Making the most of Mormugao Goa
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships berth at Mormugao Port, 25 miles from Panjim, the principal town. Taxis normally wait beyond the port gate, and the fare should be agreed before departure. No shuttle buses operate, leaving a long walk to the gate.
The city of Vasco da Gama lies close to Mormugao, at a distance of 4km.
There is no prepaid taxi or auto counter at Mormugao port. Cruise passengers wanting to see Goa must therefore bargain when tourist taxi drivers quote extremely high rates for a few hours of sightseeing.
Some taxis lack a/c, and some drivers do not speak English. Negotiate firmly.
Pronounced Marmagoa, Mormugao is Goa’s main port facility and occupies the end of a peninsula extending into the Arabian Sea. Panjim is a 45-minute drive away. The nearby small town of Vasco da Gama is the terminus for the railway route into Goa.
Getting around
By taxi, Old Goa is about 45 mins away. A return trip in a multi-person vehicle costs around 1000 rupees, about 25 US dollars; for that amount, the driver should also take you around the capital, Panjim, which merits a stop.
Nearby places
Panjim, the capital of Goa State, began as a suburb of Old Goa. One of India’s smallest and most agreeable state capitals, it stands on the southern bank of the broad Mandovi River and officially gained capital status in 1843.
The mood is relaxed and residents are very welcoming. Portuguese heritage remains particularly well preserved in the oldest quarter, where narrow, twisting lanes pass historic houses with projecting balconies and red-tiled roofs, whitewashed churches, and many small bars and cafés. The result feels more Mediterranean than Indian.
Panjim served as the first Cruise Port for sailings from Lisbon. Before travelling onward to Old Goa, sailors went to the Church of the Immaculate Conception to offer thanks for a safe passage.
Old Goa’s Archaeological Museum occupies the convent behind the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Its collection includes objects from the animist cult that thrived in this region of India centuries ago, along with portraits of Portuguese viceroys that trace changing court fashions. Goa is also renowned for beaches, which have attracted Europeans since the early 1960s. The leading beaches and resorts are at least six miles away.
Food and shopping
Shopping around Mormugao is limited. Panjim market is a useful source of cashew nuts and straw goods, while the Habitat Store in Old Goa carries handicrafts, rugs, marble-inlaid pieces, silks, brass ware and jewellery.
Money
India’s currency is the Indian rupee.
In major cities, chain retailers and other westernised shops and restaurants accept credit cards. Small and family-operated businesses almost never do, so keeping a moderate sum of cash is useful.
Staying connected
The official languages include Hindi, English and 21 others.
Internet kiosks are now widespread, with rates as low as Rs. 10 an hour. Take care when entering credit-card details online, as cases of card theft through key loggers have been reported.
Opening Hours and
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