Close to the important industrial town of Vasco da Gama lies the main port of Goa, in Marmagoa. The town has some industries and not very much else besides the highly dilapidated ruins of a fort, and an ironic history, which classifies it as "the town that never was".

A Ruined History
Well, leaving the dramatics aside, Marmagoa was the site that was first chosen to be the capital of the Portuguese Empire. This is why, in 1685, the construction of the fort started along with the founding of a township. The Viceroy even moved to Marmagoa in 1703, but the Maratha warriors (term used for Shivaji and other Hindus originating from Maharashtra, who fought against foreign rulers) attacked the site repeatedly, and Old Goa was made the capital instead.

The Port Town
Thus, Marmagoa is more or less the Fatehpur Sikri of Goa, minus the monuments, of course. But with the harbour starts another lore. The port is one of India's finest natural harbours. If one wants to extricate oneself from the beaches, a sunset walk around the harbour can be a pleasant change.

Prime Attractions of Marmagoa

Marmagao Fort This fort near the internationally famous Marmagoa Harbour was built to protect the harbour situated near the Vasco da Gama town. Its work started in 1624.

Varca Beach If one staying in Benaulim, one is bound at some point to visit Varca: the row of beached wooden fishing boats 2-km south of Benaulim.

How To Get There - Marmagoa / Mormugoa

By Air Dabolim, Goa's airport, lies on top of a rocky plateau, 4-km southeast of Vasco da Gama.

By Rail The nearest railway station is situated at Vasco da Gama.

By Road Arriving by bus from Panjim or Margao, one'll be dropped off to the situated interestate Kadamba Terminus, 3-km east of the town centre from Vasco. From Vasco one can catch ferries to reach Margao harbour.