 Vasco da Gama, 29-km by road southwest of Panjim, sits on the narrow western tip of the Marmagoa (also known as Mormugao) peninsula, overlooking the mouth of the Zuari River. Acquired by the Portuguese in 1543, this strategically important site was formerly among the busiest ports on India's west coast.
It remains a key shipping centre, with container vessels and iron ore barges clogging the choppy river mouth, but holds nothing of interest for visitors, particularly since the completion of the Konkan Railway, when Goa's main railhead shifted from here to Margao. The only conceivable reason one might want to come to Vasco is to catch a bus to Dabolim airport, of Bogmalo beach, 8-km southeast.
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Called Panjim by the Portuguese, Panaji, which means "the land that does not flood" is the state capital of Goa. Unlike many capital cities, Panaji has a distinct unhurried character. It is situated on the southern banks of the Mandovi River, which makes this town all the more charming.
The Archaeological Museum of Goa is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is a popular tourist attraction of Goa. It is one of its kind in Asia and was set up around the year 1994 in a joint collaboration between Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage and Calouste Gulbentian of Portugal. Also known as the Christian Art Museum, the museum displays the priceless collection of Goa's rich art and craft, objects made of gold and precious stones, ivory images, image of St. Francis Xavier in a silver casket, etc. A major attraction of this museum is the depiction of Christ as a symbolic shepherd watching over his flock.
The Adilshahi Palace is a prime tourist attraction of Panaji. Built by Yusuf Adil Shah in 1500, this palace was built for recreational purposes and for relaxing. Later, as time passed, it was fortified and served as an important defense location for the Portuguese to check on external attacks and threats. It was also the first custom check point where the cargo ships were checked. The Palace served as an official residence for most Portuguese viceroys who stayed here for sometime before leaving for Portugal. Also known as Idalcao, it is now preserved beautifully with perfectly manicured gardens adding to its splendor.
The Mahalaxmi temple at Panaji is considered to be the dwelling place of the actual Goddess of the Shakti sect. It is a beautiful temple and the image of the Goddess bears a striking resemblance to the Goddess that is at Kolhapur, the main center of worship. The temple is one of those very few temples in India that has a gallery of wooden images of Lord Vishnu. The image of the Goddess is said to have a "Linga" on her head and is considered to be a very peaceful form of the Devi.
