Panajim or Panaji's history goes back to the Purta Dharmas - the charitable deeds of Gandagopal Kelima whose grandfather Kalapa was entrusted with the administration of Panajim by the Kadamba king, Shasthadeva (1007-1050), a good and a glorious king who "by his works redressed all the wrongs in his kingdom".

This is gathered from an inscription of the Kadamba king, Vijayaditya I, dated February 7, 1107, and refers to Panajim as Pahajani Khali - Pahajani from which Panajim supposedly got its name and Khali probably refers to the creeks and backwaters abounding in the area. The first few Portuguese chroniclers, soon after the conquest of Goa, refer to Panajim as Panaji or Ponji which is said to mean "Land that never gets flooded".

According to one Portuguese philologist, the word Pongy is derived from Panch Yma Afsumgary or five wonderful castles where the Muslim king, Ismail Adil Shah, and his wives used to live. Its name was later changed by the Portuguese into Panajim. When Old Goa collapsed in the 19th century, Panajim was elevated to the status of a city on 22nd March 1843 and was renamed `Nova-Goa' (New Goa). After liberation in 1961, it came to be known as Panajim.

Other attractions

 Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary named after the orthinologist Dr Salim Ali. The sanctuary, located in the village Chorão, near Panaji, plays host to rare and endangered bird species — both migratory and resident.
Miramar, Bambolim, Dona Paula Beach: Goa is famous for its beaches, and Miramar, Bambolim, Dona Paula are three popular beaches located near Panaji.
Also located near Panaji, is the Goa Science Center which was opened to the public in December 2001.

Dona Paula:

Dona Paula is the meeting point for two of the Goa’s famous rivers. These two rivers meet at Arabian Sea. The official residence of the Governor of Goa, Known as Cabo Raj Bhavan is situated on the westernmost tip of Dona Paula.

Miramar Beach:

This beach is located near Panaji. This is one of the crowded beaches in Panaji, which remains full with local and international tourists throughout the year.

Mapusa :
Mapusa market-GoaThe name Mapusa is derived from the Konkani term, maap, which means measure and sa which means fill up. Mapusa is the third largest city in the state of Goa and has a history of its own. Mapusa was a well developed gaunkari or community farming system. Bodhgeshwar Temple is the temple where your wishes are fulfilled. The local goan’s have great faith in this temple.