Vasco-da-Gama or simply VASCO is named after the discoverer of the sea route to India, Vasco-da-Gama. The city is streamlined with big and shady avenues, all tarred paved streets and spacious footpaths. Dabolim airport is located in the city.

Export of iron and manganese ore is the main activity. Building and repairs of barges is an important ancilliary activity of Marmugao.

The city of Vasco is 29 km south west of Panjim, on the narrow western tip of the Marmogoa Peninsula.

History goes that the Portuguese got hold of it around 1543 and within a span of few years converted it into one of the most sought after ports of India. A fort was constructed at Sada so as to ease up the task of monitoring the movements of ships into the Zuari river. The fort played an important role during the year 1685 when the Maratha king Sambhaji marched in with his army to capture the place. The Portuguese, worried about the safety of their women and children, used the fort as a safe haven.

Vasco is the only city in entire Goa that is well connected by all means of transport, both within and outside the state. It is the only city that has an air, rail, road and sea links.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN VASCO:

The Naval Aviation Museum: This has the honour of being the first naval museum in Asia. It was opened to the public in 1998. Located at the Bogmalo Beach near Dabolim, the museum provides a rare glimpse of the origins and evolution of Naval Aviation Wing. You will find here depiction of the history of Indian Naval Aviation. One of the main attractions at the museum is the aircraft exhibit. The main indoor galleries of the museum lie at the right. It is interesting to see that the entrance of the naval museum is modeled after the interiors of an Aircraft carrier and once you enter the building, you are faced with various exhibits ranging from armament and weapons to sensors and equipment. There are separate rooms that illustrate flight safety measures and equipment. There is a large gallery at the end of the building, which is home to a massive collection of historical photographs related to Indian Naval Aviation. The added feature of this museum it is situated in the picturesque surroundings of the Bogmalo beach.

St Andrews church: Vasco is also famous for the ancient Saint Andrews church, which is almost 400 years old and is a picturesque monument. The Church stands in the heart of the city. The statue is said to have been established in 1570. A fest is celebrated on the Sunday closest to 30th November every year.

Lakshmi-Narayan temple: The temple still wears its old grandeur and magnificence since the 16th Century. It is situated in the foot of the hillock quite close to the Panaji-Ponda road. The surroundings of the temple enhance religious meditation. A spacious water tank in front of the temple is constantly fed by a natural spring. The principal festival held at the temple is that of Ramanavmi, Akshaya tritya, which attracts large number of people.

Pilot Point at Headland Sada: This place provides a breathtaking view of the port as well as the Zuari river meeting the Arabian Sea. It is an enchanting view of the Zuari river flowing silently into the arms of Arabian Sea.

The Sada fort: It was built by the Portuguese at the tip of the land jutting into the Arabian sea. There is also a small beach at the base of the remains of the fort which can be reached via steps leading down the steep cliff side. This is a gorgeous site to visit and relax.

Japanese Garden: The garden is known for its beauty and charisma and is a must visit while you are there. There is a temple of Goddess Durga in this garden and one can listen to the story of the temple as said by the locals while taking a stroll in the soft sands on the beach near the garden. It stands in the midst of all the beauty and glory.

Piccanye Island: The island is a five-minute ride away from Baina Beach. The densely forested island is uninhabited and often visited by foreign tourists who like to take some time out in the lap of nature. Several vacationers compared the island’s beauty to that of the Leonardo DiCaprio starrer “The Beach.”

BEACHES IN VASCO:

Bogmalo Beach: The beach earlier hosted a fishing village, but now it has gradually been transformed into a tourist hotspot. The Bogmalo Beach is the most popular beach of Vasco, which is a major tourist attraction as it offers some lip-smacking local cuisines in makeshift shacks. The Bogmalo beach is clean and not too much crowded. The water at the beach is reasonably safe for swimming and is also approved for Open water diving courses. Some of the main attractions at the beach are the guided dives to shipwreck sites and coral beds off the coast. Lines of coconut trees don the beach while the growing modernity is evident from the five star hotel, café-bars and the shacks right at the beach. The flea market in Bogmalo is as good as the one in Anjuna.

Baina Beach: A little known beach in the heart of the city, Baina beach is considered as one of the safest beach in Goa. Though not as popular as the other beaches in Goa, virgin Baina today can boast a number of water adventure sports not to be found elsewhere in the nation.

It is the only beach where you can enjoy not only Goan sands, but also experience the underwater world. A Mumbai-based adventure sports organization offers a hoard of other affordable sports in the beach.

The experience takes a tourist to a totally different dimension and environment. Authorities plan to rename the beach as Vasco. Whatever the name of the beach, it has a serene and calm feel to it, which makes you want to surrender yourself to its beauty.

If you are looking for authentic local food or any food in that matter, Baina is not the place. There is no eateries here. So if you are in the beach for sports, bring along your lunch-pack. The excitement and the sports can build a strong appetite.

EATING OUT IN VASCO:

Vasco is rich in eating out choices, from classy top-end restaurants to modest ones. The variety of cuisine offered includes Goan, Konkanese, European, Japanese and Chinese food and of course, seafood is the speciality. You can eat out at the restaurants in town around Swatantra Path or at the nearby beaches that have some superb gourmet restaurants and equally impressive beach shacks.

Here are some of the eating joints in the city:

  • Annapurna Restaurant
  • Anant Ashram
  • Fish land Bar & Restaurant
  • Ginza Restaurant
  • Gulzar Restaurant
  • Goodyland Restaurant
  • Harbour Bar
  • Hotel Rukmini
  • Hotel Bismark
  • Lymaurs Bar & Restaurant
  • New Punjab Bar & Restaurant
  • Regency Hotel
  • Royal Durbar Restaurant
  • Renaissance Airport Plaza Restaurant
  • Sweet and Sour Restaurant
  • Tradition Restaurant
  • Welcome Restaurant

A WORD OF CAUTION:

If you have to do any shopping, PLEASE avoid the 1pm to 4pm period. It is lunch and a siesta time for all Goans.