Leisure is a rare thing in the times we live in. But the chances of stumbling upon a few moments of leisure are still high, when on a holiday.
The activity we suggest below has nothing to do with beaches or casinos or music gigs. This one’s totally dedicated to you and the city which still inspires people, Panaji, whose life and soul continues to be awash afresh by the steady ripples of the river Mandovi.
A walk along the Mandovi river especially along the part near the old summer palace of the Adil Shah is one to remember. Step out anytime of the day and it’s worth it. The cool river breeze will see to it that the sun does not get to you and the vista, both in the immediate vicinity and beyond it, will do the rest.
Take a few minutes out for a stare at the palace which was built in 2015. Once the river waters used to touch the very feet of the heritage building’s foundation, before land was reclaimed to build the road in front of it.
This is where the Adil Shah of Bijapur used to enjoy the cool river breeze during the oppressive summers of the region. The building which also served as the state secretariat is in the process of being converted into an art gallery. Just ahead lies the stunning statue of Abade Faria, a master hypnotist, a priest and a revolutionary, who even features in Alexander Dumas’ classic novel ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’. Try getting here during sunset when the light is just right to capture this statue which was sculpted in 1945.
