North Goa

Old Goa

State

Old Goa or Velha Goa ("Velha" means old in Portuguese) is a historical city in North Goa district in the Indian state of Goa. The city was constructed by the Bijapur Sultanate in the 15th century, and served as capital of Portuguese India from the 16th century until its abandonment in the 18th century due to plague. The remains of the city are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located 9 km to east of Panaji, Old Goa was the erstwhile capital of the Portuguese dominions in Goa. Before the arrival of the Portuguese on the Goan shores, Old Goa was the regal capital of Sultan Adil Shah of Bijapur. After defeating the armies of the Sultan, the Portuguese led by Alfonso de Albuquerque started building their empire around Old Goa.

History

The city was founded in the 15th century as a port on the banks of the Mandovi river by the rulers of the Bijapur Sultanate. The city was built to replace Govapuri, which lay a few kilometres to the south and had been used as a port by the Kadamba and Vijayanagar kings. Old Goa was the second capital of Bijapur under the rule of Adil Shah. It was surrounded by a moat and contained the Shah's palace, and his mosques and temples. The city was captured by the Portuguese, and was under Portuguese rule from 1510 as the administrative seat of Portuguese India. The Viceroy's residence was transferred in 1759 to the future capital, Panaji (then Pangim), at the time a village about 9 kilometres to its west.
The population was roughly 200,000 by 1543. Malaria and cholera epidemics ravaged the city in the 17th century and it was largely abandoned, only having a remaining population of 1,500 in 1775. It was then that the viceroy moved to Pangim. It continued to be the de jure capital of Gôa until 1843, when the capital was then shifted to Pangim (Ponnjê in Konkani, Nova Goa in Portuguese and Panjim in English). The abandoned city came to be known as "Velha Goa" (in Portuguese, 'Old Goa'), to distinguish it from the new capital Nova Goa (Panjim) and probably also Goa Velha (also meaning "Old Goa"), which was the Portuguese name for the town located on the old site of Govapuri.

Velha Goa was incorporated into the Republic of India in 1961, together with the rest of Goa.

Accessibility

How to Reach Old Goa by Road
Buses run frequently from Panaji's Kadamba bus terminal to various locations of Old Goa. One can also hire auto rickshaws and taxis, which are costlier but more convenient.

How to Reach Old Goa by Rail
The Karmali railway station is the nearest railhead.

How to Reach Old Goa by Air
The Dabolim Airport is located 29 km from Panaji.

Shopping

Shop for handicraft items and antiques in Old Goa as these are the best souvenirs that you can take back with you. Once you visit the local shops here, you will find plenty of exquisite artifacts encompassing bamboo work, trinkets made of stones and corals, brassware, artifacts made of papier-mâché, crochet etc. also don’t miss out on the local liquor, ‘Feni’, made of cashew nuts. You can also pick up a bottle of Port Wine, famous Goan liquor. Remember to bargain with the shopkeepers to have the best possible deals.

Visit Old Goa to buy yourself a antique, local wine called 'Fenny', cashewnuts or any traditional souvenier for your loved ones. Old Goa market looks very traditional and has got the best of Goan handicrafts and antiques.

Shopping in Old Goa is a virtual journey into the past of this erstwhile capital of the Portuguese rulers. Markets of Old Goa are just the right place for those looking for handicraft items and antiques to take back as memorable keepsakes. A vast array of exquisite artifacts encompassing bamboo work, trinkets made of stones and corals, Brassware, artifacts made of papier-mâché, crochet etc. would leave you mesmerized once you rummage through the local shops.

