterized by high humidity combined with equally high air temperatures. Staying in Goa during this period is exacerbated by heavy rainfall and hurricane winds.

Where to stay

By Indian standards, prices in Panaji hotels are quite high. Especially the upward trend is manifested in the high season - from December to February. It is worth noting that the budget housing option in the city clearly leaves much to be desired. Inexpensive economical accommodations can be found on 31st January Road.

The most romantic of the economy options are the so-called huts - palm-leaf huts with a bed and a fan. The price for them can vary from 5 to 40 dollars.

Good hotels are considered 3-star Ginger Goa, 4 star Country Inn and 5 star Goa Marriot Resort And Vivanta by Taj Panaji. The cost of rooms in the latter usually starts from $150.

Entertainment and recreation

The best entertainment in the high season, of course, are the beaches with a fairly developed infrastructure and the sea itself. The most popular are Miramar, Dona Paula and Bambolim. Active guests can go rafting in the Dandeli Nature Reserve.

Cultural lovers will enjoy a lot of pleasure from visiting the sights of the city and its environs, as well as the Goa Science Center and modern Cinema INOX.

Every year in February, Panaji holds a festive procession of the Carnival of celebrations. At this time, you can enjoy the view of the magnificently decorated streets and take part in folk festivals. The beautiful and exciting five-day March Shigmo festivals in Goa are a kind of Hindu Shrovetide. Picturesque parades symbolize farewell to winter. And the most interesting event is the Festival of Colors, or, which actually represents the prevention of spring acute respiratory infections and, as such, involves showering each other with colored powders of various medicinal plants.

In conclusion

Despite the fact that Panaji is considered a calm and safe city, it is better to adhere to the “God saves the safe” rule and be vigilant about cash and personal belongings.

The same applies to medical care. Here the motto should be as follows: "I carry (carry) everything with me." From the same opera - mandatory repellents, antihistamines and mosquito nets.

You should not experiment too much with food, it is better to stick to the usual cuisine and occasionally allow yourself to eat local delicacies.

And more - bargain! Everywhere and always! India is the East. The East is a bazaar and bargaining is very appropriate here.

On the shores of the Arabian Sea, at the mouth of the Mandovi River, is the picturesque capital of Goa - Panaji. A city with a long history, once the former administrative center of Portuguese India. Panaji cannot be compared with populous cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore. This is a cozy town with small narrow streets and houses preserved from ancient times, a modern port, churches, temples and numerous architectural monuments, each of which is unique and has its own history. The capital of Panaji is rich in interesting places.

Attractions

The city has been surprisingly combining diametrically opposed cultural traditions and eras for many centuries. In this unusual place, it surprisingly intertwined with the heritage of a more modern Portugal.

Residents of European countries who visit Panaji for the first time immediately feel the special atmosphere that prevails in the city. Narrow streets made of stone, Catholic churches and cozy cafeterias with tables on the terrace are more reminiscent of the picturesque corners of Europe than the country of the far East. That is why the capital of Goa, Panaji, is almost a second home for Europeans.

Spiritual legacy

There are many amazing places to visit in the city. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Holy Virgin Mary is one of the main attractions. This beautiful building with several baroque towers and a belfry was built in 1541.

The Maruti Temple, dedicated to Hanuman, the devotee of Lord Ramachandra, is located in a picturesque place, on a hilltop, offering amazing views of Panaji and its surrounding areas.

In a small chapel built in the 80s of the 19th century, first of all, you should look at the unique crucifix, which used to be in the Palace of the Inquisition of old Goa. Jesus Christ, crucified on the cross, has his eyes wide open, although according to all the canons, it is strictly forbidden to depict Him like that. Perhaps this spectacle was supposed to inspire horror in the hearts of sinners, who faced imminent punishment.

Another unique place in Panaji deserves special attention - Mahalakshmi Temple. This shrine, erected in 1818, was the first in India that the Portuguese allowed to be erected in Goa in the entire three-hundred-year history of colonization. Today, the abode of the owner of all visible and invisible riches is considered the main Panaji. A huge number of pilgrims visit the temple every day, pray and present various gifts to her.

Unique monuments

An architectural monument - the statue of Abbot Faria - is no less famous landmark of the city. Faria is one of the founders of such an amazing phenomenon as hypnosis. This monument, according to local residents, personifies a trance session.

Not only such unusual creations can be seen in Goa. Panaji is an ancient territory where many historical monuments have been preserved. You can see them while wandering through the colorful streets of ancient districts with many unique architectural buildings in a special original style. Arriving in Panaji, you should definitely look into the Goa Museum, which presents numerous exhibits in 15 thematic exhibitions that tell about the difficult life and history of the state.

