The Best Places to Visit in Panaji
Panaji is a city breathing in art and culture and exploring it by foot or bike is the best way to go. Here are some of the best places to check out when you’re in the city:
Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church
Built in 1542, the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church is one of the most visited and photographed locations in all of Goa, and for good reason.
This chapel features the classic colonial Portuguese Baroque style and is located on a hill overlooking the city of Panaji.
The church is home to the ancient bell from the Augustinian ruins of the Church of Our Lady of Grace in the city of Old Goa.
Its elaborate main altar is dedicated to Mother Mary and there are two other altars featuring the Our Lady of the Rosary and Jesus’ Crucifixion.
Every 8th of December, the church is fully illuminated to celebrate the festival of the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.
Fontainhas and Sao Tome
This Latin Quarter is one of the best looking sites in Panaji with streets flanked by houses with intricate railings, ornate windows, red-tiled roofs and beautiful azulejos.
Its origins started when an Indian gentleman named Antonio Joao de Sequeira returned from Mozambique and leased this area to be converted into a coconut grove.
With its proximity to the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, people started building houses here and with the deadly plague in Old Goa, more residents moved here to live.
Maruti Temple
This large orange temple is one of the most beautiful structures in Panaji and is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god. Maruti temple was built on the Altinho hillside and offers beautiful views of the city’s old quarters from its veranda.
It also looks stunning when fully lit in the evening and every February, the temple is the center of a 10-day festival celebrating Hanuman. Here, you can see colorful statues of the monkey god and festive street stalls that are all part of the annual festival.
Panaji Holiday Packages
Panaji never fails to capture the hearts of those who explore it through holiday packages to the city. From its beautiful structures to its people, Panaji is definitely a must-visit if you’re planning to go on a vacation in India soon.
Let our team at La Vacanza help you with our diverse range of tour packages that covers everything you need for a perfect vacation to the city.
Get in touch with us to learn more about our services and how we can help you plan your trip.