The main Towns in Goa

PANAJI

Panaji is one of India's smallest and most pleasant state capital. Located on the south bank of the wide Mandovi river, it officially became the capital of Goa in 1843. The town is worth a visit as it has a lot to offer the new as well the old. In the oldest part of the town, the Portuguese heritage has survived remarkably well; there are narrow winding streets, old houses with overhanging balconies and red tiled roofs, whitewashed Churches and numerous small bars and cafes.

MARGAO

Margao is the main town of South Goa, even though rapid urbanization has transformed Margao, it still retains some of the old Portuguese grandeur. There are some of the old magnificent houses that remain well maintained. The richly decorated Church of the Holy Spirit is worth the visit. The main bus stand which is about 1.5 Kms away from the main town acts as a main transport center for the people of South Goa. Margao has gained more significance with the opening of the Konkan railway, which is the main railway terminus at South Goa.

PONDA

Ponda, the administrative headquarters of the taluka,
is situated 28kms southeast of Panaji and 17kms northeast of Margao.The Panaji-Bangalore national highway NH4 passes through Ponda. Its proximity to some of the state's largest iron ore mines has lead to spring up of small factories and industrial estates on the outskirts of the town. One of the main tourists attraction is the Safa masjid, Goa's best preserved sixteen-century Muslim monument.

MAPUSA

This largest urban center of north Goa has made a mark due to the exotic weekly bazaars that are held in these town. Every Friday people ( Goans, tourists ) flock here to buy anything from an old brass lamp to garments, or even have a glimpse of how trade takes place at this famous market.

VASCO-DA-GAMA

This is the port city of Goa