Arambol :

Arambol beach Image courtesy: Aleksandr Zykov

Arambol is located in the northern region of Goa. It lies 32 km north-west of Mapusa and Chapora, approximately 50 km from Panaji (the capital) and 12 km from Chopdem and at a one hour drive from Dabolim airport.

Vasco-da-Gama :

St Andrew church, Vasco da Gama Image courtesy:  www.ambiencebuilders.com

As the name suggests, Vasco-da-Gama city inherited its name from the Portuguese explorer and the former viceroy, Dom Vasco-da-Gama. Located at close proximity to Marmagoa harbor and Zuari river, the city was originally called Sambhaji. This coastal town came under Portuguese rule in 1543 and evolved as a leading export-import trade centre for India on a global platform. Vasco, today, is one of the largest industrial and commercial cities of Goa. Vasco has always been one of the busiest ports on the western coast of India. The town of Vasco-da-Gama has a 400-year-old St Andrew Church.

Canacona :

Canacona beach coastline Image courtesy: www.wikitravel.org

The name Canacona is believed to be derived from the word Konkan, based on the old communities residing here. Till date, Konkani is an important official language of the district along with Marathi, English, Portuguese and Hindi. The district is popular for Goa's most striking and outstanding natural beauty and sun-kissed beaches.

The Canacona region was earlier a part of the Soonda kingdom (a remnant of the powerful Vijayanagar Empire of the Hampi). But when it was defeated by Hyder Ali of Mysore, the king of Soonda surrendered the territory to the Portuguese in 1791. Canacona merged with Goa in 1794. With Chaudi, as its capital today, Canacona is the gateway to many of Goa's southern tip beaches including Agonda, Palolem and Rajbhag.

Ponda :

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Image courtesy: www.wikimapia.org

Shree Shanta Durga Temple in Ponda Image courtesy: www.wikitravel.org

The famous ten temples, constructed in the 17th and 18th century, provide a boost to the tourism industry in Ponda. Several temples look relatively new as these were renovated after being destroyed by the Portuguese. The temple town of Goa, is also the gateway to Goa's wildlife sanctuaries. Apart from being a holy destination to the pilgrims, Ponda offers two wildlife sanctuaries to all the nature enthusiasts, namely the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. Ponda also has the largest mosque in Goa.


The town emerged as an administrative centre when the Portuguese took over the area in 1791 from the king of Sonda. During the formation of the New Conquests, they annexed it along with Quepem, Canacona and Sanguem. Today, Ponda is a major tourist hub and a leading industrial city as well.

Panjim :

Arial view of Panjim Image courtesy: abcdz2000

Panjim is the most famous tourist destination in Goa, in terms of beaches, churches, carnivals and natural beauty. Being the capital city, it is the focal point of tourism in Goa. It is a small and charming city on the banks of silvery Mandovi River. The town has some beautiful red-blue-green-yellow roofed buildings made in Portuguese Baroque style. While its official name has been Panaji (meaning “the land that does not flood) since the 1960's, it has been called Panjim by the Portuguese, who ruled Goa for over 400 years.

Panjim was a neglected fishing village of creeks, fields and coconut trees for many centuries. It was given the status of a city and was declared the capital of Goa in 1843. The city has tree-lined cobbled streets, pretty gardens and a beautiful promenade on the river-front.

Pernem :

Pernem is predominantly a Hindu town. This small town comprises of a beautiful coastline with long sandy beaches, lagoons and coconut plantations. Being situated between the Chapora and Arondem rivers, Pernem enjoys a moderate climate throughout the year. Tourists mostly come here to visit the Hindu temples.



Konkani, Marathi, English, Portuguese and Hindi languages are spoken here, like in other parts of Goa. If you want to see beautiful Portuguese architecture in Pernem, you can go to the Terekol fort (a vital part of the Portuguese defence), located on the Maharashtran border. The beautiful Pernem coastline of long sandy beaches, lagoons and coconut plantations has few settlements spruced up for visitors.

Best time to visit Goa: 

You can visit Goa anytime in the year but the best and recommended time is October to February.

How to reach :

By Train:

Goa has two railway station - Vasco and Madgaon. Both of them are well connected to the major cities in India by direct trains.

By Air:

Dabolim airport is the nearest airport to Panjim which is 25.9 kms away. Renting a cab prior to your arrival at the airport will be best option to reach your destination from here.

By Road:

Goa is well connected to the major cities of India through NH4A, NH 17 and NH17A. State transport department KTC has good connectivity to other town of the Goa state. You can also hire a taxi in Goa for local sightseeing.