Goa is one of the most important and famous tourist
destinations in India. Located on the West coast of India, Goa is a
small state with lots of Natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here, we
highlight some of the cities of Goa.
Canacona
Ceded to the Portuguese by the Raja of Sund in the treaty of 1791,
Canacona district was among the last parts of the territory to be
absorbed into the Novas Conquistas, and has retained a distinctly Hindu
feel.
The area also boasts some of the state's most outstanding scenery. Set
against a backdrop of the Jungle covered Sahyadri Hills (an extension of
the Western Ghats Range), a string of pearl white coves and sweeping
beaches scoop its indented coastline.
Mapusa
The ramshackle market town of Mapusa is the district headquarters of
Bardez Taluka. If one arrives by road from Mumbai and plan to stay in
one of the north Goan resorts, one can jump off the bus here and pick up
a local service straight to the coast, rather than continue on to
Panjim, 13-km south.
Margao
Margao is Goa's second largest town and a bustling commercial centre.
Barely frequented by travelers, this central Goan town has an
old-worldly charm about it because of its Old Portuguese churches, and
fine country houses decked with dark rosewood furniture.
Surrounded by fertile farmland, the town has always been an important
agricultural market, and was once a major religious centre, with dozens
of wealthy temples and Dharamshalas- however; most of these were
destroyed when the Portuguese adsorbed the area into their Novas
Conquistas during the 17th century.
Panjim (Panaji)
Called Panjim by the Portuguese, Panaji means "the land that does
not flood". It is the state capital of Goa. Unlike many capital
cities, Panaji has a distinct unhurried character. It is situated on the
southern banks of the Mandovi River, which makes this town all the more
charming.
Typical of a Goan town, Panaji is built around a church facing a
prominent square. The town has some beautiful Portuguese Baroque style
buildings and enchanting old villas. The riverside, speckled with
brightly whitewashed houses with wrought iron balconies, offers a fine
view.
Ponda
Ponda can be described as the Hindu heart of Goa. It is famous for the
five important temples that are situated around the town, and also has
the largest mosque in Goa. Most of these temples look relatively new as
they have been restored after being destroyed by the Portuguese. That
explains why there are no temples around the coast, which was the prime
territory of the Portuguese. Ponda is also an important transport link.
Vasco-da-Gama
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.
