Panaji, Goa's capital, a small relaxed city with wide tree-lined avenue where life seems to close down at lunchtime. It is utterly charming and a mixture of Indian / Portuguese culture. The old quarter of Fontainhas is peppered with crumbling Portuguese mansions. Many have been restored to their former glory and are strikingly beautiful with their ochre walls and indigo door and window frames.
Things to see include 16th century Church of Immaculate Conception in the centre, San Sebastian Chapel in Fontainhas, 18th century Mahalakshmi Temple in Altinho. Panaji is packed with good eating places from mere hole-in-the-wall to top notch AC restaurants. Many are south Indian Udupi style, pure vegetarian in other words.
Shopping revolves around 18th June Street where you can stock on cashew nuts, designer clothes, ethnic frocks and British brands shirts (made in India, of course) Head for MG Road for Benetton, Levis or Niki for a fraction of the price in western countries. [edit text][editors]
