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A fort named as Sada Fort was constructed here to monitor
the movements of ships into the Zuari river. Soon after its construction,
the fort was abandoned and today some remnants of the ramparts can be seen.
At the base of the ruined fort is a picturesque beach, which can be reached
via steps leading down the steep rock.
Named after Portugal's greatest sailor Vasco-da-Gama, Vasco missed being the
capital of Goa by a whisker. In 1684, the Viceroy D Francisco de Tavora,
decided to shift the capital from Old Goa to Mormugao peninsula.
A number of
buildings were built that include the Viceroy's House, offices and
warehouses, but the Lisbon Court cancelled the plan in 1712. Despite the
fact, Vasco remains the only city in Goa which has air, rail, road and sea
links. Today, Vasco is a well-planned city with a geometric road network,
with two main avenues interlinked by small bylanes.
Location : 32 kms south east of Panaji.
Attractions : Mormugao Port, Pilot Point, Japanese Garden, Naval Aviation
Museum and Saptah Festival.
Best Time to Visit : October to March. |
Tourist Attractions in Vasco-da-Gama
Mormugao Port
One of India's few natural harbours, Mormugao Port has its importance as an
export point for Goa's mining industry. In the recent years the tourism
industry has flourished here alongwith the mining. From Mormugao Port a
number of cruise ships sail in morning and steam out in the late evening.
You can take a quick tour of Goa's beaches, churches, temples and several
other destinations by these cruise ships.
Pilot Point
Take the Mormugao Port Trust Road, which climbs uphill to the Pilot Point.
It is an open space with small benches and concreted decoration. Pilot Point
provides a spectacular view of the port city, Vasco da Gama and bustling
Mormugao Port.
Japanese Garden
Move further ahead the road from Pilot Point, at the top of the Mormugao
Ridge is the picturesque Japanese Garden. This garden is famous for housing
the ruins of the Fortaleza Santa Catarina. The magnificent wall of the fort
runs through the garden and it was of immense significance for defence
during the colonial era. Fortaleza Santa Catarina affords a splendid view of
the Zuari river. Other attractions of this garden are a small beach and the
Shri Durgamata Shiv Mandir.
Naval Aviation Museum
Situated on the Bogmalo Road, Naval Aviation Museum is probably only of its
kind in India and one of the few in Asia. Set against the superb backdrop of
the Bogmalo beach, the museum exhibits various kinds of aircrafts and the
weapons utilized by Indian Naval Air Arm. When you will visit this museum, a
guide will accompany you to explain about the exhibits.
Visit the Armament
room and see a collection of various bombs used against surface targets and torpedos which target submarines. Further, move to virtual reality centre
which offers flight simulator video games and a Sea Harrier cockpit model
simulator.
Saptah Festival
Vasco da Gama is renowned for its Saptah Festival, celebrated at the Damodar
Temple. The 15 day festival is perhaps the biggest festival in Goa, which is
organized in the month of September. During this time, the commercial town
of Vasco comes alive with colourful parades and devotional music.
Tourist Attractions Around Vasco-da-Gama
Bogmalo Beach
Bogmalo Beach is just 8 kms south east of Vasco town. The less crowded beach
is certainly the most serene beaches of Goa. The green hills on its three
sides, golden sand and gentle surf make Bogmalo nothing short of paradise.
Out at sea is the Grande Island around which many diving sites are located.
Issorcim Beach
Just 1.5 kms ahead, before you reach Bogmalo is Issorcim Beach. This beach
is smaller in size and is good for fishing or passing some lonely moments.
Places Where You Can Stay
Vasco is a port city that caters to the needs of business as well as leisure
travellers. The town offers some good options for accommodation, ranging
from luxury hotels to mid-range and budget hotels.
Most of the hotels in
Vasco da Gama are concentrated around the railway station.
5 Star Hotel : Bogmalo Beach Park Plaza Resort (Near Dabolim airport).
3 Star Hotels : Hotel La Paz Gardens.
Other Hotels : GTDC Tourist Hotel, Hotel
How to Reach
By Air : Vasco is located at a distance of 7 kms from Dabolim
airport. The airport has flights for the major cities of India and also from
gulf countries like Kuwait and Sharjah. Pre-paid taxis and private taxis are
available from the airport to Vasco town.
By Train : Apart from Margao, Vasco is the main station of Goa.
Trains from all over India are available to Vasco. The railway station is
just one km away from the Vasco city centre and Margao railhed is 28 kms
away from Vasco.
By Bus : The interstate Kadamba Bus Stand is 3 kms east of the city
centre where all buses from Dabolim airport and other places reach. Regular
buses ply from Panaji (32 kms) and Margao (28 kms) to Vasco town.
By Ferry : You may reach to Vasco from Dona Paula by ferry launch.
Local Transport : For local transport auto-rickshaws and motorcycle
taxis are available. Local minibuses are also available which carry
passengers from the bus stand to the city area.
Following Goa Tourist Destinations
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