Location 13 kilometers north of Panaji, on NH-17, Bardez Taluka.
Best Time To Visit October to April.
Mapusa, a popular destination for Goa lovers, is a fairly small town with mostly modern buildings spread around the slopes of a little hillock called Altinho. It is known as the main market town in northern Goa. Tourists love visiting this place because of its excellent location. The city lies about 15 km north of "Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary" Panaji and about 10 km inland from the Calangute, Baga, Anjuna and Vagator beaches. Being close to all popular beaches, Mapusa is the headquarters of the Bardez Taluka. The images of the Portuguese kingdom can be seen in the form of historical monuments and forts here.
Mapusa, the third largest city of Goa, has been a well developed “gaunkari” or farming community since the times of the Marathas and the Sultans (even before the Portuguese and the Aryans).
The word Mapusa is derived from the Konkani term, “maap”, which means measure and “sa”which means fill up. Visiting Mapusa on a Friday morning is a unique experience, as the whole town becomes alive when the weekly Friday Market is set up. One can find almost everything in this weekly market.
Major AttractionsFriday Market, located just outside the Municipal Market of Mapusa, is the place where people come in large numbers to buy and sell items of daily use such as- vegetables, fruits, clothes, spices, fish, utensils, handicrafts, furniture and so on. The price is also very reasonable. The market not only provides a shopping platform for Goan goods but also offers a close look into the Goan life. Observe the way people dress, talk and interact with each other, and you will get a fair idea about the life in Goa.
The Church of Our Lady of Miracles is an important place for the annual celebrations and feasts in Mapusa. The church, built in 1594, showcases marvellous architectural designs of the Portuguese era. The Hindus also consider the church sacred as it was built on an ancient Hindu holy spot. Because of its location on St Jerome's road, it is also called as St Jerome's Church.
While visiting Mapusa, you can also visit Anjuna Beach, which is commonly called the freak capital of the world. Tourists from all over come to this enchanting beach destination to stay a while in the lap of mother nature. The Anjuna Beach, situated 8 Km west of Mapusa, is surrounded by groves of swaying coconut palms and fluorescent palm trees. Adventure loving people often visit this beach.
If you are a religious person, experience the spirituality of the Bodhgeshwar Temple (dedicated to Sri Bodhgeshwar), Sri Kalika Temple (dedicated to Sri Kalika) and Sri Morjee Temple (dedicated to Kanakeshwar Baba or Bodhgeshwar). These Hindu temples are known for extraordinary shrines, paintings, carvings and architecture.
How to ReachThe Dabolim airport in Panjim is the nearest airport from Mapusa town at a distance of 15 km. Apart from this, the Tivim or Thivim Railway station (12 km) is the nearest Railway station from Mapusa. You can avail rickshaws or taxis from the railway station or airport to take you to the nearest beach hotel or resort.
If you want to travel by road, there are regular buses from Mumbai, Pune and a number of other destinations near Mapusa. There are frequent bus departures for Panaji, Calangute, Anjuna, Margao, Chapora and Candolim. You can also hire a motorcycle for these beach destinations.
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