The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is quite a crowd-puller, beckoning hundreds of visitors, film buffs, dignitaries and delegates to the state for the 9-day cinematic extravaganza. And, while in Goa, what could be better than being charmed by things that give this land that je ne sais quoi.
The best part is that it isn’t even necessary to traverse the length and breadth of the state in pursuit of it all because, believe it or not, there is much on offer even in the vicinity of the IFFI venues in Panjim.
Get set to discover ancient churches, walk through famous colonial-era buildings, immerse yourself in that zen feeling at the beach. And finally, while Goan cuisine is to-die-for, there’s more than sorpotel, cafreal and calamari to be savoured here.
Here’s what you can check out without venturing too far away from Panjim’s IFFI hot spots:
1. MIRAMAR BEACH
The first stop on the itinerary of the average visitor to Goa is most likely to be a beach. And, the one that is closest to the state’s capital city of Panjim is Miramar – located roughly 3 km from Inox, near the Panjim municipal market.
Although not as busy as beaches in North Goa such as Calangute and Baga, Miramar beach can get a tad crowded in the evenings and on weekends.
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2. MR. BAKER
Food is undoubtedly one of those elements that, literally, gives tourists a taste of the culture of a land. In Panjim, Mr. Baker has been delighting the taste buds of the city’s residents, with sweet eats and light bites, ever since it was started a century ago, in 1922.
Currently, the cafe serves quite a few traditional Goan sweets and savouries (doce, bebinca, patties and rissois being some hot favourites), while contemporary options such as coffee, iced tea, cakes and samosas are also on the café’s menu.
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3. THE GOAN LADDOO
As the name suggests, an assortment of Goan laddoos is what you’ll find here – lots and lots of local varieties including besan laddoos, multigrain laddoos, rice laddoos and wheat laddoos – all of which you can wash down with the aromatic masala tea which is also served here from 8 am onwards on all week days.
In addition to that, the outlet, which opened its doors in 2022, provides a selection of fine Hindu Goan cuisine (veg and non-veg courses, curries and sweets) every morning.
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4. INSTITUTE MENEZES BRAGANZA
Established in 1871 by the erstwhile Portuguese regime, Institute Menezes Braganza has long been actively involved in promoting cultural activities in Goa.
The building was constructed during another era, which means that its architectural style is well worth checking out, and offers an opportunity to catch a glimpse of a time gone by.
Blue and white painted tiles, called azulejos in local parlance, adorn the walls at the entrance of the building. These paintings depict scenes from the poem Os Lusíadas, by the famous Portuguese poet, Luís Vaz de Camões (1524-1580).
The azulejo style of art came to Goa via the Portuguese, who inhabited the land for over four centuries.
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5. CENTRAL LIBRARY
The Krishnadas Shama Goa State Central Library – better known as Central Library – was established in 1832 and has the distinction of being the oldest public library in India.
Formerly housed in the Institute Menezes Braganza building (in the heart of Panjim), it was relocated to its current address at Patto, Panjim, in 2011.
Dictionaries, encyclopaedias, directories, gazettes, atlases, travel guides, magazines, novels and literature in a couple of languages feature among the thousands of literary works in the library’s collection.
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6. CASA MACAO
Easily available in Goa during the colonial period, the elegant blue and white crockery, known as Macao crockery, is virtually impossible to come by nowadays.
Of course, if you’re in the mood to own a piece of something that will take you back to the days of yore, you could consider picking up some Macao crockery (cups, saucers, plates, platters, tea sets etc) from Casa Macao, in St Inez, Panjim – one of few stores which stocks this exquisite china.
Macao crockery would probably be your best bet if you’re on the lookout for a classy and unique souvenir from Goa.
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7. TALEIGAO CHURCH
Goa’s famous Panjim Church is a popular tourist hotspot. But, in case you’ve been there already, and are clueless about older churches in the neighbourhood of Panjim, then you might want to head to the nearby village of Taleigao, where the centuries-old church of St Michael the Archangel is located.
Better known as Taleigao Church, this Catholic church is close to 500-years-old, and is the first church in Tiswadi taluka to celebrate the harvest feast (in August).
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8. HERITAGE PRECINCT, CAMPAL
Apart from good food, fine beaches and elegant churches, what else could Panjim possibly offer the discerning tourist? A heritage zone! And, by that, we aren’t referring to Panjim’s famed Latin Quarter of Fontainhas.
Why Campal? Take a leisurely stroll around the heritage precinct of Campal, situated a stone’s throw from Kala Academy, and you’ll know why as you feast your eyes on the quaint homes from a different point in time.
This pretty backdrop, together with the Francisco Luis Gomes Garden which they surround, makes a gorgeous venue for a host of events – for example, the Konkan Fruit Festival – all year long.
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