City outskirts

The surroundings of Panaji are also interesting. You should definitely go to the Dudhsagar waterfall, which is considered the second highest in India. A distinctive feature of this reservoir is that its waters are not traditionally blue, but transparent white. That is why it is also called the "Ocean of Milk". On the way to the waterfall, you can look into the reserve with many exotic animals living freely in their usual habitat.

Panaji Beach (Goa)

One of the most popular holiday destinations is North Goa. Reviews of tourists - a worthy confirmation of this. Travelers from all countries visit this corner of India every year for various purposes. After all, there are not only interesting architectural structures and temples. Among the main attractions of Panaji are the most picturesque beaches, the pearl and pride of the city. The special beauty and landscapes fascinate vacationers.

On the beaches of Panaji there are many cozy bars, cafes and restaurants. Unique species of mammals live in the sea waters of the city. Diving enthusiasts will enjoy their time here. The underwater magical world of North Goa (Panaji) will impress avid travelers.

The coastlines of Dona Paula and Miramar are some of the most beautiful beaches located on the southern outskirts of the city. The magnificent nature of this region has repeatedly attracted the film crews of local film studios. The beaches here are with white sand and crystal clear water, they are comfortably equipped for a good rest of tourists. On the coasts of Panaji, however, as well as in the city itself, a huge number of Hollywood films, Indian TV series and clips were filmed.

What is Goa? Why do avid tourists associate this place with unsurpassed natural beauty and an unforgettable vacation? Today we will learn about what is so special about Goa and why it attracts such a large number of travelers.

State Information

Goa state in India

Goa is the smallest state in India with 28 of them. . But, despite its relatively modest area of ​​3,702 km², 100 km from south to north, and a width of only 65 km, this state is one of the most popular. There is incredible tropical nature, endless golden beaches with velvety sand and endless ocean.

1. In the east and south, Goa borders on Karnataka, and in the north - on the state of Maharashtra. The western part is washed by the Arabian Sea of ​​the Indian Ocean. In the east, Goa smoothly passes into the Sahyadri mountain range (Western Ghats).
2. The capital of Goa is located 30 km from. However, although Panaji is the capital, the largest in the state is the city of Vasco da Gama.
3. The territory of this state is riddled with large and small rivers. The largest rivers are Zuari, Mandovi, Chapora. Lakes and spice plantations, impressive in their area, are also located here.

Getting to Goa, tourists notice that the influence of European culture is felt here. This is reflected in architecture, food, some traditions and much more. And this is quite understandable. The fact is that From the 16th to the 20th century, Goa was a colony of Portugal. It is believed that in this state there are much more educated people, and also the standard of living is much higher than in other Indian states that have not experienced the centuries-old influence of European culture.

The influence of Portugal also contributed to the formation of multilingualism in the state. Although most of the natives speak the Konkani language, which has common roots with Marathi, Gujarati and Hindi, a part of the population is also fluent in Portuguese. English is also not alien here. And all thanks to the hippies who settled here in the 60s of the last century.

Today Goa is a world famous resort that attracts thousands of tourists. It is best to come and fly here in November-February. December and January are generally considered the most favorable tourist seasons, so it is better to take care of your accommodation in advance and book a hotel room or some other “decent” accommodation on time.

By the way, some are interested in how GOA stands for? The explanation is very simple: Goa is not an abbreviation, but the usual name of the state, so the decoding simply does not exist.

South and North Goa

This state is subdivided into two districts: South Goa and North Goa. They are so similar, yet so different. First of all, according to the degree of attractiveness for tourists.

South Goa is a vacation spot for rich Indians and middle-class Europeans, since the cost of various services is an order of magnitude higher than in North Goa. There are a lot of 4 and 5 star hotels, luxurious restaurants, salons and other places for elite recreation. In South Goa, beaches with incredibly white sand and a clean coast. Lots of lush greenery of palm trees and other tropical plants. A calm atmosphere reigns here, tourists indulge in a measured rest.

In North Goa, the picture is somewhat different. There are much fewer hotels in these places, and in most cases those are not higher than the level of 2 and 3 "stars". The population density here is much higher. Although the beaches are not with such white sand, and the water is not very clear, this, however, is smoothed out by the cheapness of accommodation, services and various types of entertainment. In North Goa, there are much more tourists from around the world with little material wealth, a lot of young people and just those who love an inexpensive vacation in tropical latitudes. It was in these places that a rather popular direction in music, like "Goa-trance", was born. If you like this musical style or, conversely, you just want to learn about it, come here. Incendiary trance parties on local beaches are held with enviable constancy.

It does not matter where you go - to South or North Goa. Everywhere there are stunningly beautiful landscapes, friendly people and plenty of entertainment.

How to get to Goa

Since Goa is a state in India, you will need to visit it, so worry about it in advance.

The most convenient and fastest way to get to Goa is to fly directly to Dabolim airport.. By the way, the article "" and "" describes the possibilities of saving on flights to India. There are direct flights from some major cities, but most often tourists have to travel with a transfer, for example, through cities such as Doha (Qatar), Abu Dhabi (UAE), etc.

