Vasco da Gama

Vasco Da Gama sits on the narrow western tip of the Mormugao peninsula, overlooking the mouth of the Zuari River. Acquired by the Portuguese in 1543, this strategically important site was formerly among the busiest ports on India's west coast, and it remains a key shipping center, with container vessels and iron-ore barges clogging the choppy river mouth. The port town of Vasco-Da-Gama, popularly known as Vasco, is Goa's most cosmopolitan city. 30kms from Panaji, this well laid out city is also the railway terminus for passenger service. The Mormugao Harbor, one of India's few natural harbors is 4kms from Vasco at one end. And Goa's only airport, Dabolim is also 4kms from Vasco, at the other end.

History
Vasco-da-Gama discovers new sea route to India
Many sailors from different countries of Europe set sail to discover a new sea route to India. Many voyages were undertaken during the last decade of the fifteenth century. In 1492, Columbus, an Italian sailor, set out from Spain to reach India and discovered America. However Vasco-da-Gama, a Portuguese sailor, succeeded in the effort. He rounded South Africa and finally landed at the famous port of Calicut on May 17, 1498. The ruler of Calicut bearing the hereditary title of Zamorin welcomed him cordially.

Vasco-da-Gama carried spices from India to Portuguese and made very heavy profits. So the Portuguese sent other expeditions to India and they established trade centres at Calicut, Cochin and Cannanore. The sea route went round the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa and so was called the "Cape Route to India".

Getting There
Airways
Dabolim airport is just 2-3 km from Vasco da Gama. For details of Flight see our section on North Goa (Panaji).

Roadways
Both bus and taxi services are available.
Bus : Frequent buses to and from Margao and Panaji are available. One needs to change at Panaji (if coming to Panaji from else where) for Mapusa as well as the beaches of North Goa. Buses leave from Kadamba Bus Stand, Panaji.

Outside Vasco railway station, private operators buses leaves for a number of nearby and distant centres. Buses are also available to and from Mumbai and Bangalore.

Taxi : Taxis are quite easily available at the railway station in Vasco and Margao. From Dabolim airport one has to pay around RS 100 (for taxi) to RS 75 (for autorickshaw).

Hotels & Accommodation
Hotal Kamakshi
Tourist Hotel
Twiga Lodge

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