Margao, India

Margao is a city in South India, located on the banks of the Sal River, in the smallest state of Goa. With a population of around 90,000 people, Margao is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in the state. Called the gateway to South Goa, Margao is its commercial and cultural capital. The city is only 6 km from the Arabian Sea, where there are beautiful beaches with golden sand and this makes it visited by many tourists. Much of the buildings in the city of Macau are of remarkable architecture left over from the Portuguese who came here in 1543 and stayed here for nearly 400 years. The state of Goa was liberated from the colonists in 1961.
Coming to Margao, the colonists destroyed many of the Hindu temples, replacing them with Christian churches. On the Church Square "Largo da Igreja" is the church "St. Spirit', which was erected on the site of the ancient Damodar Temple. The beautiful white building in the Indian Baroque style is timeless with its grace. The other church in this square is "Sab Banzam Ghor" or the House of the Seven Guards. This is one house in Enrico de Silva's estate that has always attracted tourists.
The road after Largo Da Igreja splits into two, one leading to the town and the other to the small chapel on Monte Hill. From the top of the hill, the view of the city and the surrounding area is fantastic.
Margao's town square boasts two gardens, the Municipal and the Aga Khan, which are perfect for a stroll. The gardens are masterpieces of horticultural art. Also at the entrance is written "GARDEN" in an evergreen stroke. Many rare flowers, shrubs and mango trees can be seen here. The avenues are wide, there are children's corners, and the magnificent rose tree shelters visitors under its fragrant blooming roses. On this square is the town hall, a two-story building with arched niches, left over from the Portuguese presence. The municipal library is housed in a part of the town hall building. In the Town Square stands the statue of Luis de Menezes Braganza (1878-1938), Goa's leading Indian journalist, writer, politician and anti-colonial activist. There is a beautiful arrangement of flowers around the monument.
In the town of Margao two churches are worthy of interest. One is the Greek Church, which preserves a rare crucifix of the resurrected Christ, whose image is covered with a leaf, but the crown of thorns is missing. The second church "St. Sebastian" is also known as "Pandova" because of the ancient caves right behind the church.
There are two temples in Margao that are worth visiting. One of them is 'Sri Damodar' located in the house of the Naik family and is famous for being where Swami Vivekanand stayed before going to Chicago for the religious convention. The other temple, Hari Mandir, is located in a part of an office building.
Rachol Seminary is located 8 km from Margao and is perched on a hill. There was originally a Shayite temple here. Later, a Muslim fort was built on it, which was destroyed by the Portuguese. A moat and a gate remain from it. The church built by the colonists in 1521 was for the training of monks to spread Christianity.
An interesting tourist destination is the village of Lutolim, 10 km from Margao. It is a nature museum showing the life of Goan villagers. There is also a restaurant where the tourist can try the exotic Goan cuisine.
The Menezes Braganza estate is the most magnificent in the area. In the small village of Chandor, 13 km from Margao, it was established by the wealthy Braganza family in the 16th century. The house in the estate is two stories high with 28 beautiful windows facing the entrance. A part of the exquisite furniture and Chinese porcelain have been preserved in the house.
Margao town is an interesting tourist destination. Apart from the sights, the beach and the sea with its crystal clear waters are interesting for the tourist. The Arabian Sea is ideal for diving - the underwater world is rich in corals, tropical fish, sharks and sea turtles.
Visiting the old fish market around the Town Square is an interesting experience. But visiting the Covered Market is the most exotic experience. So much stuff! Such an abundance of fruits, vegetables, spices, exquisite scarves, jewelry, souvenirs, sarees and a separate room for fish.
Margao is a charming Indian town worth visiting. And here as in all cities of India, a rickshaw ride is a shocking experience.
The best time to visit Margao is from October to March. Madgaon railway station is the largest and busiest in the state of Goa. All trains stop at Margao and pass through important tourist sites near Margao. The nearest airport to Margao is Dabolim, located 23 km from Margao town.
Margao - a city with an exciting past, a beautiful present and a dreamy future!