But if you like longer trips, you can come to Goa by train from or. For the most desperate adventurers, there is another option - to come by car. However, this path will be very long.

What to ride

Upon arrival in Goa, the question arises: what, in fact, to move around the state. We hasten to answer: a variety of modes of transport are used here.

1. Buses are perhaps one of the cheapest modes of transport in the state.. Its big plus is that I will charge you a strictly fixed price for a trip. Buses do not have numbers, so you need to focus only on the names written on the plates.
2. Taxi is a common mode of transport among tourists.. If you use the services of private taxi drivers, then you need to be prepared for the fact that the price for the trip will be somewhat overstated.
3. Bicycle and auto rickshaws are also a popular form of transport in Goa, attracting tourists with their low price.. There are both certified and unofficial ones. It is necessary to stipulate all the nuances before the start of the trip, so as not to overpay.
4. Bicycle, motorcycle or scooter rental- profitable and convenient transport for independent movement around Goa.
5. Car rental with or without a driver. This option is more suitable for those who come for a long period, as it is more profitable to rent a car for at least a month. But, it is worth considering that it is not very convenient to travel around the cities by car. Many streets are quite narrow, and traffic jams sometimes form on the roads, making it not so easy to drive.
6. Trains. With the help of trains, you can move both around the state and travel outside it. For example, trains from other states arrive at the Madgaon railway station in Margao. The fare depends on the distance and class of the car (and, accordingly, comfort). If the budget is limited, you can ride at a very low price in class 2S, SL, CC and EC cars.
7. Boats and ferries. Among tourists, this type of transport is most often used for river and sea trips. For example, local companies may offer to explore distant beaches, do some fishing or watch dolphins.

As you can see, in Goa the transport structure is quite diverse. Choose what you like and can afford.

Must-see attractions in Goa

There is where to go and what to see, despite the rather modest size of the state:

1. Fortifications :

• The fortress of Aguada with the already inactive lighthouse, located on the outskirts of Candolim beach. The fort was erected at the beginning of the 12th century by the colonialists to protect the territory from the intervention of the British and Germans.
• Fort Korjum, located near the settlement of Aldona. Built in 1705 by the Portuguese.
• Chapora Fort, built in 1612. It has been in ruins since the end of the 19th century, but still, it offers stunning views of the ocean.

1. Old Goa is the city most visited by tourists . Here you can see amazing architecture from the 16th century, created by the Portuguese. Here are some of the memorable places in Old Goa:

• Cathedral of St. Catherine, which houses the "Golden Bell", the font of Francis Xavier (the patron saint of Goa), the chapel of the Miraculous Cross.
• Archaeological Museum.
• Church of Saint Cajetan.
• Museum of Christian Art.

1. reserves :

• Bhagwan Mahavir is the largest nature reserve in Goa. It covers an area of ​​240 km² and is located on the slopes of the Western Ghats.
• "Kotigao" (area - 86 km²).
• Bandla (8 km²)
• "Mhadey Wildlife" - residence.
• Salima Ali Bird Sanctuary on Chorao Island, near Panaji.

There are much more attractions in Goa than we have listed.. It is worth seeing not only architectural works, but also natural beauties. Indian waterfalls are very beautiful, for example, the Dudhsagar waterfall will amaze you with its grandeur. Back in Goa, there is an incredible number of plantations on which various are grown, so there is an opportunity to see with your own eyes growing coriander, turmeric, mustard, chili, cinnamon, etc.

Things to do in Goa

Of course, one of the entertainments in Goa is inspection, some of which we have described above. There are enough cafes, restaurants and other establishments here, so we won’t even dwell on it. We indicate some leisure activities that may be of interest to travelers:

1. . The Arabian Sea is rich in underwater flora and fauna. A variety of fish, corals, colorful algae, sunken ancient ships and much more ... Of course, in the absence of relevant experience, diving under the water is under the guidance of an instructor. Other types of active water recreation are also available - kiting, windsurfing, parasailing, etc.
2. where you can improve your health, cleanse the body and fully relax.
3. Numerous excursions to various historical or simply beautiful places in Goa.
4. Shopping. There are many places where you can buy inexpensively, which will remind you of a trip to this amazing Indian state for a long time.
5. Savoy Spice Plantation. In addition to all kinds of fragrant spices, exotic fruits grow here. Amazing spectacle!

And, of course, for many tourists, one of the great pastimes in Goa is visiting the beaches . There are a whole lot of them here. Perhaps Goa itself is a big beach. To bask on the warm sand, to splash in waters of the Indian Ocean, sip cool cocktails in the shade of palm trees… Many come here for this very reason.

In Goa, everyone will find something special for themselves. If there is any doubt as to whether it is worth going here, then the answer is unequivocal: definitely worth it.