Weekend Family Getaway to Goa

The oldest withstanding Church of Goa, beautifully built under the influence of Portuguese architectural style, is one of the best places to visit in Panjim. The lovely marble floor embellished with valuable stones adds up to the charm of the magnificent church.The cathedral of the Church holds the remains of St. Xavier's in a silver casket which is elegantly decorated and, worshiped by his devotees. Famed for its amazing architecture, this ornate structure survived since the 16th century.The locals believe the remains are eternal and, have obscure healing powers which in turn makes it one of the most attractive places to see in Panjim.Location: Old Goa Road, Near Gandhi Circle, Goa 403402, IndiaTimings: All days of the week except Sunday (9:00 AM - 6:30 PM)               Sunday (10:30 AM - 6:30 PM)Entry Fees: FreeDistance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 11 km

Sitting, right in the middle of the hillock this mighty church has three shrines of Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary and, Crucifixion of Jesus. Being the first church to built-in Goa it holds utmost significance in its tourism and, adding up to the most attractive places to visit in Panjim.Previously, it was just a chapel in the early 15th century but, with time and tide, the chapel went through many transformations and, led to this massive structure which is elegantly built with influences of several architectural styles.Location: North-Eastern Side of Central Square, Panjim 403001, IndiaTimings: All days 10 AM - 12:30 PM and 4 PM - 5:30 PMEntry Fees: FreeDistance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 1.6 km away.

This place will “blow your mind” as here casino floats on water. Deltin has modern and classy casinos which are undoubtedly the most happening ones. There are numerous floors sprawling over an area of 40,000 square feet with various sections to keep people engaged of all ages. With 123 gaming tables here, you can play all sorts of gambling games be it Poker, Teen Patti, Black Jack, and many more variants.While you enjoy the gambling, you can also savor exclusive liquors at the whiskey lounge with amazing hand-rolled cigars. The casino provides all the top-notch amenities and, is the ace in the field of the casinos. Undoubtedly it is one of the most happening places to visit in Panjim.One can also relax in VIP gaming suites where one can stay as well as play. The highlighting feature of the casino is that it is the only place with a dedicated poker room.Location: Noah's Ark, RND Jetty, Dayanand Bandodkar Road, Panaji, Goa 403001Timings: Open 24 hrsEntry Fees: Monday to Thursday    Rs 2500/-                        Friday to Sunday         Rs 3500/-Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 1.6 km away

Showcasing the glory of the Portuguese empire this fort stands overlooking the Arabian sea. Built in the early 16th century to keep an eye on the enemies this fort give breathtaking views and, is one of the most majestic places to visit in Panjim.The mystifying structure is more than 400 years old and still, its majestic beauty remains intact. It also houses a lighthouse which was built to guide the ships and, another part is the Aguada Jail which is one of the largest jails in Goa.The location of the mighty fort is strategic so that it provides great defense from the rivals.Location: Fort Aguada Rd, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa 403515Timings: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PMEntry Fees: FreeDistance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 15 km

This “Architectural Marvel” showcases the artifacts of the Portuguese rule in India, with eight unique galleries exhibiting different slices of the pre-historic era of Portuguese sways. The most significant of these are deemed to be the paintings of the long-dead Governors and, Administrators of Goa.To add up to the amusement of the visitors, the museum also has a remarkable collection of stamps, religious artifacts, and other such hidden gems. This is a perfect place to dig up the history of the Goan culture and styles in the early ages.Location: EDC Complex, Patto, Panaji, Goa 403001Timings: 9:00 AM- 5:00 PMEntry Fees: Only Rs 5/- per personDistance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 9 km

“Visiting Goa and missing out on this Church?” No Chance. It is one of the most impressive churches in India lying in the Southern segment of Goa. This mighty church showcases mind-boggling artistry of the Portuguese-Manueline style and, is regarded as the only specimen of this kind of architectural style.Dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria this is an amazing Church with impressive courtyards and elegantly arched interiors.The remarkable feature of this old standing church is the “ huge golden bell” which is one of the most prominent and grand bells in the world.It is a perfect place to experience a blend of tranquility and serenity as it is intermixed in the aura of the Cathedral.Location: Velha, Goa 403402Timings: 7:00 AM - 6:30 PMEntry Fees: FreeDistance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 9.2 km

The historic gem of Goa - “St. Augustin Tower ” is a highly visible belfry from many sites. The sumptuous tower was built in the preceding years of 16th Century by the Augustinian pilgrims who visited Goa, the same time. Previously, there were four such towers but they couldn't withstand the time and got depreciated. Now, only one such tower stands there in the premises of the St. Augustine Church.The purpose of this tower was to serve as a turret and, the Church had eight lavishly embellished chapels, four altars and a cloister with numerous cells connected to it.The style and designing of this tower are still unknown but it is purely astounding.Location: Church of St. Augustine Ruins, Velha Goa, Goa 403402Timings: Throughout the dayEntry Fees: No entry feeDistance from Panjim Bus Stand:  Approximately 8.4 km

Witness the visual retreat at the St. Cajetan Church also known as the “Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence”. The Church exhibits the Corinthian style of architecture which was taken up by the Italian friars, though they were not allowed to work here somehow they managed in Old Goa. Taking a glance at this holy structure it has six Baroque style altars on which you can locate visions of angels.The minute you enter this place you can actually feel the purity and, pious environs all around you.You can also discover remarkable Italian compositions which extend an intriguing impression of St. Cajetan’s time and, this architectural gem of Corinthian style is a popular tourist place in Panjim.Location: Velha Goa, Goa 403402Timings: All days of  Week                9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMEntry Fees: Absolutely Free!Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 12.5 km