9 Things to discover in Panjim while you are in Goa for the 9-day IFFI

Visiting Goa for the 9-day International Film Festival of India (IFFI)? Make the most of your trip by checking out some of the coolest that Panjim has to offer
From restaurants to churches to temples to colonial homes, there are many attractions in Panjim
From restaurants to churches to temples to colonial homes, there are many attractions in PanjimGomantak Times

The ongoing 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has drawn numerous visitors to the tiny state of Goa these days. While they make the most of the film festival with the limited time on their hands, it is also virtually impossible for them to spend hours touring this entire holiday destination.

However, a trip to Goa would be incomplete without sampling the delicious local cuisine, checking out the heritage and generally soaking in the beauty of the land.

And, would you believe that you don’t actually need to travel the length and breadth of the state in your quest for great food, colonial homes, beautiful beaches, churches, temples and more? In fact, Goa’s capital city, Panjim, currently the hub of IFFI activity, offers all this if you only know where to look!

So, if you are in Goa for the film festival, don’t forget to add the following locations in Panjim to your itinerary, and enjoy some of the best that Goa has to offer:

PANJIM CHURCH

Situated in the heart of the capital city of Panjim is the Church of the Immaculate Conception (Igreja da Imaculada Conceição). It was built in the 1500s, and is one of Panjim's most famous landmarks. No trip to Panjim is complete without a visit to this church.

From restaurants to churches to temples to colonial homes, there are many attractions in Panjim
All about Panjim’s most famous Church
The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Panjim
The Church of the Immaculate Conception, PanjimPicture courtesy: Rohan Fernandes

BUBBLE CAFÉ

Bubble tea, or boba tea, is a tea-based beverage that originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. It is paired with chewy tapioca balls, commonly known as bubbles or boba. Indulge in this East Asian beverage at Bubble Café, in St Inez. 

From restaurants to churches to temples to colonial homes, there are many attractions in Panjim
Bubble Café - A little bit of Taiwan in Panjim
Authentic Thai Bubble Tea
Authentic Thai Bubble TeaPicture coutesy: Bubble Cafe, Panjim

FONTAINHAS

With its colourful houses, unique architecture and narrow lanes, Fontainhas is Panjim’s famous picturesque Latin Quarter and gives you a whiff of life during Goa's colonial past.

From restaurants to churches to temples to colonial homes, there are many attractions in Panjim
9 Things you need to do when you visit Fontainhas, Panjim

KOKNI KANTEEN

From Fish Thali to Fish Fry, enjoy the freshest catch of the day at Kokni Kanteen, whose authentic Goan fish thalis are immensely popular. Situated in the heart of Panjim, opposite Mahalaxmi Temple, Kokni Kanteen opened its doors in the 70s, and has been satisfying fish lovers and vegetarian cravings ever since.

From restaurants to churches to temples to colonial homes, there are many attractions in Panjim
Looking for your fish fix in Panjim? Look no further than Kokni Kanteen
Graffiti art on 18 June Road, Panjim
Graffiti art on 18 June Road, PanjimPicture courtesy: Venita Gomes
From restaurants to churches to temples to colonial homes, there are many attractions in Panjim
Panjim as an artist's canvas

WALL ART

Stunning, giant graffiti murals, most of which came into being during the Serendipity Arts Festivals, adorn several buildings in Panjim, including Don Bosco High School, the Panjim market, Junta House etc.

NIO

From underwater surveys to bathymetry, the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), in Dona Paula, has been actively involved in scientific research for over 50 years. It is one of the premier research bodies in Goa, but not many are aware about its existence or functions.

From restaurants to churches to temples to colonial homes, there are many attractions in Panjim
Goa's NIO: Unravelling the mysteries of the ocean for decades

MARUTI TEMPLE, ALTINHO

This is one of Goa’s most famous temples. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and is the only temple in Panjim where a zatra is held annually.

Maruti Temple is located on the Altinho hill, in Panjim
Maruti Temple is located on the Altinho hill, in Panjim Gomantak Times
From restaurants to churches to temples to colonial homes, there are many attractions in Panjim
Hanuman Jayanti: This is the only temple in Panjim where a ‘zatra’ is held

CONFEITARIA 31 DE JANEIRO

Tucked away in Panjim’s Latin quarter, this popular bakery opened up in January 1930, and has been selling a variety of delicious traditional Goan delicacies, prepared the old-fashioned way, ever since.   

From restaurants to churches to temples to colonial homes, there are many attractions in Panjim
If it's fresh, you know it is Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro!

BOMBIL RESTAURANT

If you love seafood, you might want to check out the fish thalis at Bombil restaurant, located right by the roadside, opp Kala Academy.

From restaurants to churches to temples to colonial homes, there are many attractions in Panjim
If it's fish thalis you crave, then Bombil Restaurant is the place for you
Bombil restaurant, in St Inez, serves delicious fish 'thali'
Bombil restaurant, in St Inez, serves delicious fish 'thali'Gomantak Times

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