Though Goan towns are smaller than
a lot of other Indian towns, they are important cultural,
business and tourist centers that provide the Goan population
with civic amenities, and modern conveniences and infrastructure.
They provide most of the population with some sort
of employment and the people of Goa are dependent on
them for their livelihood either directly or indirectly.
Some of the major towns in the state of Goa are:
Panaji
Panaji is the official capital of Goa. It was called
Panjim during the times of the Portuguese and was one
of the three principal Portuguese cities along with
Velha Goa (Old Goa) and Margao. Though it began as a
suburb of Velha Goa it ended up becoming the capital
of Goa in 1843 when the Portuguese Old Goa. It is also
one of India's smallest and most charming state capitals.
Panaji has carefully managed to preserve its Portuguese
heritage and parts of this quaint town still consist
of narrow winding streets, old houses with over hanging
balconies and red-tiled roofs, and many small bars and
cafe's. Signs written in Portuguese still hang over
shops, cafes and administrative buildings. The people
of Panaji are friendly with an easygoing attitude.
Attractions
The Idalcao Palace was once the castle of the Adil
Shahis of Bijapur. It served as the Viceregal Palace
until 1759 after the Portuguese rebuilt it in 1615.
In 1843 it housed the secretariat and now it is the
Passport office.
Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is Panaji's main
church, which was built in 1541 and enlarged in 1619.
it is modeled after the church at Reis Magos, and the
second largest bell in Goa that was salvaged from the
ruins of the Augustian Monastery in Velha Goa is now
placed here.
The main attraction of the Braganza Institute is a
blue tiled frieze depicting the Portuguese colonization
of India.
The Jama Masjid located in Panaji is one of the few
mosques in coastal Goa. It was built after the Inquisition.
The Chapel of St Sebastian is a relatively new structure
that was built in the 1880's. It has the crucifix that
was originally in the Palace of Inquisition in Velha
Goa.
A Hindu temple, the Mahalaxmi Temple stands as a reminder
of the Hindu population and its dominance in Goa.
The carnival held in the month of February lasts 3
days and is begun on Sabado Gordo (Fat Saturday) when
colorful floats parade and celebrate on the streets
of Panaji.
The nearest beach form Panaji is at Miramar, about
3 Km along the road to Dona Paula.
The most charming attractions of Panaji are still its
narrow winding streets, small cafes and bars, and occasional
old stone buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th
centuries.
Location and climate
Panaji is located on the South Bank of Mandovi Estuary.
It enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year, with
the temperatures falling to 21.3 C in the winters and
rising to up to 32.7 C in the summers. The best season
for tourists to visit is between September and June.
Flights
The nearest International Airport is the Madras International
Airport.
Hotels
There are several comfortable hotels in Panaji. For
those who want to stay for a longer time, there are
a number of houses that can be hired on rent.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus has been
declared a World Heritage Site. It contains the remains
of St Francis Xavier, Goa's patron saint who founded
the Jesuit order. Francis Xavier was a missionary whose
body is claimed to be miraculously preserved even till
now, without the use of any chemicals. The body’s
right hand was removed and taken by the Jesuits in Japan,
part of his right arm sent to Rome in 1615 where it
is idolized in the 'Gesu.' It is kept in a silver casket
with 3 locks, the keys being with the Governor, the
Archbishop and the Convent Administrator. An exposition
of the body is conducted every 10 years, since 1859,
the next one being in January 2005. Millions of pilgrims
come to view the miracle of the saint’s body.
The Se Cathedral, dedicated to St
Catherine, is the largest church in Goa. Its construction
began in 1562 under the reign of King Dom Sebastiao
though it was finally completed by 1652. The church
is built in the Portuguese Gothic Style with a Tuscan
exterior and Corinthian interior. It has twin towers
though one was struck by lightning. The remaining tower
contains 5 bells including the Golden Bell, one of the
largest in Goa.
The Church of the St Francis of Assisi
was built by eight Franciscan Friars in 1517. It has
carved woodwork, murals with scenes from the life of
St Francis and the floor is made mostly of gravestones
that date from the 16th century. The convent behind
this church is now an archaeological museum with portraits
of Portuguese viceroys, and sculptures from Hindu temples,
amongst other things, on display.
The Viceroy's Arch was built at the
end of the 16th century to commemorate the centennial
of Vasco da Gama's discovery of the sea route to India.
His grandson, Francisco da Gama was Viceroy then and
after each new Viceroy took charge, the monument was
decorated. There is a figure of a lady with a sword
in one hand and a book in the other standing over a
figure with his head on a bent arm. This arch was rebuilt
in 1954.
|
