Ingo Mehling · File:Panaji - Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception - 1.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) · cropped and resized · https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panaji_-_Church_of_Our_Lady_of_the_Immaculate_Conception_-_1.jpg
Panaji
Goa's compact capital at the mouth of the Mandovi — a white church on a stair-fronted square, the Fontainhas lanes, and a base for Old Goa.
Panaji
Panaji, also called Panjim, is Goa's capital, at the mouth of the Mandovi river. Incredible India describes it as reminiscent of a provincial Mediterranean town, and its old town is a good base if you want Goa's history rather than only its beaches.
Explore Panaji on the map
City locations, drawn from our published destination data. Attractions, hotels and restaurants are not mapped yet.
What Panaji is for
A compact city best seen on foot, with beaches and Old Goa within reach.
In the old town
- Church Square. The white Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and its zigzag stairs are the first sight of the town.
- Fontainhas. Goa Tourism lists this heritage quarter beside the Ourem creek, laid out in the late 18th century, with narrow lanes and painted houses in the Portuguese style, many now hotels, restaurants and galleries.
- The Mandovi waterfront. The river is part of the city's character and a pleasant place to end a day.
Nearby
- Miramar beach, about 3 km west of the centre.
- Old Goa, the former capital, is within easy reach and is known for its churches and convents; it features on heritage tours that start from Panaji.
How long to give it
The old town
Church Square, then the Fontainhas lanes, then the waterfront.
Old Goa or the coast
A heritage visit to Old Goa, or an afternoon at Miramar beach.
The beaches
North Goa and South Goa are both easy to reach from the capital.
Arriving & getting around
Goa has two airports, so check which one your flight uses.
Getting there
- Dabolim Airport, a civil enclave of a naval airbase, is about 30 km from Panaji, per Goa Tourism. Manohar International Airport at Mopa in North Goa opened on 5 January 2023, so check which airport your flight uses.
- Panaji is one of Goa's three major bus stops, with Madgaon and Vasco da Gama. Check the nearest railway station for your route.
Planning your stay
Panaji is easy to plan, but the airport choice is worth a check.
Dabolim is about 30 km from Panaji. Mopa is in North Goa; check which airport your flight uses and the transfer time to your hotel.
Both are compact, so one morning or evening is enough for the highlights.
How to be a good guest
Panaji keeps the character of Goa's Portuguese period.
Etiquette
- Dress modestly and follow the rules posted at churches, which are active places of worship.
- Ask before photographing people in the Fontainhas lanes, which are residential.
Insider tips
- Walk the old town. Church Square and Fontainhas are close together.
- Check your airport before booking transfers.
- Combine with Old Goa for the fullest picture of the capital's history.
Nearby
Goa's beach coasts.
Related to Panaji
Journeys that include Panaji — each one visits the city as part of its itinerary.
Common questions
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