If you are a connoisseur of spirits and beverages, then don't miss out on the exotic Goan fare during your shopping in Goa. "Feni," a strong liquor made from Cashew nut, has assumed legendary proportions among the locals and tourists. You can also pick up a bottle of Port Wine, another famous Goan liquor. While one can shop till you drop, ensure that you bargain to your heart's content and clinch the best possible deal.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not available for tourists at Old Goa, you have to stay in Panaji which has good western style hotels and restaurants.
Deluxe Hotels : Goa Marriott Resort (Miramar, Panaji),

3 Star Hotel : Hotel Mandovi (D.B. Bandodkar Marg, Panaji),

2 Star Hotel : Hotel Nova Goa (Panaji), Hotel Solmar (Panaji), Panjim Inn (Panaji).

Topic

Panjim

State

Panaji is the capital of the Indian state of Goa. It lies on the banks of the Mandovi estuary, in the district of North Goa. With a population of 65,000 (a metropolitan population of 100,000 if suburbs are included), Panaji is Goa's third largest city after Vasco da Gama and Margao.

History

The history of Panaji goes back to the olden days of Purta Dharmas when the Kadamba king, Shasthadeva (1007-1050) entrusted Kalapa with the administration of Panajim. The inscriptions gathered from here reveal that Panajim was earlier known as Pahajani Khali - Pahajani from which Panajim allegedly got its name and Khali possibly refers to the creeks and backwaters flourishing in the area.

The Portuguese after the conquest of Goa, called Panajim as Panaji or Ponji. The Viceroy Dom Manuel de Saldanha de Albuquerque on December 1, 1759 took his residence from Panelim to Panajim. The old castle of Adil Shah was completely refurbished and a palace was built where the Government Secretariat stands at present.

After the collapse of Old Goa in the 19th century, Panajim was elevated to the position of a city on March 22nd 1843 and was renamed `Nova-Goa' (New Goa). After Goa became independent from the rule of the Portuguese in the year 1961, it came to be known as Panajim.

Accessibility

How to Reach Panaji by Road
Buses of state transport corporations of Goa and the neighboring states ply from the Kadamba bus stand, Panaji's main bus terminal. Private operators also run bus services to different destinations of the state.

How to Reach Panaji by Rail
The Panaji railway station is part of the Konkan Railway network. Trains run between Panaji and prominent cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and New Delhi. The Vasco Da Gama railway station is 30 km away from Panaji.

How to Reach Panaji by Air
The Dabolim Airport is located 29 km south of Panaji. Domestic flights operate between Dabolim and major cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Kochi, Delhi, Chennai and Thiruvananthpuram.

Shopping

Shopping in Panaji is an exciting affair. Untouched by the advances in technology and development, you can find a range of handicrafts and traditional Goan items. For branded shopping, head to colourful MG Road and the 18th June markets. You can shop branded clothes - cottons, denims, salwar kameezs, kids wear and sarees, shoes - leather, sport shoes, rainwear and jewellery in these markets. In these markets you will also find the liquor and wine shops.

Browse through the Panaji Corporation market where you will get everything, from local and exotic fruit and vegetable to fresh and dried fish. People come here to buy tiger prawns, mackerel, kingfish, squid, crabs, pomfret, mussels and oysters. The market also has stalls selling cloths, bags, shoes, electronic gadgets, spices, flowers and sweets.

Goa is a shopper's haven and the capital city of Panaji is one of the most exciting shopping destinations in the state. The shopping experience in Panaji is a blend of the exotic and the modern. While the local markets are a treasure trove of indigenous handicrafts, the upscale shopping malls teem with designer boutiques and international brands.

Scour the markets of Panaji for a wealth of artifacts including brassware, terracotta, shell work, Curios and old coins, carved furniture and a lot others. The Miramar beach, located 3 km away from the city, is another shopping hub thronged by locals and tourists alike. Local fisherman turned vendors would fall over each other too the potential customers. The ideal place to shop for trendy beachwear and hammocks.

Apart from the local markets, the government emporia in Panaji also do brisk business. The Goa Handicrafts Industries Development Corporation Emporium at Tourist Hotel in Panaji draws a number of shoppers with its offering of handicrafts.

Accommodation

In Panaji you will find a number of good hotels that will suit your budget. Make your selection from a wide range of hotels in Panaji that include five star and three star hotels, inns, guest houses and lodges.
5 Star Hotels : Goa Marriott Resort, The Majestic Goa.

