Located at a distance of 10 km from Panjim in Goa, Divar Island is a slice of heaven tucked away in dense woods amidst the beauty of nature. Connected to Old Goa only through ferry service, this island is synonymous with natural beauty, serenity and tranquillity. Commonly recognised as a ‘village stuck in time’; the area is still unexplored and unexploited by tourism or commercialisation as it is disconnected from city life.
Divar Island is dotted with vintage houses built in Portuguese style, littered with traditional churches and is surrounded by evergreen paddy fields. Unlike the loud and hippie party culture of Goa, this place provides the contrasting peace and environment to the wanderers to make them want just to explore it. The term ‘divar’ is derived from the word ‘dipavati’, which means ‘small island’ in Konkani. The term is pronounced as ‘divaddi’. Although Divar Island hardly has any particular sightseeing spots, the innate beauty and charm of the narrow winding roads, the tiny tea stalls and overall aura will make you want never to leave the island.
About Panaji In Goa
Colonial-era buildings, old-school bookshops, leafy boulevards, and floating casinos underline Panaji Tourism. Nowhere in India is the Portuguese influence can be felt more strongly than in the Old Quarter of Panaji in Goa. Also known as Panjim, Panaji is the state capital of Goa.
History of Panaji
After the Portuguese invaded India in 1961, Panaji was annexed by India along with Goa and rest of the Portuguese territories. In the year 1987, Panaji or Panjim was declared as the capital of Goa. The name Panaji was changed to Panjim in the year 1843. It was also declared as the administrative capital of Goa.
Major Attractions in Panaji
Old Goa in Panaji is home to a number of scenic landmarks including cathedrals, churches, museums, and other historical buildings. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Goa features Basilica of Bom Jesus, Museum of Christian Art, Se’ Cathedral, Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, and Church of Lady of Rosary. These monuments are one of the best tourist places in Panaji. Taking a leisurely walk in this Latin Quarter of Panaji and shopping in Panaji market are among the best things to do in Panaji.
One of the top places to visit in Panaji, Altinho Hill is a neighbourhood dotted with several attractions ranging from lavish bungalows to heritage sites. Another one of major tourist attractions in Goa, Miramar Beach is a stretch of golden sand lined with palm trees. Being easily accessible from the city centre of Panaji, Miramar is a popular beach where locals and tourists of all ages hang out.
Among the popular places to see in Panaji, Goa State Museum or State Archaeology Museum showcases collections on ancient history, archaeology, geology, and artworks. Established in 1977, the Goa Museum features 14 galleries displaying artefacts on Christian art, Contemporary art, Goa’s freedom struggle, natural heritage, and more. Goa Science Centre, Naval Aviation Museum, and Museum of Goa are also ranked highly as the best places to visit in Goa.
Here is a list of beautiful beaches near Panaji Goa:
Caranzalem Beach: This beach is a scenic beach with clear waters and white sands. The beach is safe for swimming and other water sports activities. It is located at a distance of about 4 km from Panaji.
Kegdole Beach: The beach is situated in the Verem village and is less crowded, hence it is just perfect for those who want seclusion and wants to spend some alone time in the lap of nature. The beach is known for its spectacular sunset view and immense tranquility.
Coco Beach: This beach is very rich in marine life hence fishing is a common activity at this beach. The coastline of this beach is fringed with beautiful palm trees. It is situated at the mouth of Mandovi River.
Marivel Beach: This beach is located near the fishing village of Marivel. Fishing is the most common activity here. The beach gives immense serenity and picturesque views of the sunset and the sunrise. This is one of the less explored beaches in Goa.
Dona Paula Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches in Goa and it is the place where the Zuari and Mandovi river meets the Arabian Sea. The beachside stalls offer a great variety of food, jewelry, clothes, etc. One can also enjoy thrilling water sports here.
Calangute Beach: This beach is another popular beach in North Goa which is also famous for its nightlife and amazing Hippie parties. The young crowd can be seen here enjoying various sports and partying at the various beach clubs. The beach is scenic and natural beauty.
A visit of two to three days in Panaji is essential to have an ultimate Goan experience. Panaji is one of the major cities in Goa with many surreal beaches where one can find peace and even enjoy thrilling water sports activities. A trip to Goa wouldn’t be said complete without a visit to this happening city of Goa. Get to know more about Goa by interacting with local people and fishermen in Panaji. Relish the local delicacies at the various restaurants in Panaji and we are sure, you will surely be going to love the experience.
How To Reach Panaji In Goa
Wondering how to reach Panaji in Goa? The capital of Goa is Panaji. The city is well connected by different modes of transport. Panjim is served by regular flights from major cities in India. The city has a railway station where long-distance trains make a scheduled stop. Also, Panaji port is one of the major seaports in India. With its proximity to Mumbai, Goa is also a popular destination for weekend road trips.
The Dabolim Airport or Goa International Airport (GOI) is located 4 kilometres from Vasco de Gama and 30 km from Panaji. The airport is served by international airlines such as Air Arabia, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, and Finnair. During peak tourist season in Goa, there are some seasonal flights to Moscow, Tehran, London, and Helsinki. Direct flights from New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Indore, Pune, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad are also available to the airport in Goa. Delhi to Panaji flight duration is up to 3 hours. Flight fares to Goa tend to increase during winter as it is the peak tourist season in Goa. Make sure to book flights to Goa in advance.
