MARGAO

Goa, the smallest state in India has been under the Portuguese rule up until 1961. After spending more than 450 years in a state, the Portuguese influence definitely rubbed off on some of the inhabitants. Some of their customs and cultures stayed behind, along with a lot of their architecture and buildings.

No where else can Portuguese architecture be any more prominent than the talukas of Bardez and Salcette. Margao has the second largest Goan population as compared to any other state in Goa. The infrastructure can be seen around in the renovated yet old houses, while not missing out on the churches and other landmarks around. Margao is also seen as the commercial and cultural capital of Goa, although Panjim is the state capital.

ACTIVITIES IN MARGAO

Being the cultural capital, the Chief Minister of Goa back in 2008 inaugurated the Ravindra Bhavan which is the cultural center of Margao. Today the hall is open to the public for a wide range of events from plays, performances, concerts to the occasional standup act. The International Film Festival of India was hosted at the Ravindra Bhavan in the same year. One of the largest theatres during the Portuguese reign in Goa was the metropole, based in Margao. The theatre still stands tall in Margao although it might not be receiving as much attention with the coming of Osia in Margao, shortly after that came up Inox.

Heading south of Margao, tourists find the quieter beaches of Colva, Benaulim among others. The beaches to the South of Goa are not as crowded as the North but they do receive their fair share of tourists.

Margao has two churches, the Holy Spirit Church and Grace Church. The former being highly influenced by Portuguese architecture several centuries ago and the latter a little more recent. Holy Spirit stands as a giant mammoth at the entrance to Margao.

PLACES TO EAT IN MARGAO

Obviously, there are a bunch of eating joints in Margao, some small and others large. One of the places that has been there for as long as anyone can remember is Longuinhos. Located in the heart of the city, this is the places for people passing through. It gathers most of its crowd for snacks and crisps while enjoying a cold beverage.

Other places within the 5 mile radius are, Martin’s Corner, which is a little away from the city. Martin’s is known for their good sea food, along with a lot of their other dishes. Nostalgia, another restaurant known for its good food and amazing ambiance. Most of these places would provide Goan cuisine, dishes ideal to Goa and its culture, which definitely should be tried out.