Vasco da Gama, 29-km by road southwest of Panjim, sits on the narrow western tip of the Marmagoa (also known as Mormugao) peninsula, overlooking the mouth of the Zuari River. Acquired by the Portuguese in 1543, this strategically important site was formerly among the busiest ports on India's west coast.
It remains a key shipping centre, with container vessels and iron ore barges clogging the choppy river mouth, but holds nothing of interest for visitors, particularly since the completion of the Konkan Railway, when Goa's main railhead shifted from here to Margao. The only conceivable reason one might want to come to Vasco is to catch a bus to Dabolim airport, of Bogmalo beach, 8-km southeast.

Vasco da Gama (often shortened to Vasco) is a city in Goa state on the west coast of India. It is named for the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Vasco is Goa's largest town with an estimated 2005 population of over 100,000, and is the chief port town of Goa as well as the headquarters of the Mormugão taluka. The city lies on the western tip of the Mormugão peninsula, at the mouth of the Zuari River, about 30 km from Panaji, Goa's capital.

The city was founded in 1543, and remained in Portuguese hands until 1961, when Goa was annexed to India.

Vasco city is well connected by road, rail, sea and air. By road by the NH 17A (National Highway) by rail by the South Central Railway,by the Sea through the Mormugoa Harbour and by air by the Dabolim International airport.Thus serving as the main hub for foreign Tourists. Manganese ore mined in interior regions is brought to Marmugoa by barges navigating the rivers Mandovi and Zuari, and then either collected in the Mormugao Port to be loaded onto bulk carrier ships or directly loaded onto the ships using Trans-Shippers. Ore which is collected on the port is handled by state of the art machinery called MOHP (Mechanical Ore Handling Plant) This includes massive bucket wheel loaders and miles upon miles of conveyor belts. The port is run as a trust, hence the name Marmugao Port Trust(MPT) and the trust is governed by a board of directors headed by the chairman. The port has bearthing facilities for large cruise liners as well as a floating dry dock, which is owned by a private company called the Western India Shipyard Ltd.

Some of the places of tourist interest are the Pilot Point at Headland Sada, this place offers a magnificient view of the port and the mouth of the Zuari river as well as the Arabian Ocean another place at the Headland is the Japanese Garden, its an absolute must go during your visit to Goa.

Baina Beach is just a walk away from the city. Considered as one of the safest beach in Goa.

Bogmalo Beach is a mere 7 km from Vasco City and is one of the best that Goa has to offer. It has numerous shacks offering the local cuisine.

Bogmolo Beach

The sandy beach at the end of the cove would be even more picturesque were it not for the monstrous multi-storey edifice perched above it.

A Former Fishing Village, Today's Tourist Hangout
The village is still present at Bogmalo, complete with a tiny-whitewashed Chapel and gangs of hogs nosing through the rubbish, but its environs have been transformed. Pricey café-bars blaring Western music have crept up the beach, while the clearing below the hotel is prowled by assiduous Kashmiri handicraft vendors.

Bogmolo BeachCompared to other beaches of Goa, Bogmalo is still a small-scale resort. As long as one hasn't come to Goa to get away from it all or party all night, then one'll find Bogmalo congenial enough. The beach is clean and not too crowded, the water reasonably safe for swimming, and there are plenty of places to eat, drink and shop. If, on the other hand, one is looking for somewhere not yet, on the package tourist map, one'll be better off further south, at the far end of Colva Beach or beyond.

The Naval Aviation Museum

The Naval Aviation Museum The first naval museum in Asia was inaugurated at Dabolim, Vasco in 1998 and opened for public from the 19th October 1998. The museum showcases the history of Indian Naval Aviation, various aircrafts, weapons, sensors, safety equipment, rare photographs depicting Goa's liberation and artifacts. more.

By Air

Dabolim, Goa's airport, lies on top of a rocky plateau, 4-km southeast of Vasco da Gama.

By Rail

Vasco is laid out in a grid, bordered by Marmagao bay to the north, and by the railway line on its southern side, which is well linked to all the major cities of India.

By Road

Vasco da Gama is well connected by well defined roads to all the major cities of the neighbouring states.