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's 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.
Places to see
Bogmolo Beach || The Naval Aviation
Museum
How to reach :
By Air
Dabolim,
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
Vasco 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.
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