Salcete Taluka, 33-km From Panjim in Goa.

Margoa - Know before you go

Margao, the capital and the chief town of South Goa, has a decidedly Portuguese flavour and an old world charm. Margoa is also the commercial centre of South Goa. The "Math" of the Vaishnavas was first established here. In 1564, the early period of Christianisation, the Jesuits built a church, which was destroyed by the Mohammedans in 1571.

Finally in 1675 the present Church of the Holy Spirit was raised. One of the most magnificent of Goa's churches, with a a unique row of houses on either side of lavish architectural setup and mango tree lined rectangular square in front.

The history of Margoa can be estimated by the presence of the Pandava Caves at Aquem Alto, next to the Chapel of St. Sebastian. Margoa offers the visitor a large garden and a children's park in Gogol. The Chapel of the "Monte", built in 1820 on a small promontory, provides a panoramic view of the city.

Major attraction

The major attractions at Margoa - Beaches, The Old Market, Pandava Caves, The Steely Church of The Holy Spirit.

Beaches

Some of Goa's top beaches near Margao are :

Colva : Colva beach, 6 km from Margao, has a throbbing nightlife but a somewhat downmarket ambience by day. Colva's highly commercialised with resort complexes, large holiday crowds, trinket stalls, discos and restaurants and the waterfront is clean and the water's safe for swimming.

Benaulim : Benaulim lies right in the centre of Colva, 7 km west of Margao. Benaulim is a popular tourist hotspot with a crop of luxury resorts, time-share apartments, guesthouses and moderately priced hotels. Despite its popularity, Benaulim still has an air of tranquility: the beachfront is beautiful, with silver sands, shady palm trees and safe waters.

Mobor : Mobor is the spot where Colva ends and the River Assolna meets the sea. The beach at Mobor lies in a sheltered cave overlooked by cliffs on one side - it makes for a picture perfect setting.

Majorda : Majorda lies 2 km north of Colva, and is a pretty beach dominated by a luxury resort, hotels, restaurants, shops, boutiques and the best European bakeries in Goa.

South of Margao lie a host of quieter, more isolated beaches; venture beyond Cape Rama to the peace and beauty of the beaches at Palolem and Galgibaga- perfect for a day away from the crowds of bathers swarming around the more visited beaches.