Panaji

A small and charming city on the left bank of silvery Mandovi river - Panaji one of the most of India's smallest and most pleasant state capital. It was called Panjim during the times of the Portuguese and was one of the three principal Portuguese cities along with Velha Goa (Old Goa) and Margao. The town has preserved its Portuguese heritage remarkably well and parts of it still consist of narrow winding streets, old houses with over hanging balconies, red-tiled roofs and numerous small bars and cafe's.Portuguese sign are still visible over many premises. It is reputed for its mosque, which is the largest in Goa and five temples that are located around the city.

Old Goa

Founded in 1510 by Alfonso de Albuquerque as the old capital, the place is replete with half a dozen imposing churches and cathedrals (among the largest in Asia) are all that remain of that remain of the Portuguese capital that was once said to rival Lisbon in magnificent. Some of the old buildings are converted into museums maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. Among the many splendid buildings of old Goa, are the magnificent churches & cathedrals such as Se Cathedral, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, or Basiica of Bom Jesus as already mentioned contribute in making Old Goa as Golden Goa.

Mapusa

It is a small town clustered around the Mount Alto forming the hub of North Goa. It is also a shopper's paradise as it offers almost all the goods and services to the tourists. A famous open air market is held every friday, at this large commercial northern town. All sorts of things from plant saplings to Goan perk are sold here and at very cheap prices. The beaches nearest to this town are the Anjuna and Chapora beaches. Important temples to visit are that of Maruti in the centre of the town and Bogdeshwar that has been recently built in a paddy field between the Panjim Mapusa road and the Parra Calangute road.

Margao

Margao is Goa's second largest city and commercial metropolis of Salcete taluka in South Goa. Margao has an old worldly charm about it. In the ancient times, it was a major religious center, dotted by a number of temples and other shrines. Margao offers the visitor a large garden and a children's park in Gogol. One can view the city from the Chapel of the "Monte", built in 1820 on a small promontory. The history of Margao is gauged by the presence of the Pandava Caves at Aquem Alto next to the Chapel of St. Sebastian. Also, it is famous for its ancient cultural heritage and traditional customs of the people of Goa.

Vasco da Gama

Goa's most cosmopolitan city, Vasco-Da-Gama "Where East meets West" was originally called Sambhaji lying on the narrow western tip of the Mormugao peninsula, overlooking the Zuari River. Imposing multi-storeyed buildings and a church dominate the city centre here. A modern, well laid out city close to Mormugs Harbour, has beautiful and extensive avenues. The Mormugao harbour is certainly one of the finest natural anchorages on the West Coast of India. Passenger and Cargo ships dock here from all over the world.

Ponda

Ponda can be described as Hindu Heart of Goa. It is famous for the five important temples that are situated around the town, and also has the largest mosque in Goa - Safa Shahouri Masjid built by Adilshah in 1560.
The Siva temple of Shri Mangesh is at Priol-Ponda Taluka about 22kms from Panaji. This tiny 18th century hilltop temple with white tower, is local landmark. Less than 2kms further down the road is Shri Mahalsa, a Vishnu temple. About five Km from Ponda are Shri Ramnath and Shri Naguesh, and nearby is the Shri Shantadurga Temple. Dedicated to Shantadurga, the goddess of peace, this temple sports an unusual, almost pagoda-like, structure with roof made from long slabs of stone. Further south are the temples of Shri Chandreshwar, west of Quepem; Shantadurga, east of Betul; and Shri Mallikarjuna east of Chauri.

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