Driving under the clear blue sky and green spaces on both sides, Vasco da Gama, is great if you want to explore some gorgeous places secluded from the tourist crowds that visit Goa each year. Vasco da Gama is a tropical and underexposed city in Goa. The old Portuguese houses here represent village vibes and Portuguese heritage in many ways. The village side roads, palm trees, and the chill vibe of this place are unmatched. All of this makes Vasco da Gama a great place to explore, especially when you’re wanting to relax at a lowkey and tropical place.
To help you make the most of your trip, here's a list of exciting things you can do and explore when in Vasco da Gama. Keep reading to know what not to miss out on in your itinerary!
Other than the gorgeous beaches of Goa, you also have stunning waterfalls that you can visit. Kesarval Waterfalls are one such fall in the city that, even to this day, remains one of the offbeat places in Vasco da Gama. This fall is nestled among the serene green spaces that welcome you with the sound of birds chirping throughout the day. It's a quiet, peaceful place to visit if you're the one to ignore the crowds and spend some quality time with yourself or your family.
Since the falls are not discovered and visited by a lot of tourists, the place retains its charm and beauty. This place is clean and you can listen to the sound of water flowing and falling from the top. You can go for a swim or also enjoy a picnic with your family and friends when you visit these falls. The monsoon months from June to September are an ideal time to explore the beauty of these falls. Whether you wish to spend time amidst nature or just need a relaxing day out, this is definitely a place that you should visit on your trip to Vasco da Gama.
Timings: Open all day long
Entry Fee: None
Also read: 7 Authentic Food Hideouts In Goa
Cansualim beach is one of the offbeat beaches in Goa where you can enjoy some alone time. This is the beach you visit when you don't want to be a part of the crowded cafes and beachside congestions that the beaches of Vasco Da Gama usually have. It’s more lowkey and quiet compared to most other beaches here. Jet-skiing, parasailing, diving, fishing, and windsurfing are some of the well-known water sports that you can enjoy while at this beach.
These sports are reasonably priced and are open almost all year long. So you can visit this beach anytime, and have some fun in the cold blue waters. If you're interested in just spending some time with your family and friends, you can also enjoy a picnic at this beach by the blue water and the blue sky.
Timings: Open all day long
Entry Fee: None
Also read: Best Beaches In Goa That You Cannot Miss
St Andrew’s Church is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Vasco da Gama that was built sometime in the 1570s. Even though the exterior of the church may seem simple and minimalist, the interiors of this church are neo-gothic styled. St Andrew’s Church is one of the oldest churches in Vasco da Gama. Along with the interiors of this church, the celebration of the grand feast of St. Andrew in the month of November is a gala time. Locals and tourists visit this church on the 30th of November each year and celebrate this day in a grand way and spread joy.
What you see of this church today is a mixture of Portuguese architecture with Indian architectural styles, since it was destroyed by Adil Shah’s army in 1578. Some parts of the church have been rebuilt and some extensions have also been made that are as recent as 2012.
Timings: Every day from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Entry Fee: None
Doesn't matter what part of Goa you're visiting, you have to witness the gorgeous sunset at Velsao Beach. This is a tropical paradise with a white sand beach that is spread over 20 kilometers. The palm trees surrounding this beach have many stalls where you can grab some Goan snacks during your visit. You also have the opportunity to indulge in water sports such as jet-skiing and banana boat rides.
You’ll not be disturbed by the crowds of tourists here as this beach is less crowded and you can enjoy some peace and quiet. Dip your feet in crystal clear flowing waves crashing on the shore and witness the sunset at this pristine beach. It is without a doubt, one of the best beaches in all of Goa and a must-visit for all the nature lovers.
Timings: Open all day long
Entry Fee: None
Also read: 7 Fun Things To Do In Goa During Monsoon
Sahakari Spice Farm is an offbeat spice farm located in Vasco da Gama. It's an unusual and unique place on this list but for fair reasons. If you're the one to visit unexplored places and indulge in offbeat activities, this place is for you. You can walk through the lush spice lanes and also get a tour guide to help you understand the uniqueness of this place. The guide will give you a background to the establishment and also introduce you to some spicy green friends along the way.
Sahakari Spice Farm is spread across 135 acres of land and there's greenery everywhere you see. It's a great place to explore and get to know more about the kinds of spices, fruits, vegetables, and other produce that are grown on the farm. Besides, the tour guide will also take you to a place where a few elephants live. You can visit them and pet them while you're there. This makes your trip to the Sahakari Spice Farm definitely one of the most interesting things to do in Vasco da Gama.
