Margao is the main population centre of South Goa. It is a busy provincial town reminiscent of its Portuguese past. It is the capital of Salcete taluk and the service and transport centre for people staying at Colva and Benaulim beaches.

Margao’s Church of the Holy Spirit is beautiful and well worth a visit.

Useful Information

Kadamba bus stand is about 2 km north of the town centre, on the road to Panaji, while Margao's new railway station is 1.5 km east. The GTDC Tourist Hostel has its tourist office in the centre of town. The State Bank of India is opposite the Municipal Gardens. Visa or Master-Card advances can be obtained at the Bank of Baroda near the covered market.

Restaurants and Cafés

Bombay Café is a popular vegetarian restaurant.

Tato (east of the municipal gardens) is also vegetarian. A thali costs Rs 20.

Longhuinos (opposite the tourist office) serves Goan cuisine such as chourisso (Rs 25), pastries, sweets and good tandoori dishes. It also has a busy bar.

Woodlands Hotel is good value with fish curry and rice for Rs 25 and fried chicken for Rs 35.

Reaching Margao

Bus: There are deluxe buses between Margao and Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Hubli and Belgaum. The bus to Mumbai leaves daily from the Kadamba bus stand (16 hours), Bangalore (14 hours), Pune (15 hours), Hubli (6 hours) and Belgaum (5 hours). Private bus agents can be contacted in the town centre near the Tourist Hostel.

Train: Margao’s new station is about 1.5 km east of the town centre. You can cross the tracks at the old station to reach there if you are walking.

Se Cathedral: The largest of the churches in Old Goa, it is in the Portuguese-Gothic style with a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior. Its bell is one of the oldest in Goa and is called the Golden Bell. (Gallery timings: 9 am to 12.30 pm & 3 pm to 6.30 pm.)

Convent and Church of St Francis Assisi: This old church has carved woodwork and old murals depicting the file of St Francis. The floor is made of gravestones carved with the coat of arms of families going back to the 16th century. Open from 9 am to 12.30 pm & 3 pm to 6.30 pm. The archaeological museum is open Saturday to Thursday , 10 am to 5 pm.

Basilica of Bom Jesus: This contains the tomb and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier who was on a mission to spread Christianity in the Portuguese colonies of the East. The Professed House is next to the basilica and is a two-storeyed laterite building covered with lime plaster. Open from 9 am to 12.30 pm & 3 pm to 6.30 pm.

Church of St Cajetan: This church was built by Italian friars who were sent to the kingdom of Golconda to preach Christianity. Since they were not allowed to work in Golconda, they settled in Old Goa in 1640.

Church of St Augustine Ruins: This church, constructed by Augustinian friars, was abandoned in 1835 due to the repressive policies of the Portuguese government.

Other buildings of interest in Old Goa are the Chapel of St Anthony, the Chapel of St Catherine and the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception: This is Panaji’s main church where Portuguese sailors gave thanks to Our Lady for a safe voyage.

Goa State Museum: This is near the bus stand in Panaji. (Open from 9 am to 1.15 pm and 2 to 5.30 pm, Mondays to Fridays). It has a collection of Christian art and Hindu and Jain sculpture and Indian paintings of different styles.

Chapel of St Sebastian, Fontainhas: This is famous for its striking crucifix which was originally in the Palace of the Inquisition in Old Goa.

The Secretariat: This has an interesting history. It was originally a palace of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur.

Terekhol Fort: This is a beautiful old Portuguese fort at Terekhol and houses the Hotel Tiracol Fort Heritage.

Rachol Seminary and Church: This is worth visiting for the Museum of Christian Art which has a rare collection of textiles, silver and articles once used in the churches of Old Goa. (Open Tuesday to Sunday 9.30 am to 12.30 am & 2.30 pm to 5 pm.)

Braganza House: This is one of the colonial mansions now thrown open to the public and is furnished with antiques.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary: This is the smallest of Goa’s sanctuaries, and is the easiest to reach. Bookings should be made in advance at the office of the Department of Forestry in Panaji.

Molem & Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuaries: These are larger than Bondla Sanctuary but you will need your own transport to get there. Accommodation is available at Molem but not in the Cotigao Sanctuary.

Dudhsagar Falls: A one-day trip from Margao, you can get to the Falls and back to Margao by late afternoon.

Shri Bhagwati Temple: (28 km from Panaji.) This temple is more than 500 years old. The festival of Dussera is celebrated with gaiety here.

Shri Shantadurga Temple: This temple, dedicated to the goddess of peace, has a pagoda-like structure and a roof made of long slabs of stone. The annual carnival held here is well worth attending to see the blend of Christian and Hindu cultures.

Shri Mangesh Temple: This interesting Shiva temple is at Priol Ponda Taluka, about 22 km from Panaji

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