Panaji, the capital of the state of Goa, is also the headquarters of the north Goa district. Panaji is a small and charming city nestled on the left banks of river Mandovi. This city with beautiful and historic, red roofed houses, with hints of Latin architectural style, also boasts of many modern houses, with well laid gardens, marble statues and also avenues lined with Gulmohar and Acassia trees.

Spectacular SEA VIEW on the Mandovi River, right across Panjim & casino boats in Betim.

The Mandovi River flows through Cumbarjua, Divadi and Chodné along the way. The waters of the Mandovi and Zuari both flush out into the Arabian Sea at a common point at Cabo Aguada forming the Marmogoa harbour. Panaji, the state capital and Old Goa, the former capital of Goa, are both situated on the left bank of the Mandovi. The river Mapusa is a tributary of the Mandovi.

Three large freshwater isles — Divar, Chorao and Vashee are present in the Mandovi near the town of Old Goa. Spanning across the Mandovi River near Panjim is the majestic Mandovi Bridge. The Mandovi Bridge links the towns of Panjim to Betim.

The Mandovi River originates from Bhimgad in the Sahyadri range of mountains in Karnataka. It is also known as the Mhadei at its source. Along with the Zuari River, the Mandovi is the backbone of Goa as the river has the largest drainage basin in the state. It flows for nearly seventy-seven kilometers.

In Goa, after a restricted course through the flat-topped range, while receiving waters of the Volvonta coming from Ambekhol of Chorla Ghat and as many other smaller streams join in, the Madei emerges into a more open valley and from Bembol to Pilgao takes a north westerly course for about 17 km. swinging towards the west to join the Arabian sea at Panaji. From Bembol, where it meets the river Khandepar the Madei becomes the Mandovi.