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Close to the important industrial town of
Vasco da Gama lies the main port of
Goa, in Marmagoa. The town has some industries and
not very much else besides the highly dilapidated ruins of a fort, and an
ironic history, which classifies it as "the town that never was".
A Ruined History
Well, leaving the dramatics aside, Marmagoa was the site that was first
chosen to be the capital of the Portuguese Empire. This is why, in 1685,
the construction of the fort started along with the founding of a
township. The Viceroy even moved to Marmagoa in 1703, but the Maratha
warriors (term used for Shivaji and other Hindus originating from
Maharashtra, who fought against foreign rulers) attacked the site
repeatedly, and Old Goa was made the capital instead.
The Port Town
Thus, Marmagoa is more or less the
Fatehpur
Sikri of Goa, minus the monuments, of course. But with the harbour
starts another lore. The port is one of India's finest natural harbours.
If one wants to extricate oneself from the beaches, a sunset walk around
the harbour can be a pleasant change.
HOW
TO GET THERE Air: Dabolim, Goa's airport, lies on top of a rocky
plateau, 4-km southeast of Vasco da Gama.
Rail: The nearest railway station is situated at Vasco da Gama.
Road: Arriving by bus from Panjim or
Margao, one'll be dropped off to the situated
interestate Kadamba Terminus, 3-km east of the town centre from Vasco.
From Vasco one can catch ferries to reach Margao harbour.
PLACES TO STAYBeing one of the major cities of Goa and a trade harbour, its not difficult to find good and reasonable accommodations in the city. The options include, mid-range hotels to budget hotels and tourist lodges. One can also find fine beach resort accommodations over here.
NEARBY CITIESVasco da Gama: 4-km
Panjim: 34-km 