A city on the Western tip of Goa, 30 Km from the capital city, Panaji, Vasco Da Gama, is named after the explorer and navigator. Vasco Da Gama (the sailor) was also the governor of Portuguese India, and his voyage (1497-1499) was the first oceanic route between Europe and Asia.
Vasco Da Gama is one of the major port towns of Independent India and acts as a naval base for INS Hansa. The predominant presence of the Indian Navy can be felt when you set foot in this coastal city, and you find officers exercising or strolling in the streets of Vasco Da Gama.
Day Trip Guide To Vasco Da Gama
Best Time To Visit
Vasco Da Gama is ideal for visiting at any month of the year except during the monsoons.
Languages Spoken
People in the region speak Konkani. Most people can converse in Hindi and English, so communication shouldn’t be an issue.
Network Availability
Both Airtel and Jio have very good connectivity and reliable 4G internet services in Vasco Da Gama.
ATM Availability
The town has numerous ATMs spread across. Online payments are readily accepted in all shops.
How To Reach Vasco Da Gama?
By Air
Goa International Airport (IATA code: GOI, 5 Km) is quite close to Vasco Da Gama. Just outside the airport, government buses are available frequently. So you can reach the city by leveraging public transport. Alternatively, you can hire private taxis, which are slightly expensive.
By Rail
Vasco Da Gama Railway Station (station code: VSG, 0 Km) is the nearest railway station located in the town center. The station is well connected to cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Velankanni, Patna, etc.
By Road
Frequent buses are available from Margao to Vasco Da Gama and other nearby towns.
To Roam Around
Several bike and car rentals are near the Vasco Da Gama Railway Station. You can go in person and hire two-wheelers or four-wheelers of your choice.
Related: How to rent two-wheelers in India?
Note: Ola and Uber’s services are not available.
Where To Stay?
We stayed for a day on our trip while crossing from South to North Goa. There aren’t many options in the region. Here are our recommendations.
- Vasco Residency ($) – a hotel for Goa Tourism
- La Paz Gardens Beacon ($$)
- The HQ ($$)
- Villa Karma Goa ($$$)
Where To Eat?
Numerous eateries and restaurants (veg and non-veg) are available in the region. You’ll also find several fast-food joints and popular franchises if you fancy them. Hotel Anantashram is famous for its tongue-smacking delicacies, so feel free to try a few items there.
Note: Online food delivery services like Zomato and Swiggy are available.
Places To Visit In Vasco Da Gama
Naval Aviation Museum
The Naval Aviation Museum is one of India’s only two military museums and Asia’s only naval aviation museum. To date, the various kinds of naval aircraft used by the Indian Navy are displayed gloriously in this place. Naval equipment, gears, and gadgets like marine bombs, miniature models of ships, and aircraft with detailed descriptions of each are also present in the museum. In many ways, the museum is a knowledge hub where one can learn about naval history and pays tribute to the lost souls who served the nation.
Some noteworthy displays include INS Vikrant and INS Viraat. There is a VR corner in the souvenir shop, which offers a fascinating experience for an additional cost. (Rs. 100 for 5 min). You can also enjoy a movie that is played at regular intervals during the day (11 AM, 12:30 PM, 3 PM, 4:30 PM).
- Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM, closed on Mondays
- Entry fee: Rs. 100 for adults, Rs. 50 for children, Free for kids below 5 years of age and differently-abled. Also free for defense personnel and their dependents. Half the price for ex-servicemen and their dependents.
Note: Cash payments are not accepted. Payments have to be done online.
Baina Beach
Baina Beach bustles with tourists and locals as they enjoy water sports activities such as jet skiing, banana riding, parasailing, etc. The prices for these depend on your bargaining and negotiation skills. You will also find small vendors selling quick bites, drinks, and more along the shore. There’s also scuba diving at the Grand Island. Although we recommend you do it at Netravalli Island, you can check the reviews and try it here.
Japanese Gardens
With a children’s play area and spacious grasslands, you can relax, sit for a while and enjoy the sunset in the evenings. This small park has access to the beach from the cliff. All you need to do is climb down a flight of stairs, and you’ll feel like you’ve transported yourself to a different place. The beach is less-crowded, serene, and peaceful.
Did you visit any other interesting places in Vasco Da Gama that we missed? please mention them in the comments for others.
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