Tourist places in and around Panaji
Mayem Lake
Head east from Mapusa to Mayem Lake in Bicholim, which is on every tour-maker's itinerary for the rides in pedal-boats. Mayem is a beautiful lake bordered by low hills, set in an unsullied, sleepy countryside with even more beautiful bird life inhabiting its shores. Drive across to Kumbharwada, or potter's village, in Mayem to buy Bicholim's trademark pottery at dirt cheap prices. The really good deals here are on the perfect plant pots, tulsi plant holders, Ganesh murtis, tableware and everything that could possibly be represented with a little clay and water, or terracotta. Stop by at Corjuem Fort on your return. Even more interesting than the ruins is the setting, where the Mapusa River mixes with the Mandovi backwaters.Secretariat Building (Idalcao Palace)
It occupies the site of the castle built by Yusuf Adil shah of Bijapur in 1510 and is the oldest building in this part of Goa. The Portuguese rebuilt the castle in 1615, to defend the mouth of the river Mandovi. The fort became the official residence of the viceroy in 1759, which was shifted to Cabo Raj Bhawan in 1918. In 1843, the Secretariat was shifted here and now it houses the Passport office.Statue of Abbe Faria
The bronze statue of Abbe Faria, located next to the secretariat is an important landmark of Goa. It portrays Faria, regarded as the ‘Father of Hypnotism' in an act of memerising a woman patient.Church of the Lady of Immaculate Conception
This imposing church at the main square in the heart of the town was originally built in 1540 and was rebuilt from the foundation in 1619. It is modelled on the church of Reis Magos and has tall twin towers in Portuguese Baroque style.Municipal Gardens
The well laid out garden at the city centre has an Ashoka pillar at by suleiman shet and Aba shet, about 200 years ago and was recently renovated.Jama Masjid
The domeless mosque lies just south of Municiapl Gardens. It was built by Suleiman shet and Aba Shet, about 200 years ago and was recently renovated.Azad Maidan
It is the venue for flower shows and also has a small pavilion where modern India sculptures are displayed.Menezes Braganza Institute & Central Library
It is located to the north-west corner of Azd Maidan and was established in 1871, as a scientific and literary institution. The institute also has a small art gallery, which displays some rare prints and paintings. The Central Library at the lower floor of the building was set up in 1832 and is the oldest public library in India.State Archaeology Museum
It was initially located at St. Iniz and has now been shifted at Patto Plaza. The museum has about 8000 exhibits, which includes sculptures, wooden articles, bronzes, paintings, manuscripts, numismatic collection etc.Sculpture Gallery
It has Hindu carvings and bronzes dating back to 4th century. Other places of interest at Panaji are - Astronomical observatory, Christian Art Gallery, Mahalakshmi Temple, Fontainhas, Chapel of St Sebastian etc.River Cruises
The river cruises run by the goa Toueism (GTDC) on the Mandovi river are a must for every visitor. There are different kinds of cruises - daytime, sunset and moonlight. The two types of day cruises ply from the Panaji jetty, down the Mandovi into the zuari bay and up the Mandovi to Aldona and a mineral water spring. Some private operators also offer a variety of cruises or boat tours for sunset views as well as for crocodile or dolphin spotting. GTDC operates three launches - santa monica, Radhika and Malvika. The Santa monica, a luxury launch built on twin hull is the pride of GTDC. It is used for daily evening cruises with ‘live' cultural programmes performed by the best cultural troupes of Goa. For further information, enquire at the Panaji jetty ticket counter.Around Panaji
Aguada Fort (18 km)
It was built by the Portuguese in 1609-1612, to guard the entry into river Mandovi. Today, it houses the central Jail. A lighthouse is located nearby.Dona Paula (9 km)
It is set on the scenic headland between the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries and is named aqfter Dona Paula de Menezes, whose tombstone can be seen at the chaped in Cabo. The site is associated with various myths of Dona Paula and has earned the epitaph of ‘Lover's Paradise'. The delightful Dauna paula Bay, where Goa's two most famous rivers Zuari and Mandovi meet the Arabian Sea, is an important toruist attraction. One can enjoy picturesque view of the Zuari estuary and Mormugao harbour.Ferry service is available between dona Paula Jetty and Mormugao, except during the monsoons. Water-scooter and boat rides here are very popular among the tourists. Near the ferry jetty on a small outcrop of rock is the beautiful sculpture of a couple (man and woman) named ‘Image of India', made by Baroness Yrsa von Listener. On the westernmost tip of the peninsula is Cabo Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of Goa. The famous Institute of Ocean graphy is located nearby.