"Most travellers bypass Panaji on their way to the beaches, but this is a grave mistake. With the narrow winding streets of its old Portuguese quarter . . . (it) is one of India's smallest and most pleasant state capitals" Lonely Planet, South India, 2005
Goa is a former portuguese colony with a distinct character, quite different to Maharastra State where we live. Of course it is a huge tourist destination now too, so the place feels very different. It was nice to be a tourist and blend in with the travellers for a week, enjoying different food and clothes. (But also useful to pull out the Hindi card when needed - mostly to avoid a rip off (!) but also to enjoy conversation with the locals).
On Christmas Eve we decided to see Panaji for ourselves. We only had a taster, but enjoyed wandering the streets a little bit. The Portuguese influence is very apparent in the architecture, street names, doorways . . .
Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
Originally consecrated in 1541 and once visited by Portuguese sailors as a first stop, thanking God for a safe crossing. English, Portuguese and Konkani mass is held here every day.
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