Cities of Goa

The ancient way to tone up your mind, body and soul Situated on the western coastline of India, Goa is split into two districts, North Goa with the capital city of Panaji and South Goa with places such as Vasco da Gama and Margao. On one side stand the palm trees, lush green and swaying in the wind, and on the other the vast Indian Ocean greets you.

Fort Aguada & Copndolim
One of the main bastions commanding the entrance into the Mandovi River was Fort Aguada. Built by the Portuguese in 1612, with a church, the new lighthouse (which can be visited during specified hours 4 to 530 pm, barracks (Aguda Jail) along the beachside (Sinquerim beach lies below the fort) - its worth visiting.

Mapusa
A small town clustered around the Mount (Alto) is Mapusa. It forms the hub of north Goa with an even blend of residential and commercial establishments. Its 13 kms away from Panaji, a sharing taxi or a bus will take you there. Known popularly for its Friday market, people from all over Goa come here to buy and sell their wares.

Margao
The main population center of southern Goa is Margao, the capital of Salcete Province. The town still has reminders of the Portuguese past. It is a peaceful and pleasant place. The old Margao church is worth a visit and the covered market is the best of its kind in the whole of Goa.

Old Goa
9 km from the East of Panjim is Old Goa and is popular for its churches and cathedrals. Some of the old buildings are converted into museums maintained by Archaeological Survey of India.

Panjim
The state capital of Goa is Panjim and is popularly known as the seat of the Government. It also houses the head offices of most business concerns. Panjim is also known as Panaji and is one of the India's smallest and pleasantest state capitals and is located on the south bank of the wide Mandovi River.

Ponda
Ponda is also known as Antruz Mahal. It's called so because of the concentration of culture, music, drama and poetry. It also houses the temples of Lord Mangesh (Shiva), Lord Nagesh, Lord Ganapati, Lord Ramnath and the Goddesses Mahalasa and Shantdurga.

Vasco-De-Gama
Goa's most cosmopolitan city, Vasco-Da-Gama, also known as Vasco, it lies on the narrow western tip of the Mormugao peninsula, overlooking the mouth of the Zuari River.