Goa, the land of beaches was ruled by Portuguese for more than five hundred years. Thus, it has some of most ancient and beautiful looking cities in India. Almost all the cities in Goa are a tourist destination, including the capital of Goa, Panaji, situated on the banks of river Mandovi. Another city called Margao, is the commercial and cultural center of south Gao. Old Goa gives an opportunity to peep into the history of Goa. It has some of the most famous churches in Goa. Vasco Da Gama is known for its ports and is situated nearby to the Dabolim airport. Mapusa is an important city of north Goa, situated in Bardez taluka on the National Highway 17. Other important cities include Mormugao harbor, Mollem, Bicholim, Valpoi, Ponda, Tiracol, etc.

Panaji Information

Location: Capital city of Goa, located on the west coast of India.
Tourist destinations: The Church Square, The lady of Immaculate Conception Church, the Adilshah Palace, the state of Abba Faria, the Goa state museum, Biocholim - Mayem lake, the Menezes Braganza Institute, the Central Library, the Hindu Mahalaxmi temple, the Jama Masjid Mosque, the Chapel of St. Sebastian and the Miramar beach.
Best buys: Wooden carvings and furniture, coir mats, straw hats, artifacts and handicrafts, brassware, trinkets and junk jewellery, souvenirs, liquor brews like Feni and Urak, dry fruits, leather and ceramic ware, designer wear and last but not the least freshly baked breads
Best activities: Water sports like water skiing, wind surfing, yachting, rafting. Other activities include Football, Golf, Trekking, Bullfighting and many more such adventure sports.
Major Highlights: Nightlife and Goa Carnival.
Nearby tourist destinations: Dona Paula beach, Anjuna beach, Old Goa, Vasco Da Gama, Mapusa, Ponda, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Molen and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best time to visit: Late September till early March

Panaji, the city
Panaji or Panjim is the Capital city of Goa and is also the headquarters of the North Goa district. Located on the banks of the river Mandovi, it is a beautiful and a small city. With an area of 35.99 sq kms, it has a population of 100,000 (approx.). Panaji has a lot of Portuguese influence on its culture, food and architecture because of the Portuguese reign. Portuguese liberated Panaji in the year 1961 and it became the Capital of Goa in the year 1987. People of Panaji are very easy going and peace loving. Music and dance is an integral part of their lives. Major languages spoken here are Konkani, Portuguese, Marathi, Hindi and English.

Margao Information

Location: Margao is situated in the Salcete Taluka, 33 kms from Panaji.
Tourist attractions: Beaches, The Old market, Pandava Caves, The Steely Church of The Holy Spirit, The House of Gables or Sat Burzam Ghor, Jorge Barreto park, Rachol Seminary, Monte Church and the Chandreshwar Bhuthnath Temple.
Best buys: Souvenirs, artifacts and other items.
Best activities: Shopping, site seeing.
Nearby tourist attractions: Colvo beach, Benaulim beach, Mobor and Majrda beach, agonda beach, Palelom beach, Canacona beach.
When to visit: October to March

About Margao
Margao is the second largest city of Goa and is situated 33 kms away from Panaji. It is the commercial center of southern Goa. With the opening of Konkan Railways, Margao has gained more significance and is now the main railway terminal in south Goa . Margao is a typical Goan town, with Portuguese influence all around. It displays its past through artistic temples, churches and other monuments. The town has a old-worldly charm which attracts tourists from far off places.

Mapusa Information

Location: A commercial town in north Goa, situated in the Bardez taluka, 13 kms south of Panaji, on the National Highway 17.
Tourist attractions: The Friday market, Church of our Lady of Miracles, Shrine of Lord Bogeshwar, The temple of Lord Hanuman.
Best buys: All kinds of wares, souvenirs, dry fruits, spicy sausages, handicrafts, etc.
Best activities: Shopping, site seeing.
Nearby tourist attractions: Anjuna beach, Baga Beach, Chapora fort, Vagator fort, Sri Kalka mandir, Sri Morji temple.
When to visit: October to March

About Mapusa
Mapusa or Mapsa as pronounced by the locals, is situated 13 kms away from Panaji. It is the third largest city of Goa and the capital of northern Bardez taluka. It is known for its famous Friday market, which is the hub of shops of all kinds. Local residents and tourists gather here to shop things ranging from groceries to exotic souvenirs.

Arambol Information

Location: Located in the north of Goa, approximately 50 kms from Panaji, the state capital.
Tourist attractions: The Teracol fort, Freshwater lake, Main beach and the northern beach.
Best buys: Souvenirs, junk jewelery and clothes.
Best activities: Para gliding, swimming, Dolphin watching, boat trips to Anjuna beach.
Nearby tourist destinations: Anjuna beach and Vagator.
When to visit: November to February

About Arambol
Arambol or Harmal as it is known, is situated in north Goa, 50 kms from Panaji, the capital of Goa. It is the largest coastal village in Pernem district and the only one that maintains its natural serenity. The village is special in many ways. Along with its calm and peace atmosphere it has some of the beautiful beaches in Goa. Thanks to the villagers living nearby who opposed many proposals of building luxury resorts in the area. Vacationers come to this paradise to experience nature in its purest form. Parties at the beaches are not a regular thing in Arambol, thus helping it to retain its charm.

Vasco-da-Gama Information

Location: One of Goa's industrial and commercial city, Vasco Da Gama is located 30 kms away from Panaji.
Tourist attractions: The Bogmalo beach, Naval Aviation museum, Sada fort, St. Andrews Church.
Best buys: Souvenirs, handicrafts and other artifacts.
Best activities: Fishing, Diving and many more.
Nearby tourist attractions: Velsao beach, Majorda beach, Colva beach, Church of St. Alex, Curtorim, Church of Holy Spirit, Rachol Seminary, Rachol, Shree Damodar Temple, Jama Masjid, Cabo de Rama, Buddhist caves, Rivona.
When to visit: October to March

About Vasco Da Gama
Vasco Da Gama better known as Vasco, is located at the western tip of Mormugao peninsula overlooking the origin of the river, Zuari. The area came under Portuguese rule around 1543, and within a few years, it was transformed into one of western India's busiest ports. It is also one of the industrial and commercial city of Goa. Thus, it is a key shipping centre, very important for the economy of Goa, which has a large number of mines in its interiors. Vasco Da Gama has the Mormugao harbor, one of the India's natural harbor, at one end and the Dabolim airport at the other end. Being the cosmopolitan city of Goa, it attracts tourists in hordes.Vasco is known for it beautiful beaches and interesting sea food. A small and a beautiful city is worth visiting on your Goa tour. So, come to Vasco and let your senses relax.