Vasco da Gama -- The headquarters of Mormugoa taluka

The headquarters of Mormugoa taluka was named after Vasco da Gama, the discoverer of sea route to india. Also known as Vasco, the town is set on the western tip of the Mormmugoa peninsula overlooking the left bank of the mouth of River Zuari. Vasco first came under the Portuguese rule in 1543 and went on to become one of the busiest ports of India’s western coast. In 1684, due to the increasing threats of Maratha invasion over old Goa, the women folk and non-combatant men were shifted here for safety. Th construction of the town was finally completed in the late 18th century, as the residential and commercial portion of Mormugoa Port, which by then had become Goa’s major harbour.

Reaching There

Airport: Dabolim (4 Kms)

Railhead: Connected by rail

Road: Vasco is well connected by road and is 30 kms from Panaji.

Around Vasco-Da-Gama

Mormugoa ( 4 Kms): Mormugoa is an important commercial port town on the western coast of india.

Mormugoa Harbour: This natural harbour is one of the finest anchorages on the western coast. Several steamers and vessals can be seen anchored in the stream, which carry the iron ore and bauxite mined from the hills of Goa. Ferry service ply from Mormugoa to Dona Paula across Zuari river. From the bay relics of 17th century Portuguese fort, chapel and colonial villas nestled atop a promotory can be seen.

Hansa Beach: It lies inside the Naval base(INS Hansa)

Mormugoa Fort: The fort overlooking the harbour is now in ruins and only parts of the ramparts and a small chapel are visible.

Pilot Point: It lies at the base of the Old Mormugoa fort and affords a fine view of the river Zuari, Dona Paula and Mormugoa Harbour.

Dabolim( 4 Kms)

Dabolim has the only airport of Goa, which is actually a naval aviation base and houses the headquarters of the Indian Navy’s aviation arm, as well as the Museum. During the Navy week(end of Nov to early Dec) the base is opened for tourists and spectacular aviation shows are held here

Bogmalo ( 6 Kms)
The silvery beach just 4 kms. south of the Dabolim airport is dominated by the huge building of Park Plaza Resort. It has watersports facilities like windsurfing, water-skiing etc. A small diving school has been opened here, which is one of few PADI- approved institutes in india. It operates from Joet’s Guest house