We spent a couple of days wandering around Panjim (Panaji) and Old Goa - for a bit of culture to break up the days soaking up the sun on the beach. The streets of Panjim were full of character without being hectic like other Indian towns. The brightly painted churches, empty streets and perfectly mowed green lawns of Old Goa seemed like another world from the tie-dyed-tourist traps on the coast, and helped explain Goa's distinct character within India.

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Goa's state capital, nowhere near the beach and the rather pretentious hippy posturing that many may find irritating, Panjim is a fascinating place to wander around, with Portuguese street names, decidedly European architecture, the fantastic Broadway Book Exchange, and the stunning toothpaste-white Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

Most buses will head here from the beach resorts.

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A modernist building housing a wealth of Portuguese artifacts and architectural gems from the last century. A fascinating journey back in time to Goa's Portuguese heritage.

Torda, Salvadore do Mundo, near Mapusa on the Panjim to Mapusa road. A small turning to the right leads to the village of Torda.
www.archgoa.org

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