Panaji or the erstwhile Panjim, the capital of Goa, is situated on the southern bank of the Mandovi River. It is essentially Goanese in its construction as it is centered around a church with a square in front of it. Panjim, in fact, has several squares, the houses lining them rising directly above the wide streets. Particularly quaint is the old residential area of Fountainahas which lies behind the church and where narrow cobbled alleys weave through a miscellany of closely-knit houses with tiled roofs, overhanging balconies and carved pillar. The entire set up of the town is quite similar to that of Spanish towns.
Tourists can also check out the Secretariat, built in 1615 by the Portuguese and Campal. The latter is a riverside boulevard. It is one of the most picturesque spots in Panjim. From this place one will be able to see the ramparts of the Aguada Fort. it is one of the indispensable part of Goan history. The fort comprises of powder rooms, barracks, a church and a lighthouse. Presently it is used as a prison.
Other towns that are worth visiting are Vasco da Gama which is slowly developing into an industrial centre; Marmagoa, Goa`s port, is one of India`s finest natural harbours; Mapusa in the north is an interesting traditional market town.
