Vasco da Gama, 29-km by road southwest of Panjim, sits on the narrow western tip of the Marmagoa (also known as 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The sandy beach at the end of the cove would be even more picturesque were it not for the monstrous multi-storey edifice perched above it. more..

The first naval museum in Asia was inaugurated at Dabolim, Vasco in 1998 and opened for public from the 19th October 1998. The museum showcases the history of Indian Naval Aviation, various aircrafts, weapons, sensors, safety equipment, rare photographs depicting Goa's liberation and artifacts. more..

Vasco da Gama Attractions

The Bogmalo Beach is the most popular beach of Vasco, which is a major tourist attraction as it offers some lip-smacking local cuisines in makeshift shacks. The Bogmalo beach is clean and not too much crowded. The water at the beach is reasonably safe for swimming and is also approved for Open water diving courses. Some of the main attractions at the beach are the guided dives to shipwreck sites and coral beds off the coast.

Located at the Bogmalai Beach near Dabolim, the naval museum provides a rare glimpse of the origins and evolution of Naval Aviation Wing. One of the main attractions at the museum is the aircraft exhibit. The main indoor galleries of the museum lie at the right. It is interesting to see that the entrance of the naval museum is modeled after the interiors of an Aircraft carrier and once you enter the building, you are faced with various exhibits ranging from armament and weapons to sensors and equipment. There are separate rooms that illustrate flight safety measures and equipment. There is a large gallery at the end of the building, which is home to a massive collection of historical photographs related to Indian Naval Aviation.

The town is also famous for the ancient Saint Andrews church, which is almost 400 years old and is a picturesque monument. Another place that one should not miss visiting is the Japanese Garden, which is known for its beauty and charisma. There is a temple of Goddess Durga in this garden and one can listen to the story of the temple as said by the locals while taking a stroll in the soft sands on the beach near the garden.