Location:
13 kilometers north of Panaji, on NH-17, Bardez Taluka, Goa
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Highlights: Calangute beach, Anjuna beach, Aguada fort, Reis
Magos fort, Mascarenhas Mansion, etc.
Main Languages: Konkani, Hindi and English
Main Religions: Hinduism, Christianity and Islam
STD Code: 0832
Mapusa is a favorite tourism destination among those who travel to Goa.
This is because Mapusa city is closest to all popular beaches in Goa.
This place is the headquarters of the Bardez Taluka and is at a distance
of around 13 kilometers from Panaji. The best time to travel to Mapusa
is from October to April. The weather is just fine to let you enjoy your
trip. Since it is a commercial town, the number of deluxe hotels and
resorts is limited. The rich historical legacy of the Portugal rule in
India is seen in the form of historical monuments and forts.
Mapusa is famous among not just tourists but locals as well. Every
week, on Friday, Mapusa comes alive with the weekly market that is set
up here. One can find almost everything over here. Right from trinkets
to spices to dried fish to clothes; it gives 'shopping under one roof' a
new meaning! This weekly market does not have the aspect of a tourism
oriented fair but has that typical local Goan flavor, which is what
gives it more brownie points.
Mapusa Tourist Attractions
Mascarenhas Mansion
One of the most popular tourist attractions of Mapusa is the
Mascarenhas Mansion. This beautiful mansion was built during the
Portugal rule and is an excellent example of the wonderful Portuguese
architectural style. The balconies are lovely and add richness to the
splendor of this magnificent mansion. The mansion is famous for its
refined stained glass floral engravings. Another attraction here is the
L shaped seat along the front porch, which is made out of expensive
wood.
Sri Kalika Temple
One of the most important Hindu temples in Goa, the Sri Kalika Temple
is located at a distance of around 14 kilometers from Mapusa. It can be
easily reached by hiring any mode of local transport from Mapusa. The
Kalika Temple is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kali. This temple presents a
unique blend of aesthetic and modern architectural style.
Anjuna Beach
Located at 8 kilometers west of Mapusa, Anjuna beach is a popular beach
and is thronged by tourists. The beach is beautiful to look at with
golden sands, turquoise blue water and swaying coconut trees. The beach
is quite safe for tourists to have a bath in the sea as the currents are
usually not too strong here.
Sri Morjee Temple
The Sri Morjee temple is located at a distance of 15 kilometers from
Mapusa. It is a popular tourist attraction of this place. The main deity
of this temple is Kanakeshwar Baba or Bodhgeshwar, also known as
Bongini. It is said that the deity fulfills the wishes of those who pray
with pure devotion.
How to Reach
By Air: Mapusa can be easily reached by air as the nearest
airport to Mapusa is the Dabolim airport of Goa. Flights from Delhi,
Mumbai and other major cities provide daily services for tourists.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Mapusa is around 12
kilometers away and is known as Thivim / Tivim railway station. Trains
come here regularly from nearby cities and states. One can always hire
local transport from here to reach the concerned hotel or resort.
By Road: Mapusa is well connected by roads and bus service from
nearby states is available round the clock. To travel in Mapusa, buses,
autos, taxis, etc. are available from just about everywhere.
