Panaji (Panjim)

With its yellow houses with purple doors, Panaji is a pleasant and friendly city. The centre is on one side of the hill, the other side holds the Portuguese neighbourhood of Fontainhas. The 16^th century white Church of our Lady of Immaculate Conception lays on one of the Altinho Hill hilltops and rises above the city like a giant wedding cake. To the Portuguese the cathedral indicated that they had reached their first stop before going on to Old Goa. Besides the traditional collection of Hindu sculptures, the Goa State Museum has an excellent collection of wooden Christian sculptures that were once brought in by the Portuguese. The museum also has an impressive collection of historical objects, paintings and other artworks. Every November Panaji hosts the International Film Festival of India. Although there aren’t many other must-sees, it’s wonderful to wander through the peaceful streets lined with cosy eateries and local bars.

Address Church of our Lady of Immaculate Conception: Panaji, Goa 403001

Address Goa State Museum: EDC Complex, Panaji, Patto, Goa