Mapusa, Goa

Mapusa in Goa is well known for its Friday market and soothing spiritual places, which is why a large number of tourists are attracted to this place. Mapusa is famous for being the 3rd largest town in Goa after the capital Panjim. This town is not very far from Panjim, just around 15.9 km (9.8 miles). Visiting Mapusa will also bring you close to many famous beaches of North Goa such as Anjuna, Baga, Morijim, and Vagator. You will easily be able to travel to these beaches from any local transport or by hiring a private cab or auto-rickshaw.

This town is mentioned as a business town because you will find many shops, offices and a lot of commercial establishments around this location. There are hospital facilities, nursing homes and some beautiful public gardens available in this town.

Quick Glance

Mapusa is known as the 3rd biggest town of Goa after Margao and Panjim.

Closest Airport: Dabolim – 37.3 km (23.17 miles)

Closest Railway Station: Thivim – 9.1 km (5.6 miles)

Close Beaches in North Goa: Baga, Vagator, Morjim, and Anjuna

Transport Hub: it is on the NH66, many tourists visiting north Goa find it easy to travel because there is numerous local transport available.

Five Beaches Close to Mapusa

• Vagator – Traveling to a beach has to be memorable and when you have a beautiful beach like Vagator close by, you will forget all the stress and rush of daily life. This beach has a much-laid back vibe with a brilliant view of the Chapora Fort. There are famous shacks, beaches and pubs around the area to make your evenings memorable.

• Anjuna – People who want to enjoy the open-air party and enjoy the rocky walk around the seaside, Anjuna beach has it all. It is another famous clubbing destination close to Mapusa where you can enjoy the sea vibes to its fullest.

• Morjim – This beach is around 13.3km (8.2 miles) away. The distance can be covered in around 29 minutes; you will love the serene beaches which are more famous for entertaining international tourists. It is also a famous spot for kite surfing.

• Ozran – You can consider Ozran as one of those hidden gems in Goa. This small beach is very popular for having popular parties.

• Baga – This beach is at the meeting of the Baga River and the sea. You will find plenty of water sports, lovely cafes, and restaurants at this beach.

Spiritual Places to Visit

1. Maruti Temple

This temple is dedicated to the Lord Hanuman; the beautiful temple is placed on top of mount Altinho. The doorways of the temple are very beautifully carved in the year 1840 and are renovated after it was destroyed by the Portuguese in the year 1840.

2. Church of Our Lady of Miracles

If you are willing to visit one of the oldest places of worship in Goa, then visit this church which is also known as the St Jerome's Church. This church organizes an annual fest and it’s built over an ancient Hindu temple.

3. Sri Kalika Temple

This temple is dedicated to Mahamaya or Kali, the temple has a deity built by local coppersmiths which reflects a very royal and unique look. The architecture of this temple typically looks Goan.

4. Shree Dev Bodgeshwar Temple

This temple is one of the most visited around Mapusa, it worships a deity of Lord Bodgeshwar. The temple is fairly new as compared to the other ancient temple; if you are planning to visit the temple during December and January, then don’t miss to check out this temple because it held an annual fair at that time.

5. Sai Baba Temple

The Sai baba temple is also very close to Mapusa and you will love the peaceful surrounding of this place.

Mapusa Friday Market

Timing- Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:30 – 7:00 PM

The Friday market is the main highlight of Mapusa. This market is known to be the best in all of Goa for all the right reasons. This market sells clothes, vegetables, junks, jewelry, spices, pottery, fruits, meats, pickles, cashew nuts, handicrafts, accessories, marinated pork sausages, local desserts and everything you are looking for. You will be mesmerized and confused after getting into the market.

The market remains open five days a week, but Friday is the busiest day and you will also find different artisans and traders who visit the market with fresh products to sell. The prices of these items are quite cheap as compared to other markets in Goa, but you are suggested to bargain for anything you buy. You will have to visit the market accordingly because the market completely shuts down in the afternoon for a siesta or traditional susegad.

Mapusa is very famous due to this market and it receives travelers from around the world throughout the year. There is a serious business that is conducted in this market every day and Goans have also formed communities and many associations to carry out the trade easily.

How to Reach Mapusa?

By Air

Dabolim in Vasco is the Goa International Airport and it’s in a distance of 37.3 km (23.1miles) from Mapusa by the NH66. It is known to be the busiest airport associated with many international and Indian destinations by many air carriers like Go Air, Air Arabia, Etihad, Air Asia, Air India, Qatar Airways Indigo, and Spice Jet Airways.

• 1 h 18 min (38.9 km) 23 miles via NH 66

• 1 h 33 min (47.3 km) 29 miles via NH366 and NH 66

By Rail

The Thivim train station is the main railway in around 9.1 km (5.6 miles) from the town. It is known as the main station of North Goa which connects Mumbai (Bombay). You will also find many buses and cabs outside the station that will directly take you to Mapusa. Here is how you can get to Mapusa via

• Margao - Panaji via Bicholim towards Panaji via Bicholim to Mapusa Court

• Panaji - Belgavi via Chorla towards Panaji via Chorla to Mapusa Court

By Road

Panjim is 15.9 km (9.8miles) away from Mapusa. This town is well connected with the longest highway connecting Kanyakumari to Panvel.

Mapusa Bus Stands to Vagator Beach

• Mapusa - Badem towards Badem

• Panaji - Badem via Assagao towards Badem via Assagao

This town in Goa is well connected to most parts of India by road, and it will be an amazing destination for your holiday.