The nearest train station from Panaji is Karmali but, major trains do not have a stop there. The Madgaon Junction (MAO) is the best option for traveling to Goa by train. This train station on the Konkan Railway is located about 45 km south of Panaji. Delhi to Madgao train journey takes up to 30 hours. For those wondering about how to reach Panaji from Madgaon railway station should know that regular buses and car rentals are available for travellers. The distance from Madgaon railway station to Panaji bus stand is 36 kilometres via NH 66. It takes around one hour to reach the city by car.
Timings For Panaji
Although Goa is a year-round destination, the best time to visit Panaji in Goa is from November to February. Around this time of the year, the weather in Panjim Goa is ideal for outdoor thrills and sightseeing. Plenty of music and cultural festivals in Goa are held in this period. For those looking to explore the natural wealth of Goa, the monsoon is the best season to visit Panaji. It is when nearby sanctuaries and waterfalls are teeming with life. Overall, December is the best month to visit Panaji, be it a honeymoon or solo trip.
Timings
Monday to Sunday
9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tips for Panaji
Try to book accommodating in the district of Fontainhas, so most attractions are just a short walk away
Apply sunscreen and carry drinking water while visiting beaches in Panaji
Rent bikes or scooters instead of cars for sightseeing in Panaji
The Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Goa is a haven for bird lovers. Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located in Goa, on the west end of Chorao Island. The sanctuary runs along the Mandovi River, and is home to migratory as well as local birds. Named after the late Dr Salim Moizzudin Abdul Ali, the best known ornithologist of India, this mangrove sanctuary has a marshy land and the river, on which boating is a most pleasurable experience. There is also a bird-watching tower at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Goa, which can only be reached by boat when the river levels are low.
The birds one can expect to see at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary include eagles, purple herons, white egrets, mynahs, drongos, curlews, cormorants, kingfishers, sandpipers, kites and woodpeckers among others. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Goa is also a great place to sneak a peek at marsh crocodiles, otters, jackals and foxes among a few other animals. Even for those not interested in watching the birds and animals in their natural habitat, the Dr Salim Ali Bird sanctuary
It’s true that Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and its biodiversity will make visitors to this place fall in love with it, and want to return over and over again. Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is open for tourists throughout the year. Take a tour of the sanctuary with a legit permission from the Chief WildLife Warden, Forest Department, Junta House, Panaji. The sanctuary is not only home to migratory birds but also coastal birds, flying foxes, jackals and crocodiles. The entire area of Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is covered by mangrove forests, which is also the source of the most productive vegetation here. Due to the mangrove trees, fish and insects find their breeding ground here and help in balancing the ecosystem of Goa.
As Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is entwined with a spaghetti of water channels, entry is barred on occasion of high tides. You cannot enter here by a boat or ferry during high tide. The creeks are accessible by canoes during low tides.
To catch a glimpse of the birds at the sanctuary, climb to the watch-tower which has been erected only for a better view of the birds present here. Spot the special winter migratory birds like coots and pintails. There is also a standard hiking trail that offers a trek through the entire park at Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. One can also enjoy a bicycle tour by transporting the bicycles via ferry to Chorao Island. Experience a unique experience as you ride through the trail amidst a variety of colorful, chirping birds.
For those looking for the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary location, it is pretty easy to reach. One can take either a local bus or a private taxi to reach it. However, visiting the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary will be hard via self-driven two-wheelers and cars, because the roads are a bit confusing, there are ferries to get on, and there is a lack of clear signage. The best option is to book a package with a local travel agent, comprising pick up and drop, as well as the boat rides inside the sanctuary.
The Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is open on all days for tourists. The Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Goa timings are from 6 AM to 6 PM every day. Make sure to adhere to the salim ali bird sanctuary timings, and reach well before closing time to explore the place completely.
Monday to Sunday
6:00 am - 6:00 pm
ABOUT GTDC
Goa Tourist Development Company, A division of www.traveldhamaka.com, our aims is to promote and develop tourism in Goa, India. Since 2006, Our main aim is to provide the finest tourism-related services to our guests, while showcasing Goan vibrant culture and natural beauty. We are a Trusted DMC For Goa Tourist Destinations, Committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences. Our mission is to showcase Goan stunning Metro Cities, Night Life, Beaches, Historical Site, Wildlife, Temples, Fort, Hill Station, Vibrant Culture and Rich Heritage. We offers the Best Deals for Great Services for Hotel Reservations in all over GOA, Mice Booking, Corporate Incentive Tours, Leisure Group Tours, Day Picnic, Trekking, Conference Package, Resort Bookings, Religious Tour, Destination Wedding, Pre Wedding Shoot, Villas, Service Apartment, South Goa Tour, North Goa Tour, Casino Cruise, Boat Cruise, Dinner Cruise, Beach Party, Boat Party, Buses, Cars, Spice Plantation, Dudhsagar, Dolphin Tour, Yatch Booking, GTDC Hotels & Bollywood Park Bookings. With over a decade of experience in the hospitality and travel industry, and being affiliated with some of the India best Chain of Hotels, our company is registered and approved by the Goa Tourism & Maharashtra Tourism. We are also proud members of IATO. We are a Destination Management Company (DMC) for Goa & Maharashtra, and have a team of travel professionals who are all locals. So you can be sure of getting the right information. We can help you have a great time in Goa. during your holiday. You can get in touch with us anytime for any assistance in Goa
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