Dona Paula is a secluded bay only 7 km from Panaji with a magnificent view of the Mormugao harbour. Dona Paula is nestled on the south side of the rocky, hammer-shaped headland that divides the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries. It is an ideal spot to relax and sunbathe. The Dona Paula monument is located on a small islet, linked to the mainland by a small bridge and a quay.
International tourists like to stay near Goa’s beaches. It becomes easy for them to enjoy one of the many beach activities that are possible here. Banana boating is quite popular among tourists with kids. Adventure sports, such as wind surfing and scuba diving can also be experienced here. Other options include jet skiing, water skiing, parasailing, and dolphin cruises and day trips to Bat island.
Miramar beach is the closest beach to Panjim. It lies 3kms from the city and about 1km ahead of the convergence of the Arabian Sea and the Mandovi River. There is a statue at the roundabout at the entrance to the beach depicting the Hindu and Christian unity. The beach has fine silvery sand, which makes it ideal for taking long walks and soaking up the sun.
The present church of Our lady of Immaculate Conception dates to 1619, although there had been a church on this site around 1540. The huge bell that now hangs in the cental belfry was brought from the ruins of the St. Augustine Church, Old Goa. It previously had hung in the tower of St. Augustine Church. This is the second largest church bell in Goa. the largest being the Golden bell in Se Cathedral in Old Goa.
Fontainhas is the heritage quarter of the capital city of Panaji, lying along the banks of the ancient Ourem creek. This old district or Latin Quarter has a completely different atmosphere from the hustle and bustle of the main city, with its Mediterranean appearance, narrow streets and overhanging balconies of the ancient Portuguese style houses. The entire area is laid out at the base of a hillside known as Altinho, and the natural springs on the hillside, gave the name Fontainhas to the area.
Gambling is legal in Goa, so it is not unusual to see a number of casinos scattered across major hotels. Some are even found on boats. It may excite you to go for a casino cruise. Alternatively, you can try your luck at places like Casino Royale, Casino Carnival and Casino Caravela.
Tourists can now charter a boat and spend time cruising the river line which has on it's bank several villages, Old Goa heritage monuments and islands. Also experience the dynamic city of Panaji both by water and by land on this 6-hour, private evening tour. First, enjoy a scenic cruise on the Mandovi River while watching cultural performances. Then, tour Panaji by private vehicle and by foot.
Shopping in Panaji provides a delightful experience to the tourists coming to the city. Panaji is, in fact, a shopper's paradise. It is one of the most popular shopping destinations in India, where one can buy a wide range of things including handicrafts and artifacts. 18th June Road , located in the heart of the city is the major shopping destination for the tourist folks. Also Caculo Mall is the most visited shopping destination my tourists.
Caranzalem Park is just 5km from Panjim. World famous tourist spot Dona Paula is just one km. from Caranzalem. Park by the seaside with swings, a nice recreational space for children and the elderly alike.
Goa Science Centre has been developed as a place of edu-tainment in Science & Technology. Main objective of the centre is to bring the excitement of science to the common public. It provides a perfect environment for exploring science through hands-on, sci-fi exhibits. Most of the exhibits in Science Centre are participatory and self-explanatory. Visitors can operate, handle or manipulate the exhibits themselves and see exciting effects or things happening in front of their eyes.
Established by the Government of Goa in 2004, as the nodal agency in the organization of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Successfully hosting the 35th, 36th ,37th, 38th, 39th, 40th, 41st and 42nd, 43rd and 44th International Film Festival of India to a glare of media and fanfare, the objective of the Entertainment Society of Goa is to work towards building global visibility and branding.
A visit to old Goa is never complete without seeing its beautiful churches and chapels. The churches are mostly built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The churches are mostly built of laterite stone, however basalt was used for pilasters and columns for decorative purposes.
The temples in Goa are like most Hindu temples in India. Each of the temples in Goa is based around a deity which is the centre of worship. However, the architecture of the temples in Goa is a little different because of historical reasons.The basic design of all Hindu temples is organized around the central shrine or the 'Garbagriha' (the 'sanctum sanctorum') that houses the main deity.
Tropical spice plantation is located in Keri(Ponda), a village untouched by pollution, 6 km off Ponda. Tropical spice Plantation can also be reached from Panjim via Mardol. Tropical Spice Plantation is spread over large tract of verdant land, which offers the perfect setting for you to soak in a pure unadulterated nature.
This is the most famous lake in Goa and also one of the most popular tourist destinations on the itinerary of all the conducted sight-seeing tours. The lake is located in Bicholim taluka in north Goa, east of the market town of Mapusa.The lake itself sits on wooded shores in a landscape of low hills. Birdlife is plentiful here, with a variety of birds making their home on the shores of the lake.