Stunning during the day and gleaming at night, sights around Panaji city
Coming into Panaji from the north will definitely get one on a view of the high cable bridge standing over the two older ones on the river Mandovi. It is the third largest cable stayed bridge in the country, just a little over 5 kms and its highest point is 70 meters above the water. The wind can be strong and two wheelers are strictly banned on the bridge. In the evenings, the bridge has its own attraction among the neon signs across the Mandovi river. It is always lit up and during certain occasions it is dressed in certain colours of lights.
The Panjim church of Immaculate Conception is so famous for its steps that it reminds me of the tourists on the Spanish steps. You will see groups of tourists here, sitting on the steps or trying to fit the entire panorama of the steps and church within the selfie shot. The Church with its huge bell tower is beautiful, along with the criss-cross steps leading to it. While most see it during the day, it is equally beautiful, all lit up during the night.
The Maruti Temple is often overlooked for the other famous temples across the state, however it has a vantage point of its own being at the back of the Altinho hill. On a steep approach, one is rewarded with a sweeping view of Fontainhas and the surrounding areas at the top. It is a post liberation 1961 gem dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This is one of the structures that is lit up at night and gives a stunning picture. It is believed that the idol of Lord Hanuman was protected from destruction of the Portuguese and people would secretly converge at this spot to pay their respects to him. Within its premises is a lovely lamp tower. At the foot of the hill, there is a water facility that quenches the devotee’s thirst before and after the climb. In fact, Fonte de Phoenix is the natural spring that lies in that area, that over the years has got converted to the area being called Fontainhas (little spring).
The Azad Maidan is a square in the heart of the city. Originally named by the Portuguese as the Largo Afonso de Albuquerque. The pavilion houses the statue of Dr. Tristao de Braganza Cunha, a Goan freedom fighter. Also, in the same maidan is a monument, Martyr’s Memorial, that was built in honour of all those who fought against the Portuguese rule, thus liberating Goa. The maidan comes alive with protests, striking employees, public debates and even celebratory events. The structure is lit up at nights with focus lights.
The old Goa Medical College at Campal, Panaji is a magnificent architectural marvel. Renovated for the IFFI that started few years back in 2004, it also hosts other festivals within its courtyard that also houses the Entertainment Society of Goa. The Serendipity Arts Festival, after IFFI is another festival that is well organised in its precincts. This is a favourite of mine and with the lit up trees along the road during special events, it makes a car ride along that route quite surreal.
The Albuquerque Palace used to house the old Secretariat in Panaji, before it shifted out of Panaji to the new Assembly complex across the Mandovi bridge. Supposedly one of the oldest buildings, it was originally a summer palace built by Muslim leader Yusuf Adil Shah of Bijapur in the 1500s. Being right on the river front (the road before it is now reclaimed land) it doubled up as a fortress. The place twice came under the control of Afonso de Albuquerque, and is thus known as the Albuquerque Palace. Infact Albuquerque himself named the fortress as palace de Idalcao. Commonly called Adil Palace or old secretariat, this place is rarely lit up but when it is, it has its own charm.