Pernem is a city and a municipal council in North Goa district. The Chapora River borders the Pernem taluka to the south and the Tiracol River to the north. Pernem is the northernmost subdivision of Goa that touches the Maharashtra border. Pernem talukas capital city is also called Pernem and it is situated 27 km from Panaji. Most inhabitants in dwelling here survive on the local land by farming and fishing in the nearby rivers. While travelling to Goa, tourists bypass over Pernem. Konkani, Marathi, English, Portuguese and Hindi languages are spoken here, like in other parts of Goa.
Pernem houses two famous monuments, the Shri Bhagwati Temple and Deshprabhu House. The Shri Bhagwati temple dedicated to Parvati, Lord Shiva`s situated in the small town of Pernem is a famous monument here. The deity of the temple takes a furious form of jet black rock and the entrance of the temple is guarded by a pair of colossal multicoloured elephants.
Deshprabhu House is the abode of the world`s only Hindu Viscount the Visconde de Pernem. The Deshprabhu House is also called as Sitaram Vilas and the Viscount`s Palace. It is Goa`s greatest Hindu Mansion and is a popular monument in Pernem. The mansion was built to for the noble family who fought against Portugal for the independence of India in 1961. 14,000 soldiers with their weapons, cavalry, guns and elephants also dwelled in the mansion. Deshprabhu House also houses a small museum and a temple. In the museum the pictures of the first ever car imported in Goa during the 1920`s have been displayed. The car was imported by the Raja.
The original Chapel in Pernem was erected in 1852 and later built into a Parish on January 02, 1855. St. Joseph Church was rebuilt in 1864. Fr. Camilo Simoes was appointed as the Parish Priest and in 2002 the Parish was again renovated.
Apart from these buildings Pernem also attracts tourists for its scenic beauty. The fishing village of Arambol situated on the south of the river Chapora is worth experiencing. The beautiful Pernem coastline bordered by long sandy beaches, lagoons and coconut plantations has been an attractive place for the visitors. The picturesque beauty of the place is further enhanced by some magnificent temples like the Chandeshwar Temple, Morjee Temple and the Sapteshwar Temple.