3 Star Hotels : Hotel Golden Goa, Hotel Mandovi.

2 Star Hotel : Hotel Delmon, Hotel Nova Goa.

Topic

Pernem

State

Pernem is a city and a municipal council in North Goa district in the Indian state of Goa.
Pernem is a northmost administrative region or Taluka in North Goa. It is also the name of the town of Pernem, which is its headquarters. It has a Municipal Council. Geographically, Pernem is surrounded by Bicholim taluka on East, Arabian Sea on West, Bardez taluka on south and Sawantwadi taluka (Maharashtra State) on north.

Pernem is the northernmost administrative region of Goa. Pernem belongs to the sub-region called Novas Conquistas, or New Conquests, a group of seven administrative districts of mainland Goa which were annexed to Goa at a comparatively later date. Before being merged into Goa, Pernem was a part of the territory of the Rajas of Sawantwadi, a state on Goa's northern border.

History

Pernem is counted as belonging to one of the two Goan sub-regions, the Novas Conquistas, or New Conquests. It was taken over, lost and finally regained from the Rajas of Sawantwadi, a state on Goa's northern border that allied sometimes with the Portuguese and sometimes with the Marathas. (The Kingdom of Sawantwadi was integrated into the district of Ratnagiri after 1947 and is now part of the district of Sindhudurg). Later, it was largely belonged to Deshprabhu family as an estate. After Liberation of Goa by Indian Armed Forces from Portuguese, it became part of Union Territory of Goa.

Pernem is the Portuguese spelling (the m only makes the e nasal). The name in Konkani and Marathi is Pedne, and inhabitants are called Pednecar in Konkani and Pedneker in Marathi (giving the spoken forms). The surname Pednekar used by Konkanastha indicates origins in Pernem.

Accessibility

How to Reach Pernem by Road
Pernem is connected to the state capital Panaji by the National Highway 17. The NH 17 connects Goa to Mumbai. If you are planning to reach Pernem from the beaches of Anjuna, Vagator, or Chapora, you will have to travel a few kilometers inland to pick up the Main Calangute Road to the river crossing at Siolim.

How to Reach Pernem by Rail
The Pernem station lies on the Konkan railway network and is located at a distance of about 4 km east from the town. Pernem is the last station in Goa for trains leaving for Mumbai.

How to Reach Pernem by Air
Dabolim is the nearest airport to Pernem.

Shopping

As far as the shopping items are concerned, you will get the opportunity to choose from a wide range of artifacts and momentos. Artifacts made of shell work, bamboo work, brassware, curios and old coins, trinkets made of stones and corals, artifacts made of papier-mâché, carved furniture, and beachwear are some of the popular entries in shopping carts. While you bask in this shopping extravaganza, make it a thumb rule to bargain to your heart's content. In most cases, the quoted price is far higher than the actual price and use your persuasion and negotiation skills while bargaining with the feisty Goan vendors.

Topic

Ponda

State

Ponda is a city and a municipal council in North Goa district in the Indian state of Goa. It is located in the central part of Goa. Ponda city lies about 28 km south-east of Panaji and 17 km north-east of Margao and is also the capital of Ponda Taluka. Ponda is well connected by road to the Panaji (Capital of Goa) and main railway junction of Margao. It is the industrial centre of the state of Goa with many large factories and industrial estates located there. Ponda also is the fastest growing city in Goa. Goa's major engineering college, the Goa Engineering College, is located at nearby Farmagudi.Ponda is popularly known as to be the " Cultural Capital of Goa".

History

Ponda formed part of the Novas Conquistas or the "New Conquests" of the Portuguese. It was ruled by the Sonde Rajas under the Vijaynagar Kingdom or the Bijapur Sultanate. The territory of Ponda was not under Portuguese rule in the 16th Century and hence was seen as a safe haven by the Hindus fleeing persecution by the Jesuits and Portuguese. The forests of Ponda were ideal places for Hindus to form make shift temples with the Idols they had salvaged from the broken temples of Sashti (Salcette). These make shift temples were slowly renovated as the Hindus prospered again and now most of the Major Hindu temples in Goa are found here. The Portuguese eventually took over the area in 1791 from the Raja of Sonda along with Quepem, Canacona and Sanguem. It began as an administrative center with the establishment of administrative offices and court and soon became a commercial center. Most of the area known as Ponda today was a part of "Quela" (Kavalem) village. However religious zeal of the Portuguese had ebbed by the 18th century and Portugal itself had seen many political and religious changes due to the prevailing inquisition. Therefore Ponda continued to have a Hindu Majority even during the Portuguese rule.

