Mapusa

Mapusa (pronounced as Mapsa by the locals) is Goa's third largest town and the capital of the northern Bardez taluka. It is mainly a market town for the surrounding beach areas of Calangute, Candolim, Anjuna and Baga among others. Even its name is thought to be derived from the Konkani word for a measure - "map" and the phrase fill up - "sa". It lies about 13 kms from the capital city of Panaji.

But come Friday morning, the whole town has a lively look when the famous weekly Friday Market begins. The market attracts people from all over Goa who come here to buy and sell their wares.

Local Goan specialities such as spicy sausages (chouriços) and the Goan spirits such as toddi and cashew feni are much in demand amongst locals and outsides. Another item to look out for is the magnificent banana crop from the nearby village of Moira. Most of the items are sold after a few rounds of bargaining and the prices are usually much lower than anywhere else.

Mapusa does not have many tourist sites worth visiting. There are a few colonial era Municipal building on the Altinho hill, a fairly modern temple of Lord Hanuman just a few minutes from the main bus stand and most importantly the Church of Our Lady of Miracles about 2 kms east of the market area.

The other famous shrine is that of Lord Bodgeshwar, located on the outskirts of the town in the middle of some rice fields, which is beautifully lit up at night and draws thousands of devotees for its annual Jatra (festival).

Access:
Road: The bus stand near the main square at the entrance to the city is a busy hub of activity with hundreds of travel agents stalls for inter-state travel bookings.
Most local buses for all the nearby beaches of Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Chapora, and Arambol and other surrounding areas leave from the Kadamba bus stand on the southwest edge of town.
Motorcycle taxis are also available near the main town square and are often the quickest mode of transport to the beachside. Tourist Taxis charges are considerably more, so it is best to share the fare with four or five other travellers if possible.Rail: Tivim (Thivim) railway station lies at a distance of 12 kms from Mapusa.