Cities of Goa

PANAJI (PANJIM) : The capital city of the State is located in Tiswadi taluka on the left bank of the river Mandovi. It can boast of having the oldest Municipality in Asia. It is a city of fine gardens and statues. Enchanting panorama unfolds from atop Altinho (Hill top).

VASCO: It is the port city across the river Zuari about 40 kms from Panaji. Its roads have a geometric layout with imposing multi-storied buildings. Close by is the Dabolim airport and the internationally famous natural port of Mormugao. It is also the railway terminus.

MARGAO: It is the most important town in South Goa connected by rail and the national highway with Karnataka and Maharashtra and is located in Salcete Taluka. An important commercial and cultural centre of Goa, noted for its old mansions influenced by Western architecture, it is the head-quarters of South Goa District.

MAPUSA: An important commercial town in North Goa, it is situated in Bardez taluka on the National Highway 17. It has a beautiful layout with gardens and a church. The weekly Friday bazaar is held at the modern streamlined market and attended by large crowds.

MORMUGAO HARBOUR: (33 kms from Panaji) Four kms from Vasco da Gama, one of the famous natural harbours on the west coast of India and the hub of intense maritime activity. Passenger and cargo ships call here from all over the world.

MOLLEM: Situated along the north-east border of Goa, about one and half hours journey from Panaji along Panaji-Belgaum National highway, the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary covers about 240 sq kms. of thick forest clad slopes of Western Ghats and its - valleys and is the biggest of the four sancturies of Goa. The sanctuary is rich in wild life. It is a paradise for bird watchers. Besides flora and fauna there are many important natural geological and historical features in this sanctuary. "Devils Canyon" is one of the most beautiful geological spots.

BICHOLIM: About 40 kms from Mapusa, in this district is the Mayem Lake. Scenic beauty in quiet surroundings. Nearby is the famous Tambdi Surla, Shiva temple.

VALPOI: Beyond Bicholim is this densely forested area famous for its spice farms, caju plantations and forest produce.

OLD GOA: 10 kms east of Panaji lies the city of Old Goa founded by Adil Shah, in the first decade of the 16th century. It was developed by him with a view to shift his capital from Bijapur, However, Afonso de Albuquerque stormed and took the city in 1510 which then became centre of power of the Portuguese colonies for a few centuries.

PONDA: Ponda is a singularly drab town in the interior of Goa. The only reason to go to Ponda is if you are visiting the wildlife reserves or the nearby Hindu temples. Ponda is the Hindu heartland of Goa. Near the town are the five most famous Hindu Temples and the 'largest' mosque of Goa. The deities of most of these temples are ancient. Hindus fleeing from the coastal areas shifted these here during the Portuguese Inquisition. The Bijapur ruler Ibrahim Adil Shah built the Safa Masjid, a relatively small mosque, in 1560. This is one of the few Muslim shrines not destroyed by the Portuguese.

TIRACOL: An old portuguese fort now converted into a hotel. Great view and must see once.