India’s first custom and excise museum in Goa

When in Goa, do not forget to visit India’s one and only Indian Customs and Central Excise Museum housed in a heritage building in Panaji. Originally built in 1600 and then renovated in 1834, the building was the Customs office under Portuguese rule. Between 1963 and 2000, it was the headquarters of Goa’s Indian Customs and Central Excise Department. Located near Panaji bus stand, the museum with four galleries will give you an idea about the evolution of customs and excise in India, the battle of wits between government officials and smugglers, and some of the artefacts seized, including antiques such as the gilded idol of Jambala that was smuggled into India from Nepal. The museum remains open from Tue-Sat, from 11am-1pm and 3-5pm.