| Panaji, the capital of
the small but vibrant state of Goa, is a tiny city that packs in a large punch. The church
on the main square, the Baroque architecture, pretty villas, cobbled streets and
interesting buildings give Panaji a distinctly Portuguese ambience. The city lies along
the left bank of the Mandovi River - piled up against terraced hills, a jumble of concrete
buildings with whimsical balconies and red-tiled roofs, bleached clean churches and a
riverside promenade that is just right for an evening stroll. The Old Portuguese quarter
of Fontainhas, a charming section of town with its narrow cobbled streets, quaint taverns,
tiny pubs and bars, is a nostalgic kickback to the days of yore. For many centuries, Panaji was a simple Konkani port
surrounded by marshes and defended by a hill-fort. The Portuguese corrupted the name of
Panaji, which means "land that never floods," to Panjim. In 1843 it was made the
state capital when Old Goa, the capital, silted up. The Portuguese did much to perk up
Panjim, draining the surrounding marshes and raising public buildings over it, yet the new
capital could not quite replicate the grandeur of Old Goa. However, Panjim has a friendly
laidback atmosphere and a welcoming, cheerful soul unlike any other capital in the
country.
F A C
T B O X |
| Area |
35.99 sq km |
| Population |
757,407 (2001 Census) |
| Language |
Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English |
Religion |
Christianity, Islam, Hinduism |
|
