VASCO DA GAMA AND MORMUGAO
Vasco da Gama is Goa's would-have-been capital, home to the
region's lone airport and port and a major railhead. It is a
bustling centre through which Goa's and neighbouring states'
iron ore is exported. Named after the Portuguese explorer Vasco
da Gama, it has a population of over 1,00,000 - making it the
largest city in Goa. It lies on the western tip of the Mormugao
peninsula, at the mouth of the Zuari River, about 30 km from
Panjim. Some of the major attractions of Vasco da Gama include
Bogmalo Beach, the Naval Aviation Museum (Open: 10am to 4pm,
closed on Mon; ), Church of St. Andrew, Shree Damodar Temple,
Cabo de Rama and the Buddhist caves.
