Goa - A Closer Look

Things to see & do in GOA

Panjim:

This would probably be the starting point of your tour. Panjim, the capital city has a distinct laid-back character. The town has some of the most beautiful Portuguese buildings and villas. Worth visiting here is the Fontainas, which is a living museum showcasing the life and culture of Goa. For those spiritually-inclined, the Mangueshi Temple is built in Portuguese style and dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

Beaches:

What strikes first when you visit Goa, is miles of unending beaches, but it surely offers much more. North Goa’s prominent beach is the Anjuna Beach, which is known for its full-moon night parties. Visit some of the other well-known but quieter beaches of Baga, Calangute, Colva, Chapora and Calangute, which offer picture-perfect sandy coves and coconut palms. South Goa, on the other hand has more relaxing beaches, of which Bogamalo is better known, which also offers a range of prominent cafés. The sleepy beaches of Colva and Benaulim, the tranquility, the idyllic fishing village of Betul, make this a truly exciting experience.

Churches:

Among the structures of Old Goa, the most prominent is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier. Contained in a silver casket, the body is lowered for public viewing once every 10 years. Visit another historical site, the Convent & Church of St Francis of Assisi, which has intricate gilded and carved woodwork and a floor substantially made of carved gravestones. One of the largest cathedrals in Asia, the Gothic Se Cathedral is a fine blend of Portuguese and Gothic architecture. Once characterized by two bell towers, today there exists only one tower with five bells, including the ‘Golden Bell’ whose resonance can be heard thrice daily. Other churches worth visiting are Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and Church of Our Lady of Mount.

Shopping:

While shopping is imperative here, one of the most prominent of North Goan sites is the Anjuna Flea Market that happens every Wednesday. It is much frequented by tourists, hippies and artists alike

About VASCO:

Vasco-da-Gama in Goa

Vasco da Gama, 29-km by road southwest of Panjim, sits on the narrow western tip of the Marmagoa (also known as Mormugao) peninsula, overlooking the mouth of the Zuari River. Acquired by the Portuguese in 1543, this strategically important site was formerly among the busiest ports on India's west coast. It remains a key shipping centre, with container vessels and iron ore barges clogging the choppy river mouth, but holds nothing of interest for visitors, particularly since the completion of the Konkan Railway, when Goa's main railhead shifted from here to Margao. The only conceivable reason one might want to come to Vasco is to catch a bus to Dabolim airport, of Bogmalo beach, 8-km southeast.
Prime Attractions of Vasco-de-gama Bogmolo BeachThe sandy beach at the end of the cove would be even more picturesque were it not for the monstrous multi-storey edifice perched above it. more.. The Naval Aviation MuseumThe first naval museum in Asia was inaugurated at Dabolim, Vasco in 1998 and opened for public from the 19th October 1998. The museum showcases the history of Indian Naval Aviation, various aircrafts, weapons, sensors, safety equipment, rare photographs depicting Goa's liberation and artifacts..

How To Get There - Vasco-da-Gama

By Air, Dabolim, Goa's airport, lies on top of a rocky plateau, 4-km southeast of Vasco da Gama. A large new civilian terminal was recently constructed at this naval aerodrome to accommodate Goa's rapidly increasing air traffic, but to avoid delays aim to check in well in advance.
Facilities in the terminal buildings include State Bank Of India

Foreign Exchange Desks, Post Office Counters, and counters for domestic airlines. There's also a handy Pre-Paid Taxi Counter outside the main exit.

Kadamba buses for Panjim are supposed to meet domestic airlines flights, or one can catch a regular bus from the intersection immediately outside the airport to Vasco, from where there are services to Margao and Panjim, Goa's principal transport hubs.

By Rail, Vasco is laid out in a grid, bordered by Marmagao bay to the north, and by the railway line on its southern side. Apart from the cluster of oil storage tanks, the town's most prominent landmark is the railway station at the south end of the main Dr. Rajendra Prasad Avenue. By RoadArriving by bus from Panjim or Margao, you'll be dropped off at the Interstate Kadamba Terminus, 3-km east of the town centre. Local minibuses ferry passengers from here to the more central market bus stand.

At local minibuses ferry passengers from here to the more central market bus stand, at the top of the square, where buses from Dabolim airport also pull in. Auto-rickshaws, and Ambassador and motorcycle taxis, hang around on the corner of Swatantra Path and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Avenue, near the station and the small cycle rental stall.

Places To Stay - Vasco-da-Gama

Thanks to its business city status, Vasco boasts a better than average batch of hotels. Most are plush mid-range places, although there are several no-frills lodges near the railway station. Best of the budget bunch is available on the Dattatreya Deshpande Road. One can also try the GTDC Tourist Hostel, off Swatantra Path near the station, or the hotels situated east of the main square on FL Gomes Road.
Moving upscale hotels situated at Pe Jose Vaz Road, currently offers the best value for money among Vasco's many modern mid-range places. Finally, for fully air-conditioned comfort, complete with plush bars, restaurants and a gym, check in to the hotels on Swatantra Path.
Useful Information - Vasco-da-GamaExchange

Money: If one needs to change money, head for The State Bank Of India at the north end of F L Gomes Road. GTDC's Tourist Information Counter is in the lobby of their tourist hostel.