Goa’s capital, Panaji is found on the banks of River Mandovi and is taken into account to be one among the country’s most relaxed cities. Formerly referred to as Panjim, the town boasts lovely cafes and restaurants, colonial-era buildings, gorgeous churches and a shocking riverside promenade. The narrow by-lanes of the Left Bank are a must-visit to urge a taste of the city’s Portuguese heritage. Among Panaji’s hottest sites are Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, Adil Shah’s Palace, which is Goa’s oldest surviving building, Mahalaxmi Temple, Chapel of St Sebastian and Maruti Temple.

The Goa State Museum is additionally worth a visit as is that the Goa State Central Library.

Legend has it that the name ‘Panaji’ originates from the corrupted version of ‘Ponjy’, which suggests the land that never floods. Panjim was once alittle village with creeks, coconut trees and vast fields and therefore the inhabitants were mostly fishermen. It remained so for hundreds of years with the Fort of Adil Shah along River Mandovi being the sole recognisable structure. it had been in 1632 that a 3.2 km causeway was constructed by the then viceroy, Count de Linhares, Dom Miguel de Noronha, which linked Panjim with Ribandar Village, 50 km from the town . Back then, it had been the longest existing bridge. It exists till today and is understood as Pointe de Linhares.