With mostly modern buildings spread around the slopes of a little hillock called Altinho, Mapusa is a fairly small town and a popular destination for Goa lovers. Also known as the main market town in northern Goa, people love visiting this place because of its excellent location. Mapusa is located around 10 kilometers away from the Baga, Anjuna, Calangute, and Vagator beaches, and around 15 kilometers away from Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary in Panaji. Mapusa is the headquarters of the Bardez Taluka because it is close to all the popular beaches. The remnants of the Portuguese reign over Goa can still be seen in the form of historical forts and monuments.
Since the times of the Marathas and the Sultans, Mapusa has been a well-developed town by “Gaunkari” or farming community.
The third-largest city in Goa derived its name from two words “Maap” and “Sa”, which means measure and fill up respectively. The whole town turns upside down on Friday when the weekly market is set up. The market offers all kinds of products to all kinds of travelers.
Best Time To Visit Mapusa
The best time to visit Mapusa is between the months of October and April when the weather remains pleasant. Visiting Goa during the summer and monsoon seasons should be avoided.
History Of Mapusa
The Mapusa market came into being only in 1960, a year before the liberation of Goa in 1961. Kind of like the shopping mall of its era, it was the first designed and planned marketplace in Goa. It was designed to allow the unloading and loading of merchandise with open spaces between lanes of shops. Some people say that it was built in a way so that the police can patrol the market easily.
The marketplace was planned for different lanes for different trades say clothes in one land, jewelers in another. The fish market was kept in the last lane so that you can buy fish in the end before heading back home.
Places To Visit In Mapusa
1. Friday Market
It is organized every Friday just outside the Municipal Market of Mapusa. It is the place where Goan people come to buy or sell items of daily necessities like clothes, fish, vegetables, fruits, spices, furniture, utensils, handicrafts, and so on. The market is considered to be cheaper than others. The Mapusa market is not just a platform to sell Goan products but it also provides an insight into the Goan way of life.
2. The Church of Our Lady of Miracles
Built in 1594, this church is an important place of worship, and for the annual feasts and celebrations in Mapusa, Goa. The church of our lady of miracles offers mesmerizing architecture of the Portuguese era. The church was built on an ancient Hindu holy place and hence, Hindus also consider the church sacred.
Also known as the freak capital of the world, Anjuna Beach is close to Mapusa. Sitting in the lap of mother nature, this beach attracts travelers from all over the world. Surrounded by fluorescent palm trees and groves of swaying coconut palms, Mapusa is saturated only 8 kilometers away from Anjuna Beach.
4. Temples
There are many religiously significant temples around Mapusa and Sri Kalika Temple, Sri Morjee Temple, and Bodhgeshwar Temple are amongst the most famous ones. These temples are famous for their paintings, architecture, carvings, and extraordinary shrines.
How to Reach Mapusa
Mapusa city is located in the northern part of Goa, which is very well connected with the major cities of India and other countries. Here’s how you can reach Goa by different means of transport.
- Nearest metropolitan city - Mumbai
- Nearest airbase - Dabolim Airport
- Nearest railhead - Thivim Railway Station
- Distance from Mumbai - 555 Kms
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By Air - The nearest airbase to Mapusa is Dabolim Airport of Goa. Several taxis and buses can be booked to cover the remaining distance from the airport.
- Distance from Dabolim Airport. 15 Kms
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Reach Mapusa
By Train - The nearest railhead to Mapusa is Thivim Railway Station. Rickshaws and private cabs are easily available just outside the railway station.
- Distance from Thivim Railway Station. 12 Kms
By Road - Regular state-run and private buses depart from Pune, Mumbai, and other cities near Mapusa. You can drive your car or hire a motorcycle for a thrilling experience down the road.
- Distance from Pune. 412 Kms
Frequently Asked Questions About Mapusa
Q1. What is the meaning of Mapusa?
Ans - Mapusa is derived from two different words “Maap” and “Sa”, which means measure and fill up respectively.
Q2. What can you buy in the Mapusa market?
Ans - The market is a platform to sell Goan goods needed for daily necessities. You can buy anything from fruits and vegetables to clothes and furniture.
Q3. Which station is near Mapusa?
Ans - Thivim Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Mapusa, which is 12 kilometers away from Mapusa market.
Q4. On which day is the Mapusa weekly market held?
Ans - The weekly Mapusa market is held on Friday every week.
Q5. What is Mapusa market famous for?
Ans - The Mapusa market is famous for selling local clothes, fish, vegetables, fruits, spices, furniture, utensils, handicrafts. It also provides great insight into the Goan way of life.
Q6: Are there flights to Goa from many Indian cities to reach Mapusa?
Ans. Yes, there are flights to Goa from many Indian cities.