Timings: Every day from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Entry Fee:
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The Naval Aviation Museum is one of the only two located in Asia which makes it a very unique place to visit in Vasco da Gama. This is one of the important reasons why it’s visited by thousands each year. This museum was established in 1998 and at large exhibits the functioning, importance, and growth of the Indian Naval Air Army. You can choose to get a guide who can take you on a tour of the entire museum and give you insights into all the background and history. It'll be an interesting lesson for all the history buffs out there.
You’ll find decommissioned aircraft, arms, weapons, documents, and even photographs of all kinds that were a part of the Indian Naval Air Army at some point. Fighter aircraft, anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and warheads are to name a few of the many exhibits here. All of these are spread across the indoors and outdoors of the museum where you get to see, read, and explore more about them.
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Mondays
Entry Fees:
Also read: Experiencing Goa During The New Year
If you want to have a look at the beautiful view of the clear blue waters of the Vasco da Gama coastline, you can visit the Mormugao Fort. You get a gorgeous view of the Arabian Sea and the city as well. It's known to be one of the foremost fortresses in Goa that protected the Vasco da Gama port from any attacks. It was built in the 17th century and is a well-preserved fort to date.
The fort has two fountains that are also a source of attraction amongst tourists - Fonte de Malabar and the Fonte Santo Ignacio. The fort and these fountains stand still and tall to this day attracting a majority of the tourists here. The fort also has prison blocks, accommodation chambers, and towering bulwarks that you can see when you visit. Mormugao Fort is best visited during the days as you have the eagle's view of the blue sky, the sea, and the green spaces that are spread across the roads and fields of Vasco da Gama.
Timings: No specific timings but visiting during the daytime is recommended.
Entry Fee: None
Shri Ramnath Temple or Ramnathi as it’s popularly known is one of the most ancient temples in Vasco da Gama. This temple is dedicated to five deities and holds great religious importance for all the Gowda Saraswat Brahmins. You’ll see the idols of Lord Ganesh, Lakshmi Narayan, Lord Rama, Kamakshi, Shanteri and Betal, and Kalbhairav in this temple.
Initially located in Salcete, the temple was relocated to Ramnathim, Bandivade in Goa in the 16th century to safeguard the deities and the temple from the Portuguese. As per popular beliefs, this temple is said to be over 450 years old. You’ll feel the serenity and peace here, especially when the early morning bhajans are ongoing. The atmosphere feels peaceful and tranquil.
Timings: Open all day long
Entry Fee: None
Also read: A Guide To Exploring Goa
Summing Up
If you've been waiting for an offbeat vacation in Goa, Vasco da Gama is going to be the place you visit first. All of the aforementioned are some of the many things you can do when in Vasco da Gama to fully enjoy and soak in the vibe of the place. Plus, it'll only make your vacation a fun experience. You get to enjoy watersports, the sunset, the view of the beaches, and also spend some time in the churches and temples that you have in Vasco da Gama. So make sure you include most, if not all, of these activities in the itinerary that you plan for yourself when visiting Vasco da Gama.
Is Vasco Da Gama Worth Visiting?
Vasco da Gama is one of the unexplored parts of South Goa and has ample hidden gems. Discovering these gems and exploring a bit more of these places makes visiting Vasco da Gama absolutely worth it. You also have peace, empty roads, and beautiful terrain that adds to your experience of visiting this place.
Why Is Vasco Da Gama Famous In Goa?
Vasco da Gama is a city in Goa located in the Margao region. It's named after the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama and it's also an important cultural and commercial hub of Goa. The architecture, greenery, and clear blue water beaches are all things Vasco da Gama is famous for in Goa.
What To Do When Visiting Vasco Da Gama?
When visiting Vasco da Gama, it's best to check out some of the unexplored places that lie around the city. You have blue water and white sand beaches like Cansualim and Velsao to visit and enjoy the sunset and water sports. You also have Shri Ramnath Temple and St. Andrew’s Church that you can visit to seek blessing and spend time in peace and tranquility.
How Far Is Vasco Da Gama From The Airport?
Vasco da Gama is easily accessible from airways, roadways, and railways in Goa. In fact, it is located quite close to the Dabolim Airport in Goa. It's just 4.7 kilometers away and it will take you not more than 15 minutes to reach there.
Which Sweets Are Famous In Goa?
Some famous sweets in Goa are dodol, bebinca, bolinhas, kulkuls, and perad.
How Many Beaches Are In Goa?
There are more than 35 beaches present in Goa.
Which Language Is Spoken In Goa?
Konkani is the main language spoken by the locals in Goa. But, many of them do speak English, Hindi, and Marathi as well.
When Was Goa Free From Portugal?
Goa was free from Portugal on December 19, 1961.
