Vasco - da - Gama :

       VASCO-DA-GAMA It is the headquarters of Mormugao taluka and 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 Mormugao 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 on 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. It was even thought of shifting the capital to Vasco from Old Goa.

The Mormugao Fort was constructed to guard the mouths of river Zuari. The construction of the town was finally completed in the late 18th century, as the residential and commercial portion of the Mormugao Port, which by then had become Goa's major harbour.

The city centre is the hub of commercial activities and is dominated by a church and several multi-storeyed buildings. While to the South is the beautiful Baina beach,

The Sada springs at the base of a hill, just outside Vasco are worth visiting.


AROUND VASCO-DA-GAMA

Mormugao
Mormugao is an important commercial port town on the western coast of India, just 4 km. Northwest of Vasco. It is 34 km. south-west of Panaji.

Mormugao Harbour
It is a natural harbour and one of the finest anchorages on the western coast of India. The harbour is protected by a laterite plateau and a breakwater wall, thus it is accessible at all times. Several steamers and vessels can be seen anchored in the stream, which carry the iron ore and bauxite mined from the hills of Goa's mid-land region to other parts of world especially Japan. There is also plenty of coastal trade within the country, from the harbour.

Ferry service is available which ply from Mormugao to Dona Paula across the Zuari river. From the bay relics of seventeenth century Portuguese fort, chapel and colonial villas nestled atop a promontory can be seen.

Hansa Beach
It is located inside the Naval base (INS Hansa) and is considered safe for swimming.

Mormugao Fort
It overlooks the harbour and was once rated among the most important coastal forts in the country. Today, only parts of the ramparts and a small chapel have survived the vagaries of time.

Pilot Point
It is just one kilometre from the harbour, towards Vasco at the base of the ruins of the Old Mormugao fort. Spectacular view of the river Zuari, Dona Paula and the Mormugao Harbour can be enjoyed from here.

DABOLIM
It is located on the outskirts of Vasco. from the city centre. Dabolim is the only airport of Goa. It 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.

Naval Aviation Museum
It is located on Bogmalo Road and exhibits aircraft engines, armament sensors, aviation simulator, safety, archive, models, apparel and a museum shop. Most of the Indian Navy's old aircraft can be seen here. The highlight of the museum is an old Super Constellation aircraft, the world's first big passenger aircraft. A naval officer guides you through the museum and also answers to the queries of the visitors. It is closed on Mondays.

For more info on Pequeno Island, Grande Island, Sao Jacinto Island click here.