Goa's capital lies on the southern left bank of the Mandovi river that skirts the town and makes for a beautiful setting. Panjim is among India's most scenic and quaint state capitals, though some unaesthetic construction has been allowed in the area in recent years. Filled with tiled roofs, tree-lined avenues and bridges, this is a small yet fascinating city where everyone seems to know everyone else.
Now called Panaji, a label which sits hard on the English-speaking tongue, in colonial times (pre-1961) it was spelt as Pangim.
It was also called Nova Goa (New Goa) for a short period under Portuguese rule. The most widely-used term for it is still the Konkani variation Ponn'je.

Old Secretariat
This building served as the official residence of the viceroys from 1759 to 1918. After this it was used for government offices and housed the State Assembly till recently. This double-sloreyed graceful edifice with a brown tiled roof has a commanding view of the riverside. The debate is still on as to what it should be deployed for, now that a new Secretariat has been built. Old Secretariat, Panjim

18th June Road
For tourists, streets like the 18th June Road (named after an anti-colonial protest launched by socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia in 1946) have become an important shopping thoroughfare. For a range of cashew nuts in varied flavours and spices check Kajuwala along 18th June Road. This is a great street for books and CDs of Goa's very popular Konkani music. 18th June Road, Panjim

Altinho
Enjoy a panoramic view from atop the Altinho (meaning tall in Portuguese) hilltop locality, once the home of the elite of Goa. It still is an upmarket area, though you'll find a mix of government quarters jostling with the radio station, the Chief Minister's residence and the Archbishop's Palace. Altinho

Old Latin Quarter: Fontainhas
No visitor should miss the old Latin Quarter of Fontainhas, a heritage area tucked behind Pato Bridge. Spend an afternoon taking a leisurely walk through this quarter, soaking in its old-world Mediterranean charm.
Start at the lanes near the 300-year-old, neatly restored Panjim Inn. Alongside it is an innovative product of local skills, transplanted atop the colonial legacy - Velha Goa Galeria. This place offers an eclectic collection of hand-painted tiles, including the traditional blue-coloured azulejos, and other artistic work in ceramics. Peek into the Panjim Inn for a glimpse of a well-restored heritage hotel. Just across the road is the Fundacao Oriente, a Portuguese-funded foundation that once earned' its philanthropic booty from the gambling incomes of Macau. Alongside is the Gallery Gitanjali, an arts centre (212, 31st January Road, Fontainhas; Check out other interesting places in the area, including fashion designer Wendell Roderick's outlet and Sosa's along the Rua de Ourem waterfront. Fontainhas, Panjim

Sao Tome
Near Fontainhas is another old quarter of town, Sao Tome. Low-rise houses and narrow lanes create a charming setting in this residential-office mix settlement. This was once Goa's 'Fleet Street', with newspapers and presses operating out of here. The English-language daily Herald is still published from here. By its side is the Rua de Ourem creek, and on a bright morning it makes for lovely photographs (especially when seen from the three-centuries-old Pato Bridge close by) with the reflection of the colourful homes and offices in the waters of the creek. The Panjim GPO, set in an old-world colonial building, is also housed in this area. Sao Tome, Panjim.

Panjim Church
Panjim's parish church is a little over four centuries old. Its artistic and impressive staircase was built in 1870. Architectural experts say the huge 2.25-lon bell on its belfry is the second-largest in size in Goa. White and pristine, the church dominates the skyline along the Church Square. The atmosphere inside the church is steeped in serenity. Church Square, Panjim

Mahalaxmi Temple
Located off Dada Vaidya Road, it is believed to be the first temple allowed to be built in Portuguese-controlled Goa after three centuries. Built in 1818, its deity originally came from the village of Taleigao and was moved to Bicholim in the 16th century to escape Portuguese intolerance. Mahalaxmi Temple, off Dada Vaidya Koad, Panjim

Maruti Temple
The Maruti Temple is a revered shrine on the Altinho hillock at Fontainhas (or Mala). The temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is lit up in the evening and is visible from quite a distance. Thousands attend the temple fair in February. The Maruti Temple can be approached by a road parallel to the main road that runs along the Ourem Creek. Maruti Temple, Mala, Panjim

Campal
Between Panjim and Miramar is the heritage precinct of Campal with its beautiful tree-lined avenues. Along the riverfront, one can see the Campal' Grounds (built in 1970) and the Goa Kala Academy designed by world-renowned architect Charles Correa. The Children's Park at Campal is a fun weekend place for families. Campal, Panjim

Panaji is the capital of Goa. It is located on the Mandovi riverside in North Goa. It is third largest city after Vasco and Margao with a population of 65,000. It is the headquarters of North Goa District. The weather in Panaji soars upto 40° C in summer season and reaches to 32° C maximum in winter season. The monsoon period starts from June to September with thundershowers and rainfall.

Panaji city is full of tourist attractions that include Adilshahi Palace, Central Library, the Mahalaxmi Temple, the Jama Masjid Mosque, the Chapel of St. Sebastian etc. Each tourist place and buildings in Goa exhibits the true Portuguese architectural style. Kala Academy in Panaji is famous for culture and art in Goa.