Vasco da Gama
Vasco Da Gama sits on the narrow western tip of the 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, and it remains a key shipping center,
with container vessels and iron-ore barges clogging the choppy river
mouth. The port town of Vasco-Da-Gama, popularly known as Vasco,
is Goa's most cosmopolitan city. 30kms from Panaji, this well laid
out city is also the railway terminus for passenger service. The
Mormugao Harbor, one of India's few natural harbors is 4kms from
Vasco at one end. And Goa's only airport, Dabolim is also 4kms from
Vasco, at the other end.
History
Vasco-da-Gama discovers new sea route to
India
Many sailors from different countries of Europe set sail to discover
a new sea route to India. Many voyages were undertaken during the
last decade of the fifteenth century. In 1492, Columbus, an Italian
sailor, set out from Spain to reach India and discovered America.
However Vasco-da-Gama, a Portuguese sailor, succeeded in the effort.
He rounded South Africa and finally landed at the famous port of
Calicut on May 17, 1498. The ruler of Calicut bearing the hereditary
title of Zamorin welcomed him cordially.
Vasco-da-Gama carried spices from India to Portuguese and made
very heavy profits. So the Portuguese sent other expeditions to
India and they established trade centres at Calicut, Cochin and
Cannanore. The sea route went round the Cape of Good Hope in South
Africa and so was called the "Cape Route to India".
Getting There
Airways
Dabolim airport is just 2-3 km from Vasco da Gama. For details of
Flight see our section on North Goa (Panaji).
Roadways
Both bus and taxi services are available.
Bus : Frequent buses to and from Margao
and Panaji are available. One needs to change at Panaji (if coming
to Panaji from else where) for Mapusa as well as the beaches of
North Goa. Buses leave from Kadamba Bus Stand, Panaji.
Outside Vasco railway station, private operators buses leaves for
a number of nearby and distant centres. Buses are also available
to and from Mumbai and Bangalore.
Taxi : Taxis are quite easily available
at the railway station in Vasco and Margao. From Dabolim airport
one has to pay around RS 100 (for taxi) to RS 75 (for autorickshaw).
Hotels & Accommodation
Hotal Kamakshi
Tourist Hotel
Twiga Lodge
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General Information & Accomdation info on Vasco da Gama city of Goa - India
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