Ponda
Temple City of Goa, India
Though more popular as a temple town, Ponda and its neighborhood now have a number of small industries, factories and shops. Apart from the 18th-century Municipal Building, there are not many sites to substantiate the presence of Portuguese here. Ponda was under Portuguese rule for a much shorter period compared to the central coast. Like other so-called "New Conquests" of Goa, the area came under Portuguese rule after the stranglehold of the Inquisition had almost disappeared from Portuguese Goa. The area earlier belonged to the Raja of Sounda. Many temples, facing the intolerance of early Portuguese rule in central coastal Goa, were shifted to Ponda taluka. Later, the local ruler, the Raja of Sounda, ceded the territory to the Portuguese and was granted refuge in their domain. Ponda is located in the heart of Ponda taluka and is easy to reach. Places of interest here are the temples, spice plantations and wildlife sanctuaries. HOW TO GET THEREThe central road in Ponda is the Main Road and another crucial one is the Belgaum Road. The NH4A connects Panaji to Belgaum in Karnataka via Old Goa and Ponda.
KTC buses connecting Ponda with Panaji, Mapusa, Vasco and Margao are fairly efficient and run at a quick interval of 15 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Dabolim Airport (45km), Karmali Station (17km) and Panaji (29km). PLACES TO VISIT IN PONDA
Safa Shahouri MasjidOne of the 27 mosques built in Ponda in 1560 by Ibrahim Adil Shah, this mosque was once surrounded by gardens and fountains. However, not much is left of its former grandeur.Mount Carmel ChapelThe Chapel, built by the Portuguese in Ward 8, was used for the battalion stationed there. Neat and elegant, the chapel's altars are of dark, carved wood. The Indian Army is now using the barracks.The Miraculous CrossThe Miraculous Cross, also called "Goddar", is located opposite the police station. It is the venue for the Feast of the Holy Cross, held every year on May 3. People from different communities and religious groups attend the feast.AROUND PONDAThere are many temples around Ponda. Some of the leading temples worth visiting are: Mangueshi Temple, Mahalsa Temple, Shantadurga Temple, Nagueshi Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple and Kamaxi temple.
ACCOMMODATIONGetting good accommodation is not a difficult task in Ponda. You can find many hotels that provide you with a comfortable stay.
WHERE TO EATDue to the large population of Hindus, Ponda is both a 'fish-eaters and a vegetarians' paradise. The local menu is fish-based, and this is a must-try for visitors to the region. There are plenty of udupi restaurants here.
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