ABOUT VASCO-DA-GAMA:

• Headquarters of Mormugao taluka was named after Vasco Da Gama, the discover of sea route to India.
• Also known as Vasco, the town is set on the western tip of Mormugao peninsula overlooking the left bank of the mouth of River Zuari.
• Vasco first come under the Portuguese rule in 1543 and went on to become one of the busiest ports on India’s western coast.
• In 1684, due to the increasing threats of Maratha invasion over Old Goa, the woman folk and non-combatant men were shifted here for safety.
• Construction of the town was finally completed in the late 18^th century.
• The residential and commercial portion of the Mormugao Port, which by then had become Goa’s major harbour.

 

MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Goa International Airport, Dabolim (GOI), 4 kms away from Vasco-Da-Gama centre.
• Rail: Vasco-Da-Gama Railway Station, Vasco-Da-Gama, 4 kms away from Vasco-Da-Gama city centre.
• Road: Well connected by road.

 

SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:

FORT & MONUMENTS	Mormugao Fort
BEACHES	Hansa Beach   Bogmalo   Majorda   Betalbatim   Colva   Benaulim   Varca & Cavelossim   Mobor   Betul   Agonda   Palolem   Galjibaga Beach   Polem
SCENIC SITE	Pilot Point
OTHERS	Mormugao   Mormugao Harbour
FAIRS & FESTIVALS	Christmas Diwali Feast of Three Kings Food Festival Ganesh Chaturthi Goa Carnival Good Friday Sao Joao Festival Shigmotsav St. Francis Xavier’s Feast

For more information visit  https://www.goa.gov.in/places/vasco/

ATTRACTIONS AROUND VASCO-DA-GAMA

 

Mormugao:

• 4 kms away from Vasco-Da-Gama city centre.
• An important commercial port town on the western coast of India.

 

Mormugao Harbour:

• Natural harbour is one of the finest anchorages on the western coast.
• Several steamers and vessels can be seen anchored in the stream, which carry iron ore and bauxite mined from the hills of Goa.
• Ferry service ply from Mormugao to Dona Paula across the Zuari River.
• From the bay relics of 17^th century Portuguese fort, chapel and colonial villas nestled atop a promontory can be seen.

 

Hansa Beach:

• It is lies inside the Naval base (INS) Hansa.

 

Mormugao Fort:

• Fort overlooking the harbour is now in ruins.
• Only parts of the ramparts and a small chapel are visible.

 

Pilot Point:

• It lies at the base of the Old Mormugao fort.
• Affords a fine view of the river Zuari, Dona Paula and the Mormugao Harbour.

 

Dabolim:

• 4 kms away from Vasco-Da-Gama city centre.
• Dabolim has the only airport of Goa, which is actually a naval aviation base.
• Houses the headquarters of the Indian Navy’s aviation arm, as well as Museum.
• During the Navy week (end of November to early December), the base is opened for tourists and spectacular aviation shows are held here.

 

• Bogmalo:
  • Silvery beach just 4 kms south of the Dabolim Airport and 8 kms away from Vasco-Da-Gama.
  • It has water sports facilities like windsurfing, water-skiing etc.

 

SOUTH GOA BEACHES

 

South Goa is also endowed string of beautiful beaches. The beach journey can be commenced from Margo, which is a railway junction.

 

Majorda:

• Tranquil beach has some excellent resort complexes.

 

Betalbatim:

• It lies to the south of Majorda, near the famous Colva beach.

 

Colva:

• This beautiful beach is 6 kms west of Margao.
• It is also known for the Church of Our Lady of Mercy.

 

Benaulim:

• Tranquil beach is just 2 kms south of Colva and 4 kms from Margao.
• Benaulim village is also famous for exquisitely carved wooden furniture.

 

Varca & Cavelossim:

• Fine coastline extending for about 10 kms south of Benaulim beach is dotted with some charming beaches.

 

Mobor:

• Sal estuary meets the sea over here.

 

Betul:

• It is 22 kms from Margao.

 

Agonda:

• Picturesque beach flanked by lush hills is 7 kms from Chaud and 14 kms south of Cabo Da Rama.

 

Palolem:

• Secluded palm fringed beach flanked by hills is the one of the most enchanting spots of Goa.
• It is about 37 kms from Margao.

 

Galjibaga Beach:

• It lies towards the south bank of Talpona River.

 

Polem:

• It is the southernmost beach of Goa, about 30 kms south of Chaudi.
• Solitary beach is a strip of smooth white sand and is very clean.
• It is visited regularly by dolphins and fish eagles.