Accessibility

How to Reach Ponda by Air
The Dabolim airport is the nearest airport to Ponda.

How to Reach Ponda by Rail/Train
The Margao (17 km) railway station is the nearest railhead to Ponda.

How to Reach Ponda by Road
Ponda is connected to state capital Panaji (28 km) by the National Highway 4A. The NH 4A also connects Ponda to the neighboring state of Karnataka. Buses ply regularly between Panaji and Margao via Ponda.

Accommodation

Ponda is dotted with a number of good hotels that offer comfortable stay. Most of the budget hotels are situated on the Belgaum Road which provide well-furnished rooms to guests. GTDC's Tourist Cottage at Farmgudi is the best mid-range hotel. Other popular hotels are Hotel Menino, Hotel Musafir, Hotel President, Hotel Prakash Heritage, Hotel Venkatesh Leela, Atish Hotel and Ganesh Residency.

Topic

Porvorim

State

Porvorim or Parvari is a village, located on the right-north bank of the Mandovi River. Its strategic location along NH-17, better known as the Mumbai-Goa Highway, provides easy accessibility.

History

Porvorim has been under the rule of different dynasties, such as Bhojas, Satavahanas, Kshatrapa, Abhira, Chalukyas, Silharas and Kadambas. After the rule of the Adilshahis, the Portuguese landed on the shores of Goa. Much of Porvorim’s modern history is centered around the Portuguese Inquisition of India. It came under Indian jurisdiction in the year 1961, when Goa was annexed by India.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport, which is located 18 km from Porvorim.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is Margao Railway Station, located 54 km away from Porvorim.

By Road: Kadamba Bus Stand in Panaji is the most prominent interstate bus station near this village and connects it to Mumbai, Bangalore and Hampi, among other major cities.

District
North Goa
Topic

Vagator

State

Vagator, located amidst rocky cliffs in the shadowy palms, is a village popular for its chain of beaches. It lies on the edge of the Bardez Taluka, close to the cities of Mapusa and Panaji. Along with the beach, the prominent attraction of the destination is the 500 years old Portuguese Fort.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/abcdz2000/3059031915/

Accessibility

By Air: The closest airport to Vagator is Dabolim Airport (45 km).

By Rail:
Karmali Railway Station (29 km) is the nearest railway station serving Vagator.

By Road: Buses are available from Mapusa, which is 9 km away, to Vagator.

District
North Goa
Topic

Sinquerim

State

Sinquerim, a beautiful village situated in Bardez taluka, ruled by the Kingdom of Sawantwadi in earlier times. One of the prime attractions of this village is the Sinquerim Beach. Watersports like water skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, fishing and scuba diving are popular among tourists visiting this beach. Another prominent attraction of this village is the four-storeyed lighthouse and hillock.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nagarjun/6544369257/

History

Sinquerim was ruled by the Kingdom of Sawantwadi in earlier times. However, in the late 18th century, the region was conquered by the Portuguese. Till 1961, the entire district was under the reign of Portuguese till the time it was included in India.

Accessibility

By Air: Dabolim Airport is the nearest airport, located at a distance of 42 km from Sinquerim.

By Rail: The major railhead serving the destination is Margao Railway Station, located at a distance of 44.8 km from Sinquerim.

District
North Goa
Topic
Best time to visit
November to March

Mapusa

State

Mapusa also spelt at Mapuca, Mhapsa or Mapsa is a town in North Goa, India. It is situated 13 km north of the capital Panaji. The town is the headquarters of Bardez Taluka. It is located on the main highway NH-17, linking Mumbai to Trivandrum. Under Portuguese rule, the town's name was spelt Mapuçá.

