VASCO DA GAMA District : South Goa District Location : Western tip of Mormugao Peninsula Known As : Vasco Best Time to Visit : September to February

Vasco da Gama - The Theoritical Capital of Goa

Vasco da Gama Port, Goa

Panjim Margao Goa Great Walks

Mapusa Canacona

Ponda Towns & Cities

It is all about a solitary cross that stands on the sun-kissed sands of Mormugao Harbour, the signature of Vasco da Gama. Despite perfect leisure options augmented by lots of water, swaying palms, sunshine and sea breeze, the city doesnot laze around and sip it all in. Because it is home to Dabolim Airport, Mormugao Port and Goa's biggest naval base, this slender strip of land is home to people from across India. Overlooking the Zuari river, it's a city that is named after the famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama. Vasco, today is as busy as Old Goa might have been at its height of commercial activity.

At one point Vasco, or rather Mormugao, missed being the capital by a whisker. The Viceroy of the time, D Fransico de Tavora on January 12, 1684 decided to shift the state capital to Vasco. The city saw many colossal buildings shed their attire and stand up. Viceroy's Palace, offices and warehouse sprung up to take care of the needs of future. Ironically, the Court of Lisbon brought an abrupt end to all dreams in 1712. The buildings which were designed to carry political activity now stand to entertain the tourists. The colourful and cordial ambiance only add to the flavour. So wherever you come from, Vasco is one place where you will feel perfectly at home.

Blend Yourself With The Charms of The City

Follow the Mormugao Port Trust Road, which scales uphill before turning to an open space with benches and concrete deck. Welcome to Pilot Point. As the name goes, this serene pad affords a magnificent view of his port city and of course, Mormugao Harbour. If you happen to visit Vasco during the monsoons, watch your steps since the floor is mossy. The rose in the bouquet is apparantly the Mormugao Port. One of India's finest natural harbours, this classic port is an important passage for Goa's premier export industry - mining. Beside being an eminent gateway to tourists, Mormugao Port also carved its own niche in media during the WW II. Many actions including the finding of the hidden transmitter and the subsequent raid was made into a film 'Sea Wolves' starring Gregory Peck and Roger Moore. Enjoy a leisure walk in the evening amidst beautiful lightings that bedeck the port.

Walk further up the road from Pilot Point, right at the very top of the Mormugao Ridge, to visit the Japanese Garden. It is home to the remnants of the Fortaleza Santa Catarina. Once a strategic point of defence, the ruins now offer an enchanting view of the Zuari river flowing silently into the arms of Arabian Sea. Walk along the paved steps that will lead to a small temple with a large name, Shri Durgamata Shiv Mandir. Take off your shoes before you walk on the blessed ground. A 'pradakshina' (going round around the shrine) is a must in this white temple. Visit the Shiva temple right opposite the main shrine, which houses a beautiful effigy of the Lord. There is a small cross located at a little distance from where you can see the rose-coloured 'shikara' of the temple.

When in Vasco, don't forget to visit the Naval Aviation Museum. This museum, situated on the road to Bogmalo, adjoining INS Hansa is the only one of its kind in India. You will be amazed to see the grand array of aircraft and amunitions housed in this museum headquarter. You will be accompanied with a seaman who will explain the various exhibits to you. Remember to see the rare models and photographs of the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. You can also see a Super Constellation and a Sea Hawk with folded wings. Take a tour to the virtual reality centre which offers flight simulator video games and a Sea Harrier cockpit simulator. The museum is closed on Mondays and is open from 10am-5pm.

Bogmalo Beach, Goa

Bogmalo Beach - Everything Is Sand

Once in Vasco, you just can't resist the charm of visiting the Bogmalo Beach, more because, the city's own beach, Baina, is a favoured spot for slumfair. Bounded by green hills on three sides, its grainy golden sand and big surf make Bogmalo a different experience altogether. Enjoy diving at more than half a dozen sites and you can also go for a 3-5 day PADI open water course, which gives you a certificate permitting you to dive anywhere in the world! Don't miss a delicious sea-food lunch at the beach.

Drive Your way

Vasco is a planned city with a geometric road network, with two main avenues and smaller connecting perpendicular roads. Situated at the western tip of the Mormugao Peninsula in South Goa, Vasco da Gama nestles 30 km from Panaji confortably by the Zuari River and the Arabian Sea. The Dabolim Airport is just outside Vasco limits, at a distance of 7 km from the downtown. So, once you cross the airport road, you are in Vasco. The South-Central Vasco da Gama railway station is located at the suth end of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Avenue and is connected to many major destinations of south and central India. The Kadamba bus terminal is about 3 km from the city centre, on NH 17A. If you plan to come from Panjim, drive on NH 17 upto Cortalim, with enroute halts at Bambolim, Goa Velha and Agassaim, before you turn towards NH 17A to reach Vasco via Sancoale and Chicalim.