one of the main freedom fighters of the
Conspiracy of the Pintos at
Panjim, Goa The heart of the city is the
Praça da Igreja (Church Square) where the Jardim Garcia de Orta (
municipal garden) with the Portuguese
Baroque Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Imaculada Conceição, originally built in 1541. Other tourist attractions include the old and rebuilt Adilshahi Palace (or
Idalção Palace), dating from the sixteenth century, the
Institute Menezes Braganza, the Chapel of St. Sebastian and the
Fontainhas area—which is considered to be the old Latin Quarter—as well as the nearby beach of Miramar. Panaji hosted the relics of Saint
John Bosco (also known as Don Bosco) until 21 August 2011 at the Don Bosco Oratory. One of the capital city's most discerning assets is the Mahalaxmi Temple. Located on the Dada Vaidya road (Rua de Saudade during the Portuguese times), the Mahalaxmi deity is the chief object of veneration for all Panjimites, irrespective of caste, class, sex or creed. The
carnival celebrations in February include a colourful parade on the streets. This is followed by the
Shigmo / Xigmo, or
Holi. The Narkāsūr parade on the night before Diwali in the city is very colourful. Well-known places in Panaji are the
18th June Road (a busy thoroughfare in the heart of the town and a shopping area for tourists and locals), Mala area,
Miramar beach and the
Kala Academy (a cultural centre known for its structure built by architect
Charles Correa). Kala Academy is a place where
Goa showcases its art and culture.
Palace of Adil Shah (Secretariat Building) Situated on the banks of
Mandovi River in the heart of Panaji is ‘Old Secretariat’ building popularly known as ‘Adil Shah's Palace’. It was built by
Yusuf Adil Shah of the
Bijapur Sultanate in around 1500, as a summer residence and fortress. The building was armed with 55 cannons and surrounded by a moat. The Palace was besieged by Portuguese admiral Afonso de Albuquerque in 1510 and in the mid-1500s the Portuguese conquerors renamed it as ‘Idalcao's Palace’ and was the temporary residence of the first ‘Viceroy of Goa’. In 1963 this ancient structure was renovated by Goa government to house
Goa Legislative Assembly. This structure today is 'The
Goa State Museum'.
Other attractions Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a bird
sanctuary named after the ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali. The sanctuary, located in the village of Chorão, near Panaji, plays host to rare and endangered bird species—both migratory and resident.
Goa is famous for its beaches, and Miramar,
Bambolim, and Dona Paula are three popular beaches located near Panaji. Dona Paula is the meeting point for two of Goa's famous rivers, Zuari and Mandovi. These two rivers meet at the Arabian Sea. The official residence of the governor of Goa, known as Cabo Raj Bhavan, is situated on the westernmost tip of Dona Paula. Miramar Beach is one of the more crowded beaches in Goa, which remains full with local and international tourists throughout the year. Also located near Panaji, is the
Goa Science Centre which was opened to the public in December 2001. The Caculo Mall is also located in
St. Inez near Panaji. Also Madhuban Complex, at St. Inez is very popular among Panjimites. Panaji is widely acknowledged as being both the Casino capital and Gin capital of India. == Education ==