Goa, home to a rich heritage and beautiful landscapes, is a perfect destination for families, couples, friends, and everyone else.
The state offers some astonishingly beautiful views, beaches, lakes, forts, and whatnot! When in Goa, one can never feel exhausted with options to explore, travel, and meet nature nearby.
Among its many must-see places is Madgaon, the sacred land of Goa.
Where is Madgaon?
Madgaon is around 33 kilometers, or 21 miles, from Panjim, the state’s capital, and 25 kilometers, or 16 miles, from Dabolim Airport. It is about 560 kilometers or 350 miles south of Mumbai.
In fact, Madgaon Goa’s oldest and second-largest city. Salcete Taluka, which receives its name from the Sal River, has Madgaon as its capital. The Sal River, which is now just a sludge bed, was once a bustling commercial hub, giving the city its popularity among travelers and businessmen alike.
History of Madgaon
Madgaon, also known as Margao, is a religious and economic center in Goa with sacred significance. There are many theories explaining the origin of the city’s name. Some theories claim that the town gets its name from the Sanskrit term “mathagram”, which means “the location of a math”. In Vedic times, math essentially denoted a devotee’s resting place. It is believed that a large number of Vaishnava mathas used to be there in the early days of the city. When the Portuguese colonized the area, the name was changed to Margao, which eventually reformed to be known as Madgaon.
Another idea based on popular history states that the name “Madgaon” comes from the fact that it was once the home of the Mahar caste, hence the name “Mad-gaon” (village of Mahars).
Local Climate
The climate in Madgaon is a typical tropical monsoon. The summer season is hot and gets extremely humid at times, but winters are relatively pleasant. Summers last from March to May, with temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit), and winters last from December to February, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 28 degrees Celsius (59 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit).
The monsoon season in Madgaon spans from June to September, with heavy rain and strong gusts. The average annual rainfall is around 2,881 millimeters (113.4 in).
Language and Communication
The city is an amalgamation of the various cultural influences it has received due to its bustling commerce since the Portuguese era. With tourism becoming the region’s prime livelihood source, the localities’ language belt has expanded even further. In Madgaon, part of Goa, Konkani is the most widely spoken language, followed by English.
However, a tiny number of people still speak and understand Portuguese. Most of the city’s inhabitants are also comfortable understanding and communicating in Hindi.
In addition, South Goa’s Konkani dialect differs significantly from North Goa’s. Marathi is also well-understood to a large extent in south Goa. A substantial portion also speaks and comprehends Kannada.
Home to Sacred Shrines
Madgaon is an attraction for people of all religious backgrounds and beliefs. The city is home to the Matsyendranath and Gorakhnath shrines in Rawanfond, now a Madgaon suburb.
Many churches, temples, and monuments around the city are the key tourist attractions, and the less populated beaches give a serene experience to solitude lovers. The Holy Spirit Church is a fine example of Goan architecture and culture, with carved apostles.
The city is home to a variety of temples and churches. Among the many popular temples are the Damodar Temple, Hari Mandir, Maruti Mandir at Davorlim, and the Shiv Temple Mandir in Fatorda, near Nehru Stadium. Madgaon has two mosques, one in the Malahat neighborhood and the other on Monte Hill. Pajifond also has a Jain temple and a Jama’at Khana for the Khoja faith. In Madgaon, there is also a Muslim community of Nizaris.
Places to Visit in Madgaon
Madgaon in Goa is a city worth visiting. The excellent scenery, serene culture, and welcoming nature make it one of the best places in Goa to have a refreshing escape. The numerous sights and attractions are a treat for the town.
Some of the most popular and favorite destinations of travel enthusiasts include the Mercado de Afonso de Albuquerque, also known as “Pimplapedd” or “Pimpalakatta,” the municipal building (Câmara Municipal), the municipal garden named after benefactor Prince Aga Khan, Anna Fonte (natural springs), Holy Spirit Church, grand colonial mansions such as the Seven Gables House, and the chapel.
Pajifond, Aquem, Gogol, Borda, Malahat, Madel, Khareband, Old Market, Navelim, and Comba are some of the town’s suburbs, with Navelim and Comba being the oldest. Behind St. Sebastian’s Church in Aquem, there are the Pandava Caves. If you’re the one visiting Madgaon next, add this to your list, and you won’t regret it!
Here is a list of some of the popular and favorite destinations in Madgaon to explore and experience the beauty of real Goa:
1. Municipal Gardens
The Municipal Gardens in Panjim, Goa, are known for their magnificently groomed lawns, fragrant flower beds, tall green trees, and monuments commemorating some great 16th-century men and mariners.
Inside the garden is a foundation raised by Vasco Da Gama in the late 15th century. The Ashoka Pillar that stands there commemorates the 400th anniversary of the first naval voyage from Europe to India.
2. State Central Library
The Krishnadas Shama Goa Central Library is another name for the Goa State Central Library. It is titled after Krishnadas, a Konkani philosopher who lived in the 16th century and made significant contributions to the field of literature.
