With 2026 bringing barely any dry days across the UK, many of us are dreaming of warmer skies and golden sunshine. This incredible city, however, enjoys maximum temperatures of 32C, a massive 10 hours of sunshine, and lows of 21C in February along with a sea temperature of 28C, according to weather2travel. Located on the banks of the Mandovi River, Panaji is the capital city of the Goa state in India. Its streets and architecture still carry the unmistakable influence of Portuguese colonial rule with Goa being under Portuguese rule for 451 years. Goa is the only state that was never under British rule and it was freed from Portuguese rule in 1961. 

One of the city’s most captivating areas is the Fontainhas quarter, the old Portuguese neighbourhood where narrow lanes are lined with brightly painted houses. The UNESCO World Heritage Zone is a lively area filled with red-tiled roofs, azulejos, art galleries, coffee shops, wrought-iron balconies and oyster shell window panes. 

Not far away, the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church dominates the main square with its striking white façade and baroque detailing, a must-see for anyone exploring the city.

Perched on Altinho Hill, just above the colourful lanes of Fontainhas, the Maruti Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanuman. The orange hilltop temple offers sweeping views across Panaji and the Mandovi River and it’s particularly beautiful at sunset when the temple and city glow in a warm golden light.  

One person wrote about their experience visiting the temple on TripAdvisor: “It was one of the most beautiful temples I’ve ever seen the orange colour was stunning as well as the views you get of looking over Panaji. The priest was very welcoming and we did give a small donation and he was very grateful!”

Another visitor added: “This is a beautiful temple, with a lovely view of Goa. The colour of the temple is a warm, bright orangey-red, and the feeling of the place is peaceful. A few dogs were lying around taking naps. I did not take the stairs up to the temple from lower down, but saw a few visitors coming from below who seemed to enjoy the steps leading through foliage.”

Just beyond the city centre lie the stunning islands of Chorao, Goa’s largest of 17 islands, and Divar, easily reached by ferry. Largely untouched by mass tourism, they are home to sleepy villages, lush paddy fields and winding mangrove creeks.

There’s also several breathtaking beaches close to the city. Just minutes from the centre, Miramar Beach offers a wide sweep of sand perfect for sunset strolls, while nearby Dona Paula is known for its dramatic coastal views and water sports. A little further north, Candolim Beach provides a longer stretch of golden shoreline, perfect for relaxed afternoons under February’s warm sunshine.

It’s not just the weather and beauty of the city that makes Panaji appealing. A 2025 study by Travelbag found the city to be the world’s cheapest destination for a pint, with beer costing just £0.81, according to Hotelier India.

The city is home to plenty of authentic spots to eat and drink. Joseph Bar, for example, is a small yet iconic tavern founded in 1930, serving affordable local beer alongside traditional Goan spirits such as feni. The cosy space bursts with character, from tiny stools and colourful walls to an eclectic mix of vintage posters, clocks, old newspapers and handwritten notes covering nearly every surface.