|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VASCO DA GAMA
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.
|
|
|