The six-story library opened in 1832 and is the country’s oldest public library. It has all modern facilities and cutting-edge technology to make renting books and clearing dues easier.
The library has an impressive collection of over a quarter million books.
3. Church of Our Lady of Lourdes
Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Utorda, began as a chapel in 1892. The church is built in Neo-Roman style, with a white exterior and a bell on top. The painted glass incorporated into the architecture adds to the chapel’s tranquility.
The feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the patron saint of the Utorda church, is celebrated every year on November 14th.
4. John, the Baptist Church
St. John the Baptist Church was originally constructed near the sea but relocated to Monte Benaulim’s top in 1956. The church features one of the most beautiful altars, complete with a white finish that entices everyone to pay a visit.
The annual feast of Sao Joao is also well-known at the church. Sao Joao, which takes place on June 24th, is an event that rivals the Carnival in entertainment and pomp. It begins with a church Mass, after which the youth get drunk and leap into wells and streams while singing “Viva San Joao”.
5. Rachel Fort in Goa
Rachel Fort, located northeast of Madgaon in Salcette, South Goa, is popularly known for wars between the Vijayanagar and Bijapur empires. This magnificent fort, Rachel Fort, is constructed entirely of laterite stones and has become a prominent tourist attraction in the city. Tourists can only see the original gate of arms, curtain wall sections, and moat, mostly in ruins.
6. Fernandes House
Goa’s Fernandes House, formerly Vodlem Ghor, is one of Goa’s oldest palaces. The mansion constructed some 500 years ago, is famous for its historical significance and beautiful architecture.
A member of the Fernandes family presently owns the heritage structure. There are 25 rooms with Hindu and European architectural elements and various historical antiques on display for tourists.
7. San Thome Museum
The San Thome Museum in Goa is a treat for the eyes. It is an antiques and technological evolution museum that dates back to Thomas Edison’s period. It was founded to display the evolution of science and technology, beginning with Thomas Alva Edison.
The museum displays every facet of technology from the 18th century to the present day. The place is of great amusement to those who are into technology or enjoy reflecting on the progress humans have achieved over time.
8. Betalbatim Beach
Betalbatim Beach is one of Goa’s quieter and more serene beaches. The beach’s attraction, lined with fast-food franchises, local eateries, and spas, is the easy spotting of dolphins. Simply hopping onto a local fisherman’s boat can treat tourists to sightings of playful dolphins.
The northern part of Betalbatim Beach stretches for nearly a kilometer and is known as Sunset Beach because of the spectacular sunset views. Because fewer tourists are on this beach, it is cleaner and calmer, making it a perfect spot for solitude fanatics and bookworms who wish to be in the lap of nature without any distractions.
9. Braganza House
Braganza House is a 17th-century large Portuguese home in Chandor, South Goa, running over an entire town square. A Portuguese king handed the Braganza family this land, on which they built a magnificent palace, later inherited by the family’s sisters.
The mansion is a splendid sight, covering about 10,000 square meters. It has exquisite antique teak and rosewood furniture, drapes, and paintings. The ceilings are hand-painted, and the mansion’s west wing houses a magnificent library with over 5000 books.
Some of the objects in the estate are thought to have been given to the family by Dom Luis, the king of Portugal, during the 19th century. In the home’s ballroom, one can see the coat of arms of the last Royal Family of the Portuguese, which was a title bestowed on the family by the monarch.
10. Majorda Beach
Majorda Beach, a golden sand beach between Utorda and Betalbatim Beach, is South Goa’s most crowded beach. It is also one of South Goa’s most beautiful beaches, with swaying palms and a tranquil azure ocean.
Majorda Beach attracts a massive number of tourists and offers a variety of water sports. On Majorda Beach, street vendors sell Goa’s trademark eccentric items for souvenirs.
A plethora of churches dot the geography of Majorda, displaying unadulterated Portuguese architecture.
11. Utorda Beach
Utorda Beach is one of South Goa’s peaceful beaches. Though the beach doesn’t experience a hefty tourist rush even during high season, its silky white sands and magnificent palm greenery are worth exploring.
In addition, it provides a variety of water activities, dolphin rides, and fishing trips. A few shacks on the beach also serve a delightful combination of cuisine, culture, and cologne. With local Goan cuisine and seafood, Utorda Beach epitomizes Goa’s beauty and specialties.
Because the tides in this area are not very powerful, this beach is ideal for swimming, especially for inexperienced ones. While it is not a distant beach, it is not as crowded as the nearby Majorda beach, giving it a quality time option for a relaxing beach holiday.
Add Madgaon to your next Goa itinerary!
If you are a travel enthusiast or planning a serene holiday with family, consider Madgaon!
Madgaon is a history lover’s wonderland with bountiful treasures to explore and reminisce about. The churches, beaches, and forts all capture the essence of Goa in every way.
Whether to relish a relaxing staycation or live over time amidst the exotic nature and history, Madgaon is a destination that serves everyone, only to return for more.
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