Vasco da Gama
Popular City of Goa
Vasco da Gama (also called "Vasco") is one of Goa's salient industrial area. It is a densely populated city with its railhead, airport and port all in close radius. The Dabolim Airport, Mormugao Port, the state's biggest naval base, and a geometrically planned road network have given Vasco its metropolis status.
Importantly, Vasco is the only Goan city that has connectivity through air, rail, road and sea. Due to this, tourists often halt here and then move on to other parts of the state. Unlike other places in Goa, life is fast paced here.
Vasco is located on the narrow western tip of Mormugao Peninsula in South Goa, overlooking the mouth of the Zuari River. The site was initially acquired by the Portuguese in 1543, and it took Mormugao a century to metamorphose into one of the busiest ports on India's west coast.
Vasco was once considered for the capital of Goa. The decision to shift the capital from Old Goa to the Mormugao Peninsula was made on January 12, 1684. But the court of Lisbon rejected this decision in 1712.
Presently, a major part of Vasco's population comprises immigrants from neighboring states. Lured by the prospect of employment in Vasco's iron-ore and barge-building yards, many flock here but not everyone has a success story to narrate. Vasco being an industrial and commercial place is full of the hum of a city on the move.
HOW TO GET THERE
To reach Vasco da Gama, you can take a taxi from Dabolim Airport, Vasco Station (1km), Margao Station (28km) and Panaji (32km). Vasco is directly connected to major Indian cities by flights, through road and rail. Cruise liners also dock here occasionally, bringing in foreign tourists.
PLACES TO VISIT IN VASCO DA GAMA
If you want to know about Goa's interesting naval history, visit the Naval Aviation Museum. Vasco's church and temples give you an insight into the rich spiritual and architectural heritage of Goa.
Mormugao Port
This port is the export hub of Goa's mining industry. The plan to sink about 46 Allied ships during World War II was hatched from here. A German ship, Ehrenfels, relayed information about the movement of Allied ships to their U-boats. The film Sea Wolves and James Leasor's book, The Boarding Party, are based on this episode.
Every year, around 30 cruise ships dock here. Tourists can go for a quick tour of the beaches on these cruises.
Pilot Point
From Pilot Point, tourists get an amazing view of the city and the Mormugao Harbour. But during monsoons, going uphill can be quite tricky as the terrain gets slippery. You have to follow the Mormugao Port Trust road and then climb uphill to reach the Pilot Point.
Japanese Garden
To reach the Japanese Garden, on top of the Mormugao Ridge, you need to walk further up from the Pilot Point. In this garden, maintained by the Mormugao Port Trust, you can see ruins of the Fortaleza Santa Catarina. Huge walls of the fort, which was of strategic importance during the colonial period, enclose the garden.
Shri Durgamata Shiv Mandir
It is a white shrine, with a rose-coloured shikhar. Just across is a Shiva shrine and there is also a small Cross, a short distance away. Legend says that the temple was built after Goddess Durga appeared in the dreams of a man who had come from Orissa in search of his brother. Interestingly, all the pujaris of this temple are from Orissa.
Naval Aviation Museum
This museum is unique in India. Located on the road to Bogmalo, adjoining INS Hansa, it displays various kinds of aircraft and weaponry used by the Indian Navy. Escorting the visitors is a seaman who explains the exhibits to them.
The museum has numerous rooms, each with its own significance. The armament room exhibits bombs and torpedoes. The safety equipment room has the complete flying gear of a pilot. There is also a rare collection of photographs on the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. The Archive Hall showcases the model of the ship. INS Viraat. Significantly, amidst all the weapons of death and destruction is a meditation room.
PLACES AROUND VASO DA GAMA
Bogmalo Beach
Eight kilometers southeast of Vasco da Gama and 4 km from Dabolim Airport, Bogmalo Beach is a small and exclusive beach made all the more attractive by the green hills surrounding it from three sides. Bogmalo Beach Resort, a five-star hotel, dominating Bogmalo is a favorite haunt of tourists. This beach is also the hub for various kinds of water sports.
FESTIVALS
The Saptah festival, a 15-day long celebration, is held around August-September and is celebrated in a traditional manner at the Damodar Temple.
ACCOMMODATION
Vasco da gama offers both luxurious and basic accommodation. The options range from three-star hotels to low-budget hotels. Usually, most tourists use Vasco da Gama as a transit point to other cities.
WHERE TO EAT
There are many eating joints in Vasco da Gama that serve vegetarian, Chinese, Continental and Goan food. Biryani and fish curry and rice are a few good options to try.
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