Vasco Da Gama

It is all about a solitary cross that stands on the sun-kissed sands of
Mormugao Harbour, the signature of Vasco da Gama. Despite perfect leisure
options augmented by lots of water, swaying palms, sunshine and sea breeze,
the city doesnot laze around and sip it all in. Because it is home to Dabolim
Airport, Mormugao Port and Goa's biggest naval base, this slender strip
of land is home to people from across India. Overlooking the Zuari river,
it's a city that is named after the famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco da
Gama. Vasco, today is as busy as Old Goa might have been at its height of
commercial activity.
At one point Vasco, or rather Mormugao, missed being the capital by a whisker.
The Viceroy of the time, D Fransico de Tavora on January 12, 1684 decided
to shift the state capital to Vasco. The city saw many colossal buildings
shed their attire and stand up. Viceroy's Palace, offices and warehouse
sprung up to take care of the needs of future.
Ironically, the Court of Lisbon brought an abrupt end to all dreams in 1712.
The buildings which were designed to carry political activity now stand
to entertain the tourists. The colourful and cordial ambiance only add to
the flavour. So wherever you come from, Vasco is one place where you will
feel perfectly at home.
Follow the Mormugao Port Trust Road, which scales uphill before turning
to an open space with benches and concrete deck. Welcome to Pilot Point.
As the name goes, this serene pad affords a magnificent view of his port
city and of course, Mormugao Harbour. If you happen to visit Vasco during
the monsoons, watch your steps since the floor is mossy.
The rose in the bouquet is apparantly the Mormugao Port. One of India's
finest natural harbours, this classic port is an important passage for Goa's
premier export industry - mining. Beside being an eminent gateway to tourists,
Mormugao Port also carved its own niche in media during the WW II. Many
actions including the finding of the hidden transmitter and the subsequent
raid was made into a

film 'Sea Wolves' starring Gregory Peck and Roger Moore.
Enjoy a leisure walk in the evening amidst beautiful lightings that bedeck
the port.
Walk further up the road from Pilot Point, right at the very top of the
Mormugao Ridge, to visit the Japanese Garden. It is home to the remnants
of the Fortaleza Santa Catarina. Once a strategic point of defence, the
ruins now offer an enchanting view of the Zuari river flowing silently into
the arms of Arabian Sea.
Walk along the paved steps that will lead to a small temple with a large
name, Shri Durgamata Shiv Mandir. Take off your shoes before you walk on
the blessed ground. A 'pradakshina' (going round around the shrine) is a
must in this white temple. Visit the Shiva temple right opposite the main
shrine, which houses a beautiful effigy of the Lord. There is a small cross
located at a little distance from where you can see the rose-coloured 'shikara'
of the temple.
When in Vasco, don't forget to visit the Naval Aviation Museum. This museum,
situated on the road to Bogmalo, adjoining INS Hansa is the only one of
its kind in India. You will be amazed to see the grand array of aircraft
and amunitions housed in this museum headquarter. You will be accompanied
with a seaman who will explain the various exhibits to you.
Remember to see the rare models and photographs of the liberation of Bangladesh
in 1971. You can also see a Super Constellation and a Sea Hawk with folded
wings. Take a tour to the virtual reality centre which offers flight simulator
video games and a Sea Harrier cockpit simulator. The museum is closed on
Mondays and is open from 10am-5pm.
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