Vasco da Gama, 29-km by road southwest of Panjim, sits on the narrow western tip of the Marmagoa (also known as Mormugao) peninsula, overlooking the mouth of the Zuari River. Acquired by the Portuguese in 1543, this strategically important site was formerly among the busiest ports on India west coast.
It remains a key shipping centre, with container vessels and iron ore barges clogging the choppy river mouth, but holds nothing of interest for visitors, particularly since the completion of the Konkan Railway, when Goa's main railhead shifted from here to Margao. The only conceivable reason one might want to come to Vasco is to catch a bus to Dabolim airport, of Bogmalo beach, 8-km southeast.
Location :
This is one of Goa' s largest industrial and commercial cities located about 39kms southwest of Panaji.
Major Attraction :
Some of the major attractions of Vasco are :
Bogmolo Beach:
The sandy beach at the end of the cave would be even more picturesque were it not for the monstrous multi-storey edifice perched above it. Until Oberoi erected a huge five star hotel here, Bogmalo was just another small fishing village, hemmed in by a pair of palm fringed headlands at the northern end of Colva bay.
The Naval Aviation Museum :
Inaugrated in 1998 at Dabolim is the first naval museum in Asia. The museum showcases the history of Indian Naval Aviation, various aircrafts, weapons, sensors, safety equipment, rare photographs depicting Goa's liberation and artifacts (also spelt as artefacts). A multimedia games section is an added attraction. Situated in the picturesque backdrop of the Bogmalo beach, the museum has become a must-visit place for all tourists.
How To Reach :
By Air - abolim, Goa's airport, lies on top of a rocky plateau, 4-km southeast of Vasco da Gama. A large new civilian terminal was recently constructed at this naval aerodrome to accommodate Goa's rapidly increasing air traffic, but to avoid delays aim to check in well in advance.
Facilities in the terminal buildings include State Bank Of India Foreign Exchange Desks, Post Office Counters, and counters for domestic airlines. There's also a handy Pre-Paid Taxi Counter outside the main exit.
Kadamba buses for Panjim are supposed to meet domestic airlines flights, or one can catch a regular bus from the intersection immediately outside the airport to Vasco, from where there are services to Margao and Panjim, Goa's principal transport hubs.
By Rail - asco is laid out in a grid, bordered by Marmagao bay to the north, and by the railway line on its southern side. Apart from the cluster of oil storage tanks, the town's most prominent landmark is the railway station at the south end of the main Dr. Rajendra Prasad Avenue.
By Road - Arriving by bus from Panjim or Margao, you'll be dropped off at the Interstate Kadamba Terminus, 3-km east of the town centre. Local minibuses ferry passengers from here to the more central market bus stand.
At local minibuses ferry passengers from here to the more central market bus stand, at the top of the square, where buses from Dabolim airport also pull in. Auto-rickshaws, and Ambassador and motorcycle taxis, hang around on the corner of Swatantra Path and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Avenue, near the station and the small cycle rental stall.
