24 hours in Panjim (Panaji), Goa

The Basilica of Bom Jesus , Miramar Beach , Dona Paula , Goa Boat Cruise

Published on 2021-10-30

Boat Cruise in evening

Boat Cruise in evening

Destination

beach

Best time to visit

October to March

  • Panaji or Panjim ( Capital of Goa) is the most famous tourist destination in Goa, it is located on the southern left bank of the Mandovi River.  
  • Panaji is a beautiful city which provides a delightful and relaxed contrast with its tiled roofs, beautiful buildings made in Portuguese style, cobbled streets and beautiful promenade on the riverfront.
  • Best time to visit Goa is between October to March because of pleasant climate.

How to reach Panjim?

  • Railhead - Vasco Da Gama railway station is the nearest one (Appx 11Km) which has a good connectivity from all the major cities of India.
  • Airport  - Goa International Airport at Dabolim is about 30 km from Panjim. It connects with major cities in India and abroad. Chartered flights from Europe and Russia are a common feature.
  • By Road - Panaji is easily accessible by road from the state of Karnataka to the south and Maharashtra to the north by winding highways.
    • Panaji KTC Bus Station, Patto Centre, Goa: It connects Panjim to other major cities like Mumbai, Pune and intracity buses are also available for Calangute and other major spots.  
  • Local commute - A popular mode of transportation in Goa is the motorcycle taxi, operated by drivers who are locally called ‘pilots’. You are recommended to Hire geared or non-geared bike ‘Per Day’ basis which is widely available. Local private buses in Goa have a wide network even in the remotest areas

Itinerary

Local food exploration, church, Sea Beach visit & Cruise

You may find relevant options in Panaji City within a 2-3 Km range from Railway Station and Airport. One can also find good options at Calangute (North Goa) which is 15 km from Panaji

We are assuming that your arrival time is around 9:00 AM, you may start your day with a delicious breakfast. Options available as below in the radius of 1-2 km, Cunha Rivara Road;

  • Cafe Bhonsle – This restaurant is famous for local breakfast, the star dish here is the sweet bun which just melts away in your mouth. Goan Samosa is a must-try item.
  • Hanuman Cold Drink House – Just on the backside of Cafe Bhonsle restaurant, you can enjoy a mix of custard & ice cream with fruits at this small shop. Also known for juices, falooda and shakes.
  • Cafe Bappa – Hidden Gem in the Betim area, this is a mere 2 and a half km from Panjim. Mushroom Xacuti is a deliciously spicy curry made with mushrooms in a base made of spices and coconuts. This dish here is called Potato Tomato Vindaloo (a local spice mix). 
Timings: 7am to 10pm
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Timings: 7am to 10pm

Start your day visiting famous Old Goa Church which is at a distance of 12 km from Panjim. The distance can be covered on a pre-booked Scooter or a local Auto comfortably.

  • The Basilica of Bom Jesus – Construction for the Old Goa Church was completed in 1605 A.D. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Every 10 years, on the death anniversary of the Saint, the holy relic is displayed for public view. In the church you can see the Coffin of St. Francis Xavier – 1744
Coffin of St. Francis Xavier
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Coffin of St. Francis Xavier

Archaeological museum run by the Archaeological Survey of India inside the church complex. You can visit and get an overview of the history and culture of Goa. You may spend 1-2 hours here. 

Lunch Options near Panjim Market:

  • Ritz Classic – on 18th June Road – This restaurant is more popular for its Fish Thali which has 10 items. Caramel Pudding and other seafood is also recommended. Whenever you come to Panjim, you can try their food.
  • Kokni Kanteen –  This is a popular restaurant for its authentic, traditional Goan Veg Food & Non-Veg Food, You can enjoy the Thali. Kokum and Cortim Chicken are also worth trying. Every day they have something special updated on the Board. Eating in this ambience feels like you are eating in a village setting, with the kitchen nearby.  After food, you can try local Goan desserts.
They 4 Branches in Panjim
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They 4 Branches in Panjim

In Panjim, you can experience a glorious sunset experience at a variety of locations mentioned below

  • Miramar Beach – This beach has a huge entrance. Portuguese for ‘viewing the sea’, it was formerly called Gasper Dias beach. Miramar beach is an excellent sunset viewpoint. The strong sea breeze adds to the amazing experience.  There are at least 20 to 25 food stalls  outside the beach. The Aguada fort across the Mandovi river is visible from here. 
    (Distance – 4 kms from Kokni Kanteen)
  • Dona Paula – You will  love the aesthetics of this place. Two famous rivers meet the Arabian sea, and it looks particularly striking in the rainy season. One of the most popular tourist spots in Goa, a lot of people come to watch the sunset.  This place is very scenic and beautiful.
    (Distance from Miramar Beach – 4 kms)
Dona Paula
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Dona Paula

Goa Boat Cruise – You can experience a very wonderful boat cruise. Travel on the upper level of the Ferry, which has two decks, the lower deck has a sitting space, where you can enjoy live cultural performances, a Dj(Disc Jockey) and from the upper deck experience a breathtaking view of the setting sun. 

  • The boat cruise will take you to the point where the Mandovi & Zuari Rivers meet and the confluence with the Arabian Sea.  Timings – 05:30 pm to 08:30 pm  Location  – Opposite Fire Brigade station Panjim.
  • There are many operators in Panjim who offer Boat Cruises. During our Goa tour, we took Paradise Cruise– Ticket price – Rs 300 per person for a 45 minutes ride.
Boat Cruise
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Boat Cruise

Dinner at Mum’s Kitchen – One of the famous Restaurant of Panjim. They have a lot of variety in vegetarian and non-Vegetarian Goan Food which is the major focus here. Popular dishes include Prawn Prawn Beri Beri, Sorpotel and Prawn Balchao.

Overnight Stay at Panaji/Panjim or you may explore our North Goa and South Goa Itineraries.

Suggestions and Recommendations

  • You can buy Bebinca and  Dodol  from any of the grocery or bakery shops in Panjim and across Goa. Apart from these Goan delicacies, try Kokum juice syrup, a unique and healthy drink option found across Goa and the Konkan region. 
  • You can also try shopping for clothes at the numerous small shops in Panjim or the trendy Anjuna flea market 25 km away. There are also quaint bookshops for the avid reader. 

Nearby Tourist Destinations from Panjim:

  • Calangute Beach (North Goa) - 18 Km
  • Benaulim Beach (South Goa) - 37 Km

Maharashtra 

  • Sawanthwadi - 65 Km
  • Malvan - 110 Km
  • Gokarana - 160 Km