Old Goa
Old Goa, also known as Velha Goa, is a city that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of Old Goa is located in district of North Goa. Formed during the 15th century by Bijapur Sultanate, Old Goa was capital of the Portuguese India from 16th century. Old Goa remained the capital till the 18th century when the city was left abandoned because of the outbreak of plague. Old Goa is located 9km from Panaji, the capital city of the state.
Old Goa – History
Old Goa was founded by Bijapur Sultanate rulers as port during the 15th century on the Mandove river banks. The city has served as a port for the Vijaynagar and Kadamba kings and was also the second capital of the kingdom Bijapur during the rule of Adil Shah.
However, during the rule of Portuguese, it was taken over by the Portuguese rulers and from 1510; the city had served as Portuguese India’s administrative seat. During the 17th century, epidemics of Cholera and Malaria had destroyed the city and it was left abandoned. It was then the city earned the name ‘Velha Goa’ which means ‘Old Goa’ in Portuguese.
Old Goa – Tourist Attractions
Like the other parts of Goa, Old Goa has a number of tourist attractions dotting all over. Old Goa has been listed under the World Heritage list of UNESCO. Since this was a chief city of Portuguese India, a number of buildings and monuments have been erected during the Portuguese rule in India. Magnificent buildings and majestic churches have dotted all over Old Goa. Velha Goa was often termed as the ‘Lisbon of the East’ in its heydays owing to the beautiful churches. However, the city suffered terrible damage with the outbreak of Cholera and Malaria epidemics. It was during this time the capital was transformed to Panaji by the Portuguese India.
Most of the century old monuments and buildings remain in ruins in the present day. However, some of the important tourist landmarks of Old Goa are Basilica of Bom Jesus, Convent of St. Monica and Mausoleum of Francis Xavier
Old Goa – Where to stay
In the present stay, owing to its importance as a major tourist hub, Old Goa has a number of accommodation options. From star rated to luxury and budget hotels, all are available in plenty in Old Goa. One of the most popular hotels of Old Goa is Old Goa Residency. The hotel is thronged by a large number of tourists, by both locals and foreigners, throughout the year.
Old Goa – How to reach
Goa is well connected by roadways, railways and airways, thereby making it easier to reach any part of Goa at any point of time.
By Air The airport of Goa, Dambolim Airport, is located 30 km from Old Goa. Taxis, buses and auto rickshaws are available in plenty from both Panaji and Vasco to Old Goa.
By Road
Panaji is well connected with other important cities of India, like Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Mangalore, Hubli, Mysore and Kolhapur.
By Rail
Both buses and taxis are available to Old Goa from Vasco-da-Gama, which is the railway station and is well connected with major Indian cities.
Old Goa – History
Old Goa was founded by Bijapur Sultanate rulers as port during the 15th century on the Mandove river banks. The city has served as a port for the Vijaynagar and Kadamba kings and was also the second capital of the kingdom Bijapur during the rule of Adil Shah.
However, during the rule of Portuguese, it was taken over by the Portuguese rulers and from 1510; the city had served as Portuguese India’s administrative seat. During the 17th century, epidemics of Cholera and Malaria had destroyed the city and it was left abandoned. It was then the city earned the name ‘Velha Goa’ which means ‘Old Goa’ in Portuguese.
Old Goa – Tourist Attractions
Like the other parts of Goa, Old Goa has a number of tourist attractions dotting all over. Old Goa has been listed under the World Heritage list of UNESCO. Since this was a chief city of Portuguese India, a number of buildings and monuments have been erected during the Portuguese rule in India. Magnificent buildings and majestic churches have dotted all over Old Goa. Velha Goa was often termed as the ‘Lisbon of the East’ in its heydays owing to the beautiful churches. However, the city suffered terrible damage with the outbreak of Cholera and Malaria epidemics. It was during this time the capital was transformed to Panaji by the Portuguese India.
Most of the century old monuments and buildings remain in ruins in the present day. However, some of the important tourist landmarks of Old Goa are Basilica of Bom Jesus, Convent of St. Monica and Mausoleum of Francis Xavier
Old Goa – Where to stay
In the present stay, owing to its importance as a major tourist hub, Old Goa has a number of accommodation options. From star rated to luxury and budget hotels, all are available in plenty in Old Goa. One of the most popular hotels of Old Goa is Old Goa Residency. The hotel is thronged by a large number of tourists, by both locals and foreigners, throughout the year.
Old Goa – How to reach
Goa is well connected by roadways, railways and airways, thereby making it easier to reach any part of Goa at any point of time.
By Air The airport of Goa, Dambolim Airport, is located 30 km from Old Goa. Taxis, buses and auto rickshaws are available in plenty from both Panaji and Vasco to Old Goa.
By Road
Panaji is well connected with other important cities of India, like Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Mangalore, Hubli, Mysore and Kolhapur.
By Rail
Both buses and taxis are available to Old Goa from Vasco-da-Gama, which is the railway station and is well connected with major Indian cities.