Did you know that originally there was a fort on Miramar beach? History traces the presence of an old fort built in 1598 during the Governorship of Viceroy Dom Francisco de Gama, Count of Vidigueira and the great grandson of Vasco da Gama. On completion it was called Forte da Ponte de Gasper Dias. Later the fort crumbled and was left to ruins. Today only an old canon remains. The name Miramar interestingly comes from ‘Miragem de Mar – Mirage of the Sea’ after an old hotel, Hotel Miramar built by Luciano Roncon that existed at that time. The beach is situated at a pivotal point, where the River Mandovi and Arabian Sea meet.
Public transport is easy and convenient. There are daily local busses that ply on the route, right up till the beach, in front of the Miramar Residency every day. There are rickshaws, readily available or you can book a Goa Miles cab.
Apart from the main beach stretch, you can jog towards the end till Dona Paula. It’s pretty relaxing as the crowds diminish as your move away from Miramar. There are other quieter, off beat beaches of Odxell and Siridao which are about 15 minutes’ drive from the Miramar Residency.
Finding the right food isn’t a problem at the Miramar Residency. The in-house restaurant hosts a multi-cuisine array that caters to all tastes from mouth-watering vegetarian to non-vegetarian meals. Walk outside and treat yourself to a wide assortment of street food from chaat, to pav bhajji and more. For those looking at finer culinary options, there is Ritz Classic in Campal, and the city is flooded with options too.
Are you travelling with kids? Want to take them on an exciting, informative trip? Head to the Goa Science Centre, a stone throw’s away from the Miramar Residency. Its filled with interesting scientific displays, hall of mirrors and a dinosaur park for the curious young minds.
One of the many perks of staying at the Miramar residency is that it’s walking distance to all your favourite haunts. Panaji city has beautiful parks in the Campal area where you can relax amidst nature. Close to the residency, a few meters away is a children’s park that is perfect for the full family.
Panaji has interesting shopping offering anything from sports goods, to apparel, to accessories, to cashewnuts, feni, wines, cars, books, you want it, it’s all there in Panaji, all you have to do is ask anyone for directions.
A walk along the boulevard takes you to Kala Academy a structure of great beauty, designed by Charles Correa. It is a hive of cultural activity offering music, drama and art. The grounds are beautiful and if one moves towards the river the comfortable steel benches allow you to sit and soak in a soul-stirring sunset.
