The prime attractions of Margao are the Colva Beach and the Benaulim Beach. The Covala Beach is a summer retreat for Margao's moneyed middle classes since long before Independence, Colva is the oldest and largest of South Goa's resorts. The Benaulim Beach (known in Sanskrit as 'Banali') it was later corrupted by the Portuguese to Benaulim. It lies in the centre of Colva Beach, 7-km west of Margao
The Old Market is the other reason to come here. The town's excellent market stretches from the south edge of the main square to within a stone's throw of the old railway station, the Bazaar centers on a labyrinthine covered area that's a rich source of authentic souvenirs and a good place to browse. The Stately Church of the Holy Spirit, in the heart of a disheveled but picturesque colonial enclave, is another attraction. Presiding over the dusty Largo de Igreja Square, the church, built in 1675 by the Portuguese, is an example of late-Baroque architecture in Goa.
Roadways: Long distance bus services can be availed from the main Kadamba Bus Stand, on the outskirts of the town, 3 km north of the main town. This is also the departure point for interstate services to Magalore, via Chaudi and Gokarn, and for services to Panjim and North Goa. Local private buses to Colva and Benaulim leave from in front of the Kamat hotel on the east side of Margao's main square.
By Rail: Margao's train station is the only stop in Goa for most long distance express services on the Konkan Railway. It lies 3 km south of the centre. The Reservation office (Monday-Saturday, 8.00 am-4.30 pm, Sunday 8.00 am- 2.00 pm) is divided between the ground and the first floor. There is also a 24-hour Information Centre. Tickets for trains for Mumbai are in great demand so you are advised to make reservations well in advance. There is also round-the-clock pre-paid auto rickshaw stand outside the exit.
Places to Stay: The GTDC Tourist Hotel is standard budget hotel. However, plenty of accommodation options are available in Margao.
Some useful information is listed below:
- Tourist Information Centres:
GTDC's Information Office (Monday-Friday 9.30 am-5.30 pm): sells
tourist maps and keeps useful lists of train
and bus timings.
- Banks / Money Changers:
Exchange Facilities:1. The State bank Of India (Monday-Friday
10.00 am-2.00 pm, Saturday 10.00 am-noon) of the
west side of the main square;
2. The Bobcard office in the market sub-branch of
the Bank of baroda, on Luis Gomez road, does visa
encashments.
GPO: The GPO is at the top of the municipal gardens, although its Poste Restante is in a different building, 200m west on the Rua Diogo da Costa.
Last Updated on : October 14, 2015