10 Popular Places To Visit in Panjim, Goa

Unlike any other state capital city, Panjim is not as congested with people and buzzing market places. This city has an awe-inspiring backdrop that includes small hillocks, slow-paced Mandovi River and unstirred nature. Panjim is blessed with various gifts of Mother Nature and therefore the city itself looks amazing during any time of the year. Read on to know about the most popular places to visit in Panjim, Goa.

Best Places To Visit in Panjim, Goa

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Dotted with ancient churches, giant forts and colonial architecture, Panjim has too many things to explore as a traveller. The city also takes good care of your appetite with its local delicacies. Panjim is definitely one of the major tourist destinations in Goa and here is the list of few major tourist attractions from this city.

Here is a list of the most popular places to visit in Panjim, Goa

Religious Places To Visit in Panjim

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Goa was once an important Portuguese colony in India and it maintained this prized status quo for many centuries. So, it is no wonder this place is the land of several ancient and equally beautiful churches. Among these churches, The Basilica of Bom Jesus is undoubtedly the most prominent one.

Located at the heart of Old Goa, this church is the oldest Roman Catholic Church which has been recently declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 1604 built church is an epitome of the Baroque and Portuguese colonial architecture. It takes about 10 km to travel from Panjim to reach the church.

Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary

Located on a hilly slope while overlooking the city of Panjim, Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is one of the most remarkable landmarks in Goa. The church is just 1.6 kilometres away from Panjim Bus Stand.

Built-in the year 1541, this church is popular for its excellent Baroque style architecture that soothes both your eyes and sense. The church offers prayers in multiple languages including Konkani, English and Portuguese. The visiting time at the church held from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm on weekdays and from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm and 03:00 pm to 05:30 pm on Sundays.

Se Cathedral

When you are in Goa, it is impossible to miss its mesmerizing architectural beauty particularly when you think of the churches. Se Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in Southern part of Goa and it is only 9.2 kilometres far from Panjim Bus Stand.

This church is considered as the only living specimen of Portuguese-Manueline architectural style and interior of the church showcases gorgeous Corinthian designs. With a typical Tuscan exterior, Se Cathedral is the largest one in the country and this 1619 AD made structure houses the largest bell in Goa, fondly known as the “Golden Bell”.

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St. Cajetan Church

Located at a distance of just 10 km from Panjim Bus Stand, stands another iconic church of Goa, the St. Cajetan Church. It is standing tall just opposite of the Se Cathedral. This church is nothing less but a true visual retreat.

This beautiful church got its structural inspiration from the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome and it is the only surviving dome-styled church in the country. Extremely beautifully done exterior and interior of this church is surely enviable. Six Baroque styled alters with intricate design flaunts remarkable Italian interior ideas of that time.

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Shri Mahalaxmi Temple

In spite of being the unbeatable Party Capital of the country, there is no dearth of holy shrines in Goa. Shri Mahalaxmi Temple is one of those holy places that holds a very high spiritual significance to mass.

Sitting amidst the lush greenery of the Bandora village, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi who is the consort of Lord Vishnu. The original temple used to be in the Kolambe village near the Colva Beach but when Portuguese destroyed the main structure, the temple was moved to its present location.

This temple is a brilliant example of Konkani architectural style. The façade features ornated arch and sculptures to welcome every visitor. It is one of the most popular religious places to visit in Panjim.

Popular Places to Visit in Panjim for History Lovers

Reis Magos Fort

Nestled on the banks of Mandovi River and overlooking the city, Reis Magos Fort is another classic example of ancient Goan fort. This majestic structure lies about 7 kilometres away from the Panjim Bus Stand and 15 km from Mapusa.

The fort was built under the supervision of Portuguese Viceroy Alfonso de Noronha in the year 1551 but it was restricted again in 1707 to have a better view of the city in order to protect it from Marathas.

The Reis Magos Fort was made from laterite and it has its access through a narrow strip of staircases on the slope. This fort flaunts excessively high sloping walls, long passages, underground rooms and cylindrical turrets.

St. Augustine Towers

The St. Augustin Towers or remain of the Church of St. Augustine is prominent tourist attractions in Panaji. This famous UNESCO World Heritage Site is visited by locals as well as tourists in numbers every day. Built by the Augustinian order in 1602, what you see now is actually the ruins of one of the church complex towers which is still standing high up with a height of 46 metres.

These remains still speak of the historical significance and importance that it cherished once. Located on the Monte Santo at Velha Goa, the church remains open from Monday to Friday from 6:30 am to 12:45 pm and from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm for the public. It is one of the best places to visit in Panjim for history lovers.

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Corjuem Fort

Although Panjim treats you a variety of stunning tourist attractions, but that doesn’t make Corjuem Fort less popular among locals and travellers. This mall fort lies at a distance of 22 kilometres from Panjim Bus Stand and can be reached within half an hour from there.

Corjuem Fort or Khorjuem Fort was constructed in 1551. This square-shaped fort displays thick and wide walls with countless gun ports and murder holes. This laterite stone made fort is shrouded with lush greenery and offer breathtaking views of the nearby islands and villages.

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Other Tourist Places To Visit in Panjim

Odxel Beach

Now when you are at a tropical beach destination like Goa, it is impossible to miss its gorgeous beaches. The Odxel Beach is a small stretch of soft sands with loads of serenity and laidback vibe.

This beach is about 11 kilometres from the Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand but this quiet and pleasant beach is enough to take you from the clamours of buzzing cities.

Odxel Beach features a rocky terrain which means swimming is not a very favourite thing to do here. With a Portuguese Catholic Chapel at the shore, this beach is a small paradise to spend the day in leisure.

Casino Royale Goa

Goa is known for its vibrant nightlife and gambling adds more sparkles to it. Renowned for international games, classiest multi-cuisine restaurants and loads of entertaining events with live music performances showcasing international dancers, Deltin Royale is the largest and most luxurious casino in the country.

Managed by Deltin Groups, Casino Royale assures an authentic as well as extravagant casino experience for every guest. Floating on water, this up-scale casino is built to redefine luxurious gaming experience. Open 24 hours every day, Deltin Royale is indeed a gamer’s paradise on Earth. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Panjim if you want to experience something different.

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