5 Major Cities In Goa You Should Visit

• The Capital of Goa is Panaji and Vasco De Gama is its largest city which exhibits the Portuguese culture
• Even after India’s Independence in 1947, Goa remained under Portuguese until 1961 when Indian Army invaded it

Which state in India got its independence in 1961? The answer is Goa. This state was ruled by Portuguese even after India’s Independence in 1947. The Portuguese culture still lives in the state. Almost 14 years later it became a part of India. On 19 December 1961 Indian Army invaded Goa and Damand and Diu and made it a part of India as a union territory. Panaji is one of the major cities in Goa.

Tourism is a major part of the Goa’s economy. This state receives 12% of all international tourists in India. Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary is situated in Goa

On 30 May 1987, Goa became 25th state of India. Vasco De Gama is the largest city in Goa. This is followed by Panaji, Mormugao, Salcete and Bardez. Mormugao port is a major port in the state. In GDP per capita, Goa sits at top among all other states. India’s famous Dudhsagar Falls is in Goa. Zuari and Mandovi are important rivers of the state. There are many cities in Goa and here we’ll take a look at 5 of them:

Vasco De Gama

Vasco or Vasco De Gama derives its name from famous Portuguese traveller Vasco De Gama. Vasco is the largest city in Goa. This city is home to Goa Shipyard Limited. This shipyard makes and repairs vessels for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Naval base of Indian Navy INS Hansa is situated in Vasco.

Dabolim International Airport or Goa International Airport connects this city to rest of India and the world. BITS Pilani Goa is here which is one of the leading educational institutions in India. Vasco is also home to Naval Aviation Museum where one can see a replica of INS Viraat.

Also Read – 5 Major Cities In Karnataka

Panaji

Panaji is the state capital of Goa which lies on the banks of Mandovi river. There are many beaches around Panaji which includes: Miramar, Dona Paula and Bambolim beach. Miramar beach is one of the most crowded beaches in Goa. On the outskirts of Panaji there’s Goa university which is the only university in Goa.

Art and culture of Goa can be found at Kala Academy in Panaji. Mahalaxmi Temple is a major hindu temple in Panaji. Headquarters of Goa police is in Panaji. One can see the typical Portuguese influence on the buildings of Panaji.

Mormugao

3rd major city of Goa is Mormugao. Main sea port of Goa is Mormugao Sea Port handles 39% of India’s iron ore exports. The INS Mormugao port is named after the Mormugao port. This port has significant contribution in India’s sea trade. Official language of Goa and Mormugao is Konkani.

Margao

4th major city in Goa is Margao. Zuari and Sal rivers are the main rivers of this city. This city’s population is close to 2 lakh. It is known as the “Commercial Capital Of Goa”. Significant population of Salcete is employed in agriculture related activities. Margao is the second largest city in Goa by population. Rice is the main agriculture crop here while fishing also plays an important role in Salcete’s economy. This city is home to Fatorda Stadium (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium) which is Goa’s biggest sports stadium.

Mapusa

Mapusa city derives its name from Portuguese. This city is situated on the banks of Mapusa river. Mandovi river also flows touching this city. Mapusa city is home to many beaches in Goa. Mapusa Friday Market is a famous market that is organised on Friday. On Friday many sellers from all over Goa gather at Mapusa to sell their wares, spices, clothes etc.

So These Were 5 Major Cities In Goa.