History

Even before the Aryans, or Marathas, or Sultans or the Portuguese invaded Goa, this was an agrarian community with a well established Gaunkari or Community Farming System, where villages formed associations, worked on community land and shared profits. Market day was a major event, with goods brought in from every district to one central area. Mapusa has thus remained a prominent market center for many centuries.

Accessibility

On the Konkan Railway, Mapusa Road (6 Km north-east of town) is the nearest station, although it is not yet clear whether express trains will stop there in the future.

From the bus stand, there are public buses to Mumbai, Pune, Hubli, and Belagaum. Private operators have kiosks by the taxi and motorcycle stand, and offer coaches to Mumbai, Bangalore, Hampi and Mangalore.

There are frequent bus departures for Panaji and buses at least hourly to Calangute and Anjuna. Other buses go to Margao, Chapora and Candolim. A motorcycle to Anjuna or Calangute takes about 15 minutes.

How to Reach Mapusa by Road
Interstate bus services plying between Goa and Maharashtra pass through the Mapusa town. The Kadamba Bus Terminal is the main hub for long distance state buses and local services to the nearby beaches such as Calangute, Anjuna, Vagator, and Arambol. The bus stand, located on the southwest edge of town, is a five minute walk down the main road.

How to Reach Mapusa by Rail
Trains running on the Konkan Railway network usually halt at the Tivim Railway station, 12 km away from Mapusa. You can hire rickshaws or tourist taxis to travel to the nearest beach or resort.

How to Reach Mapusa by Air
The Dabolim airport is the nearest airport from Mapusa.

Shopping

Shopping in Mapusa is steeped in the myriad hues of the Goan rural life. A well-known commercial district, Mapusa provides a number of shopping destinations encompassing local markets and stalls lined along its famous beaches. Mapusa's famous Friday market beckons vendors and tourists alike with its rustic charm.

Fridays usher in a festive atmosphere in this quaint town as villagers assemble from nearby localities with their produce. As you step inside the bustling bazaar, you will be greeted by a heady concoction of aromas arising from sources as diverse as fish, incense, spices and exotic fruits stacked in colorful heaps on the sidewalks.

What adds color to the shopping experience is the inimitable style of the Goan vendors most of whom are womenfolk attired in colorful dresses. The products in display are manifold including fresh and dried fish, incense, spices, vegetables, and souvenirs from other states of India. The famous traditional spirits of Goa such as toddi and feni are perennial favorites among locals and tourists.

Shopping in Mapusa would be incomplete without a visit to the renowned Wednesday flea market of Anjuna beach.

Friday Market

Come Friday, and the quaint little town of Mapusa burst into colours of enthusiasm. This is the time when the normally quiet city and its people come out of their house in large numbers and make their way towards the Friday Market. The market is located just outside the Municipal Market of Mapusa and sees a number of traders from all over Goa coming in to sell their products. "And what exactly are the products?", you might just ask. Well, their are a range of it, right from spices and T shirts to trinkets, sausages, straw hats, dried fish and furniture.

The prices of the products are pretty reasonable. Still just donot give what is demanded at first. Infact, you might just keep in mind that bargaining in Mapusa is an integral part of shopping. Without it, you'll either end up paying more or miss out the intrinsic fun associated with it.

The market is not only meant to provide you a shopping platform for Goan goods. Rather, it is a chance for you to see Goan life at its most real. Observe the way people dress, talk and interact with each other, and you will get a fair idea about the life in Goa.

Accommodation

Mapusa has no luxury hotels, but the town is dotted with a number of good hotels. Popular hotels of Mapusa are Hotel Bardez, Hotel Satyaheera and Hotel Shalini.

Topic
Best time to visit
November to March

Caranzalem

State

Caranzalem is a small village,located in the fertile lands of the Arabian Sea. It is known to be one of the fastest growing suburbs of Panaji and is famous for its beaches, churches, fort and museum that are situated at proximity with each other. These beaches are famous for water sport activities like water scooting, wind surfing and many more.

Topic