Panjim is not at all overcrowded and, is a peaceful city. The landscapes of Panjim by gloom is lovely, especially around twilight. There are numerous tourist places in Panjim, Church of the Immaculate Conception of The Virgin Mary being the most prominent one. The city is known for its majestic churches, mesmerizing beaches, mighty forts and enormous other sites with Portuguese influence. Some of the best places to visit in Panjim include Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, Fort Aguada, Goa Archaeological Museum, St. Augustin Towers, St. Cajetan Church.
Also worth visiting are Reis Magos Fort, Odxel Beach, Shri Mahalaxmi Temple, Corjuem Fort, Fontainhas, Reis Magos Fort, Shantadurga Temple, one of the most unique locations worth visiting around Panjim is Divar Island, a few kms on the Mandovi river. After reaching there the drive through the villages on the island is scenic, with paddy fields and wooded hills lacing the roadway, very typical of the Goan countryside. The lush green island is famous for Bonderam, festival, a memoir to the dispute and the fury of the Villagers over the Portuguese system of resolving the disputes.
It is attended by thousands of people. Also famous on this island is the Potekar festival is celebrated for three days before the start of Lent/ Ash Wednesday, Similar to, Halloween, in this festival local youths wear homemade masks, costumes, cow bells; venturing around the village, receiving/demanding snacks & drinks from locals, and have licence to frighten the village children. Another important festival on the island is the Feast of the Miraculous Image of Our Lord Redeemer is celebrated every year at Piedade, Divar’ in the month of November on a Sunday closest to 18 November.
The traditional feast is celebrated by one of the village families and draws devotees from all over Goa. The image is said to have been brought by late Ferrão of Goltim, from Europe and was kept in his house which has today become the chapel. The island is famous for Church of Our Lady of Compassion, Piedade; São Matias, Malar; and Our Lady of Candelaria, Naroa. These churches draw thousands of pilgrims and tourist alike.
Divar Island has a number of temples, many of which are relatively new and some are built on remains of old demolished temples. The most prominent of them is the Shri Ganesh Sateri Temple at Sateri Bhat. There are three Temples of Ganesh; one at Navelim, one at Hilltop near the Church and third is at Maddar wado. The Divar island is one of few places in Goa you will find Urak (a mild version of Cashew Feni) all-year round. Divar has a variety of bars, serving Urak & local food (esp. seafood) at its restaurants.
