Panaji: the capital 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, and close at hand are a bunch of good beaches, perfect for lolling around and soaking up the sun.
Vaniguinim: The Vaniguinim beach overlooks the Mormugao Bay.
Dona Paula: Dona Paula is a pretty and peaceful beach shaded by palms and casuarinas, 9 km southwest of Panaji. Dona Paula is quite a hotspot, not only for its beauty but also because of a romantic legend that gave the beach its name. Dona Paula de Menezes was a viceroy’s daughter who jumped off a cliff when refused permission to marry a local fisherman. The hapless maiden is said to be entombed at the nearby Raj Bhawan’s Cabo Chapel.
Dona Paula beach offers water sports facilities, especially water scootering.
Miramar: The beach closest to the capital Panaji (3 km), Miramar is conveniently located in the heart of the state capital which is also why it is rather crowded and often dirty, though you can watch some spectacular sunsets, as the sun goes down at the confluence of the River Mandovi and the Arabian Sea
Bambolim: 7 km from Panaji along the Panaji-Vasco road to the airport, Bambolim is a minor beach frequented more by the local populace rather than by tourists.
Caranzalem: Though not very pretty, Caranzalem (between Miramar and Dona Paula) is quiet and safe for swimming. It has water scooters and other water sports facilities as there is no undercurrent. |
