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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.
It remains a key shipping centre, with container vessels and iron ore barges clogging the
choppy river mouth, but holds nothing of interest for visitors, particularly since the
completion of the Konkan Railway, when Goa's main railhead shifted from here to Margao.
The only conceivable reason one might want to come to Vasco is to catch a bus to Dabolim
airport, of Bogmalo beach, 8-km southeast. |
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HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Dabolim, Goa's airport, lies on top of a rocky plateau, 4-km southeast of
Vasco da Gama. A large new civilian terminal was recently constructed at this naval
aerodrome to accommodate Goa's rapidly increasing air traffic, but to avoid delays aim to
check in well in advance.
Facilities in the terminal buildings include State Bank Of India Foreign Exchange Desks,
Post Office Counters, and counters for domestic airlines. There's also a handy Pre-Paid
Taxi Counter outside the main exit.
Kadamba buses for Panjim are supposed to meet domestic airlines flights, or one can catch
a regular bus from the intersection immediately outside the airport to Vasco, from where
there are services to Margao and Panjim, Goa's principal transport hubs.
Rail: Vasco is laid out in a grid, bordered by Marmagao bay to the north,
and by the railway line on its southern side. Apart from the cluster of oil storage tanks,
the town's most prominent landmark is the railway station at the south end of the main Dr.
Rajendra Prasad Avenue.
Road: Arriving by bus from Panjim or Margao, you'll be dropped off at the
Interstate Kadamba Terminus, 3-km east of the town centre. Local minibuses ferry
passengers from here to the more central market bus stand.
At local minibuses ferry passengers from here to the more central market bus stand, at the
top of the square, where buses from Dabolim airport also pull in. Auto-rickshaws, and
Ambassador and motorcycle taxis, hang around on the corner of Swatantra Path and Dr.
Rajendra Prasad Avenue, near the station and the small cycle rental stall.
WHERE TO STAY
Thanks to its business city status, Vasco boasts a better than average batch of
hotels. Most are plush mid-range places, although there are several no-frills lodges near
the railway station. Best of the budget bunch is available on the Dattatreya Deshpande
Road. One can also try the GTDC Tourist Hostel, off Swatantra Path near the station, or
the hotels situated east of the main square on FL Gomes Road.
Moving upscale hotels situated at Pe Jose Vaz Road, currently offers the best value for
money among Vasco's many modern mid-range places. Finally, for fully air-conditioned
comfort, complete with plush bars, restaurants and a gym, check in to the hotels on
Swatantra Path.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Exchange Money: If one needs to change money, head for The State Bank Of India at the
north end of F L Gomes Road. GTDC's Tourist Information Counter is in the lobby of their
tourist hostel.
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