Activities in Panaji (Panjim)
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Sunset Boat Cruise
A host of floats sets out each evening just before sunset to ply the Mandovi waters and entertain tourists with nothing more sophisticated than the view, a beer or two and a dash of traditional Goan dancing. A number of companies run competing tours from the Santa Monica Jetty, with the GTDC’s being the most serene and least raucous of the bunch. Head to the jetty to compare watery offerings and pick up your tickets.
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B
Barracuda Diving
The closest beach to Panaji is at Miramar, 3km southwest of the city along Dayanand Bandodkar Marg. It's far from the cream of Goa's beaches but is a pleasant enough place for a sunset stroll and a good place to aim for on a short bike ride out the city. On the way you'll pass the Goa Marriot Resort, where you'll also find Barracuda Diving, one of the state's most professional diving operations.
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India on the Menu
India on the Menu is a recommended five-day Indian cookery course offered by London-based On The Go Tours. The programme is based in Betim, just across the river from Panjim, and covers North and South Indian cuisines, Goan cuisine and a market tour. On the final day you can choose to be taught how to cook your favourite Indian dishes by the course tutor. Each of the cooking sessions lasts half a day (including lunch).
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C
Ferry to Betim
If you’re in the mood for something less slick than a full-blown cruise, hop aboard the overloaded ferry across the Mandovi to Betim, shoulder to shoulder with scores of bustling locals. Though there’s nothing much to do when you get there except to turn around and head back again, it’s worth it for the riverine view of Panaji and the workaday atmosphere.
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Saturday Curry Morning
Delicious cooking courses are run from a purpose-built kitchen just across the river at Betim, and the Saturday Curry Morning, which runs from 9.30am to 2pm, is just the thing for those not wanting to spend a whole week chopping and grinding. Courses must be booked in advance, after which you’ll receive details of how to get to the aromatic Indian kitchen.
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D
Santa Monica Cruises
GTDC operates entertaining hour-long cruises along the Mandovi River aboard the Santa Monica. They include a live band performing Goan folk songs and dances. On full-moon nights there is a two-hour cruise at 20:30. Cruises depart from the Santa Monica jetty next to the huge Mandovi bridge and tickets can be purchased here.
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E
Royal Cruises
Royal Cruises, have virtually identical trips to GTDC, from Santa Monica jetty starting around 18:15, as well as open-sea 'dolphin cruises' (from mid-October to the end of April only 300) from 10:00 to 13:00. Their boats are bigger and rowdier (for the boozy Indian party crowd) than the Santa Monica.
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Goa By Night bus tour
GTDC offers a Goa By Night bus tour, which includes a river cruise. It also offers a whole bevy of day-long bus tours.
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