Margao, Visit the Second Capital of Goa

Margao is also known as the Margaon which is located in South Goa. This place is well-known for being the cultural, commercial and religious capital of Goa for all the right reasons. One of the reasons for this place is called as the commercial capital is that the Salcete sub-district’s administrative headquarters is situated in Margao. This town is also known to have one of the two main railheads of Goa after Vasco da Gama.

Margao was a very famous town during Portuguese times; it also has a long history of being what it now. Raiders in the early time caused a lot of damage in the year 1579 but over the years it was built again. The oldest town in Goa is the tag given to this place based on some of the ancient evidence found about Goa. The damage in the early times also contains the damage of the oldest state university and library which was destroyed during the Portuguese invasion. However, there are still numerous prestigious schools and colleges in Margao.

Quick Glance

Town Area: 15.10 square kilometers

Closest Airport: Dabolim – 25.6 km (15.9 miles)

Metropolitan Area: 22.1 square km

Closest Beaches in South Goa: Margao is very close to major south Goa beaches like Betalbatim, Majorda, Colva, Varca, Benaulim, Cavelossim, and Mobor.

Famous Landmarks: Sri Damodar Temple, Church of the Holy Spirit, the Seven Gables House, Anna Fonte Natural Source, Our Lady of Grace Church, Goa Chitra Museum, Maruti Mandir, Ravindra Bhavan

Best Time to Visit: November to February

There is no exact time of the year because Goa is beautiful and suitable to visit throughout the year. The summer seasons are hot and humid, which might give you a second thought about visiting Goa but think of the beaches and you will visit Goa without even blinking an eye. Rainy seasons receive heavy rains and there might be some water logging but you will enjoy the weather for sure.

Still, to summarize the best time for you, you can visit Margao between November to February. The weather remains pleasant and breezy with very little rain. You will enjoy the climate and the surroundings during this time.

What’s the Catch?

This town is known as the transport hub for people who are willing to visit the incredible beaches in the surrounding areas of Margao. You will be able to enjoy amazing restaurants, cafes, beach shacks, and many water sports. You will be able to reach these beaches easily from Margao since they are very close by and the transportation network is also quite accessible.

1. Our Lady Of Grace Church – 4.5 km (2.7miles)

It is a military church in the modern building in the center of the town. You will be surprised to know that this church is unique for its uncommon ‘crucifix’ of the resurrected Jesus. This Church has a very different picture of the Christ where he doesn’t have a thorny crown and he is gracefully draped in a veil. He has his hands wide open towards the Church.

2. Damodar Temple – 3.5km (1.5 miles)

This temple is dedicated to the Hindi Lord Shiva. The history of Goa says that the settlement of Margao in the ancient time started around the Damodar temple. However, you will find the architecture of this temple to be quite modern with an old deity. The best part about this temple is that Hindu and Christians can visit freely.

3. Ravindra Bhavan

All the cultural activities happen in South Goa are associated with this campus. It was built in 2008; this campus is also the hub for many national and international festivals. You will often see many music festivals, magic shows, and workshops happening at this place.

4. Ana Fonte Garden

The municipal garden consists of the lotus fountain; this fountain is also associated with the nickname given to this town which is ‘City of fountains’. This place has a natural spring, and a brilliant musical fountain that is opened every day between 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm. On visiting this area, you will know that this part of the town has a very Old Portuguese era look.

5. Clergy Home

This place use to be the first place where the retired priest took shelter. It was formed by Rev. Antonio Joao de Miranda in Miranda road which is close to the district hospital. The infrastructure is something to look at, and it will be a brilliant place to visit.

How to Reach Margao?

By Air

Dabolim Airport is the nearest airport to Margao in Goa, which is around 23 km (14.2 miles) away. You will easily get many means of transport to the town because the transportation route is quite convenient.

• 45 min (27.6 km) 16 miles via NH566

• 49 min (29.8 km) 18 miles via NH366 and NH 66

• 53 min (32.4 km) 19 miles via NH366 and MDR44

By Rail

The nearest railway station to Margao is Goa which is some 16 km (9.9 miles) away. The convenient routes are the main reason why Margao is a famous destination for tourists throughout the year. You will have to find a ride to get to the beach. Here is the route you can take

• 19 min (7.3 km) 4.5 miles via Margao - Quepem Rd (Colva Beach)

• 23 min (8.4 km) 5.1 miles via Colva Beach Rd

By Road

Margao is also well-connected with all the major cities in India like Udupi, Bhatkal, Kumta, Karwar, Mangalore, Ratnagiri, and Mumbai via the National Highway 66 (NH66). There are numerous transportations available around the area which is easily connected with many other parts of Goa.

• Vasco - Margao City via Cortalim towards Vasco via Cortalim

Exploring Margao will be extremely easy due to the transportation convenience. You will not just enjoy the beautiful places, but also love the special Goan food, and trendy souvenirs at the market place.