Brief - Situated on the south bank of the Mandovi estuary in north Goa is Panaji or Panjim the State Capital. Built around the Altinho hill, its Portuguese appeal can still be seen in its elegantly red roofed Portuguese villas, boats plying up and down the Mandovi river, gardens and avenues lined with Gulmohor and Acassia trees as well homes built using Latin architecture.

History - The history of Goa dates back when it changed hands from the Mauryan Empire to the Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Shilharas and Kadambas till it fell into the hands of the Muslim rulers the Bahami Sultans and the Adil Shahis of Bijapur from whom the Portuguese took over in 1510.

The Portuguese also drove away the Turks and emerged as the single most power in Goa. It was only in 1961 when the Portuguese were finally driven out.

Culture - Panaji has a very rich Goan cultural heritage. Music, dance and folklore are deeply rooted in the heart of the goans and the rhythm runs in the blood of the Goans.

Goan folklore comprising of folksongs, dances, music, visual arts and folk tales, are rich in content and variety. The folk music has devotional as well as contemporary overtones, and it displays a lively rhythm. And the folk dances reflect that rhythmic vitality.

Food - When in Goa, you must try its local cuisine that includes pork vindaloo, chicken xacuti, fish/prawn/chicken caldine, sorpotel, bebinca and balchao. The seafood is, of course, the freshest fare in the town.

Shopping - All the beach towns in Goa have shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts from all over. The Friday flea market at Anjuna is one place you should visit for home-made toddy, carvings, T-shirts, sarongs, chillium, spices and Port wine (a must buy). Baga and Calagute are swamped with Kashmiri traders. One can buy Kashmiri carpets as well as Rajasthani and Tibetan crafts here.

Climate - Tropical temperatures between 24°C and 32.7°C in the summer, and 21.3°C and 32.2°C in winter.

Entertainment - Festivals in Goa
January - Festival of the Three Kings

May - Pop, Beat & Jazz Music Festival

June - Feast of St Anthony

Another festival associated with the monsoon is the Feast of St Peter and Paul. The fishing community in Bardez use fishing rafts to serve as a stage for the festivities.

November -The Teator Festival, showcasing folk dances and dramas of Goa.

Most famous festival Goa Carnival (Photo Gallery)