The whole world is dotted with places that exude both charm and elegance.

Margao is one such place, bustling with different types of people and businesses.  Known to be both the oldest and fastest growing city in the state of Goa, this is one of the areas that could both be toured and be used as a jump off point for tours to other cities in the state and the country.

History of Margao

Margao, since the early years of India, has always been a significant area.  Even before the rule of the Portuguese, a settlement was already in the place, and it contained a few Hindu temples as well as a school with a library.  With the arrival of the invaders in the late 1500s, churches were established in the area.  It is not entirely sure if the Hindu temples were left to simply deteriorate or if they were demolished.  What is known is that the structures put up by the Portuguese are now well preserved, and that they help generate the positive atmosphere of the city.

Tourism in Margao

One strength that Margao has as a town is not in the buildings, but in the presence of a port.  Margao derives its economic stability from the trade that it is able to generate.  Since it is more accessible as compared to other cities, then it would also be able to generate a good amount of money from tourism.

Shopping is one way of generating income from tourism, and a good shop would definitely get a lot of attention from visitors, whether or not these people are there for business.  The old market, known also as the closed market in Margao, generates a lot of attention not only because of its size but also because it has a lot of goods and souvenirs to offer.  One can stop touring for a day and just walk around the market in search of goods that could be brought home to family and friends. 

There is also the Large de Igreja, which is the answer to most of the other towns that have at least one Hindu and one Sikh temple.  Known as the Church of the Holy Spirit, it is one prime example of Portuguese architecture within India.  Located just north of the Municipal Garden Square, people do not just finish the church, but tour the whole area as well because of the number of constructions that are within the area.  Opposite the church are a number of houses of the same Baroque architecture.

If one wishes to tour an area that would generate total relaxation, then a trip to Chandor Village should be part of the tour agenda.  A sleepy farm town just 13 km from Margao, it is surrounded by green fields and boasts of a silent and relaxing atmosphere.  It also has the most elaborate colonial mansion in the state, complete with furniture collections inside.

Margao offers tourists a look at Indian culture and how it has survived despite the colonization of the country a long time ago.  One could not help but appreciate the strength of the Indian resolve when touring this city.