Located in South Goa District, in the state of Goa, Mormugao is the main port city and a municipal council. Based on the west coast of India, this natural port attracts tourists by its colonial Portuguese feel and sandy beaches.
Mormugao is popular for the Mormugao Fort near the Vasco da Gama City. The fort was built in 1624 and had five prisons, bulwarks and a chapel. The Mormugao Harbour is located near the fort and is popular for the maritime activities in the west coast of India.
The Varca Beach is situated close to Mormugao and is suitable for sunbathing and dolphin watching. Vasco da Gama City is one of the major cosmopolitan cities of Goa which serves as the commercial and industrial centre of the state. The Colva Beach and the Quelossim village are other prominent attractions, famous for the Church of Our Lady of Mercy and Shri Shantadurga Temple respectively.
In the 16th century, when a part of Goa was colonised by the Portuguese, Tiswadi District became their centre of operation. Today, Tiswadi District is popularly known as Old Goa, which is a historical city in North Goa District. In order to protect their region from invaders, the Portuguese started building forts on the hillocks, particularly along the coast.
The construction of a fortified town on the promontory that overlooked Mormugao harbour started in the year 1624. While the Portuguese were safeguarding their territory from the sultans of Bijapur, the Dutch captured most of the Portuguese coastal settlements, including Moluccas, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Galle, to name a few.
From 1640 to 1643, the Dutch made unwavering efforts to capture Mormugao, however failed every time and were finally driven out of the region. Later in 1683, when the Portuguese in Goa started facing danger from the Marathas, the Portuguese viceroy, Dom Francisco de Távora, decided to shift their capital to Mormugao’s fortress. Mormugao port has been contributing to maritime trade in India since 1963, when it was granted the status of a major port.
Traditional Goan musical forms, Mando and Dulpod are popular in Mormugao. The people of Hindu religious communities inhabiting the area are very fond of Natak, Bhajan and Kirtan. The main attraction of this city is the Mormugao Fort, which is situated near Vasco da Gama town. Basilica of Bom Jesus and Varca Beach are the other major attractions of this city. Shigmo, the famous spring festival and carnival also attracts hordes of tourists.
The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport, which is well connected with the major Indian as well as international destinations. Administrated by South Central Railways, Vasco da Gama Railway Station is the nearest railhead that can be used to reach the city.
Tourists can reach Mormugao by buses that arrive at Kadamba Bus Station, which is the closest bus station. The best time to visit Mormugao is during the winter season, which commences from October and lasts till March.