OUR DESTINATIONS
Let us help you find your perfect holiday by phoning us on
We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
Alternatively, check out some of our holiday offers below.
- Destinations
- Asia
- India
- Goa
- Panaji
Panaji
For most visitors to India, Panaji is simply a busy bus
terminal, offering connections between India's southern cities and
the beaches of Goa. However, this most sedate of state capitals has
plenty to offer tourists, and should rightly have a day or two
devoted to it on any Indian travel itinerary. Situated on the
southern banks of the Mandovi River, Panaji only became the capital
of Goa in 1843, after the harbour at Old Goa silted up and disease
had driven its inhabitants out. The best way to explore the town is
by foot, wandering around the old cobbled alleyways, colonial
villas, red-roofed houses, taverns and cafes, all with the look and
feel of any small Portuguese town. There are some wonderful old
government buildings, dating back to before colonisation, and some
elegant Catholic churches. Most memorable is the Church of the
Immaculate Conception: built in 1541, it's topped with a huge bell
that sits between two delicate Baroque-style towers.
Information & Facts
Language
Although English is generally used for official and
business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by
about 40 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common
with the Muslim demographic. India has a total of 22 official
languages
Money
The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into
100 paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed at
banks, and authorised bureaux de changes. It is impossible to
obtain rupees outside India, but no matter what time you arrive in
India there will be an exchange office open at the airport. It is
illegal to exchange money through the black market and it is
advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart
from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small
denominations. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely
accepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATMs
are not generally available.