Goa has five major cities and each one unique in a special way. Panjim or Panjim, the capital of Goa has the distinction of being Goa's capital right since Portuguese rule after they shifted it from Old Goa. Ponda, the city of temples. Almost all temples of Goa are located in the vicinity of this city. Mapusa is a small town clustered around the mount (alto). The port city of Vasco-da-Gama, popularly known as Vasco, is Goa's most cosmopolitan city. Its named after the Portuguese sailor Vasco-da-Gama. The capital of Salcette Province, Margao is the main population centre of southern Goa.

 
Panjim, the capital city of Goa, still popularly known as the seat of the Government, and also houses the head offices of most business concerns. Panjim is one of India's smallest and quaintest state capitals. Located on the south bank of the wide Mandovi River, it became the capital of Goa in 1843, though the Portuguese Viceroys had shifted their residence from the outskirts of Old Goa to the former palace of Adil Shah at Panjim as early as 1759.
The town has preserved its Portuguese heritage remarkably well and parts of it still consist of narrow winding streets, old houses with over hanging balconies, red-tiled roofs and numerous small bars and cafe's.

The port town of Vasco-da-Gama, popularly known as Vasco, is Goa's most cosmopolitan city. 30 km's from Panjim, this well laid out city is also the railway terminus for passenger service. The Mormugao Harbour, one of India's few natural Harbour is 4kms from Vasco at one end. And Goa's only airport, Dabolim is also 4kms from Vasco, at the other end.

The capital of Salcete Province, Margao is the main population centre of southern Goa and a pleasant provincial town, which still displays many reminders of its Portuguese past. In itself it's not of great interest to travelers, though the old Margao church is worth a visit and the covered market is the best of its kind in the whole of Goa. Its importance is as a service and transport centre for people staying at Colva Beach.

Ponda, known as Antruz Mahal because of the concentration of culture, music, drama and poetry also houses the most well known Goan temples of Lord Mangesh (Shiva), Lord Nagesh, Lord Ganapati, Lord Ramnath and the Goddesses Mahalasa and Shantadurga.



Mapusa is a small town clustered around the mount (alto). With an even blend of residential and commercial establishments, it forms the hub of north Goa. 13 km's from Panjim, a sharing taxi or a bus will take you there. Known popularly for its Friday market, people from all over Goa come here to buy and sell their wares. On this particular day, apart from other regular items, you will also get plants and saplings, ready spiced Goan pork sausages, dried fish and prawns, clothing, junk jewellery and the famous country liquor - all sold at the most reasonable prices you could possibly find.


 
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