Panjim Inn
Panaji (Panjim), Goa
Panjim Inn sits at the edge of Fontainhas, the Portuguese-built Latin Quarter of Goa’s capital city, Panaji.
Sprawling villas, roadside shrines, tiny shops and alleyways, and ornate churches packed with a devout Catholic congregation are the norm, as the streets of this area retain a languid, Old World charm that is otherwise fading in this increasingly modernised city.
The centre of Panaji lies just over the hill, past the Immaculate Conception church; once there you’ll find shops galore, along with the ubiquitous taxi driver and hawkers pushing peacock feathers, chess sets and fake pashminas.
How to get there:
Taxi is the best option, from the airport, railway station or wherever you may be. You can also ask the hotel to arrange for you to be collected. You can reach the city on the NH17 if you have your own transport.
By air:
Goa airport (Dabolim) is very well served all year round by domestic flights (Indigo/GoAir, Jet, Air India, SpiceJet), as well as international charter flights during the holiday season.
By train:
For Panaji your nearest station is Thivim but if your train doesn’t stop there then get off at Goa’s main station which is Madgaon (in Margao) and is well-served by trains coming south from Mumbai and north from Kerala.
Distances & travel times:
airport: 30 km / 40 mins
railway stations:
Thivim: 25 km / 40 mins
Madgaon: 35 km / 50 mins
When to go:
Unlike the seasonal nature of most Goan holiday destinations, Panaji is a living, working city that remains active all year round, and Panjim Inn reflects this. However, the usual caveats about monsoon travel stand. If you’re coming for sunny skies and unimpeded tourism, October-April are the best months. September can still see some lingering rains, and May is very hot and humid.
Getting around:
Panaji is a small city, more suitable for walking than many Indian cities, and can be easily navigated on foot.
Autos and taxis are plentiful too, as is scooter hire. To get out and explore Goa consider either hiring a scooter or ask the hotel to arrange a driver for you.