Places to Visit
Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
Attraction type: Architectural Buildings
Address: Church Square, Panaji, India – 1.3 km from city center
Kala Academy
Located on DB Bandodkar Road, next to the children’s park in Campal, the Kala Academy has an auditorium named after Dinanath Mangeshkar, a renowned musician and father of Lata Mangeshkar. It has open air theatre, mini-theatres, a recording studio, and a music library. Recently, it has become popular as the venue of the International Film Festival of India. If you happen to be in Panaji in February, do not miss out on the Pop, Beat and Jazz Music Festival held here.
Miramar Beach
On the way to Dona Paula, 1-km ahead of the confluence of the Arabian Sea and Mandvi River, under the palm shade, is “Gasper Dias” or Miramar Beach and is just 3-km away from the capital city of Panjim.
In Portuguese language ‘Miramar’ stand for viewing the sea. Situated on a good location for evening walks, the coast is spread upto 2-km, having a fine silvery sand bed. From here one has an excellent view of the Aguada fort just across the Mandovi River.
Dona Paula
At the place where two of Goa’s famous rivers meet the Arabian Sea is the secluded bay of Dona Paula with a fine view of the Marmagao Harbour. 7-km from Panjim, nestled on the south side of the rocky, hammer-shaped headland that divides the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries, this former fishing village is nowadays a commercialized resort. This is an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe. Water scootering facilities are also available over here.
The official residence of the Governor of Goa, Known as Cabo Raj Bhavan is situated on the westernmost tip of Dona Paula. Along the road leading to this place lies the ruins of the small military cemetery the British built at their brief occupation of the Cabo, to deter the French from invading Goa.
