Mapusa is a town located in the northern part of Goa, India. Here is a brief overview of its location:
Mapusa is situated in the Bardez taluka of North Goa district, about 13 kilometers from the state capital, Panaji.
It is located in the northern part of Goa, close to the border with the state of Maharashtra.
Mapusa is well-connected to other parts of Goa by road, and it is a major transportation hub for the northern part of the state.
The nearest airport to Mapusa is the Dabolim Airport in Vasco da Gama, which is about 37 kilometers away.
The nearest railway station to Mapusa is Thivim Railway Station, which is about 9 kilometers away.
Mapusa is located close to popular beaches in North Goa such as Calangute, Baga, and Anjuna, making it a convenient base for tourists visiting the region.
Places to Visit in Mapusa
Here are some popular places to visit in Mapusa:
Mapusa Market: The famous Mapusa Market is a bustling bazaar that takes place every Friday in the town center. Visitors can find a wide range of goods, including fresh produce, spices, clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Bodgeshwar Temple: This ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the heart of Mapusa. The temple is known for its unique architecture and beautiful carvings.
St. Jerome’s Church: This historic church is located in the heart of Mapusa and is one of the oldest churches in Goa. It is known for its beautiful Baroque-style architecture and stunning interiors.
Anjuna Beach: This popular beach is located about 8 kilometers from Mapusa and is known for its picturesque setting, lively atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife.
Chapora Fort: This 17th-century fort is located about 10 kilometers from Mapusa and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: This wildlife sanctuary is located about 10 kilometers from Mapusa and is home to a wide variety of bird species, including kingfishers, herons, and eagles.
Calangute Beach: This popular beach is located about 12 kilometers from Mapusa and is known for its wide expanse of golden sand, clear blue waters, and lively atmosphere.
Fort Aguada: This historic fort is located about 16 kilometers from Mapusa and offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. It is also home to a lighthouse and a 19th-century prison.
Reis Magos Fort: This historic fort is located about 12 kilometers from Mapusa and offers stunning views of the Mandovi River. It is also home to a museum showcasing the history of the region.
Arambol Beach: This serene beach is located about 25 kilometers from Mapusa and is known for its tranquil atmosphere, clear blue waters, and golden sand.
Best Time To Visit Mapusa
The best time to visit Mapusa is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is pleasant and dry. The temperature during these months ranges from around 20°C to 30°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rainfall and high humidity, making it less favorable for tourists. The summer season from March to May can be quite hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching over 35°C. However, if you do plan to visit during the summer, you can enjoy the beach and water sports activities. Overall, the winter season is the best time to visit Mapusa for a comfortable and enjoyable vacation.
Things to Do in Mapusa
Here are some things to do in Mapusa:
Visit the Mapusa Market: This bustling bazaar takes place every Friday and is a great place to experience the local culture and buy souvenirs.
Explore the Bodgeshwar Temple: This ancient Hindu temple is known for its unique architecture and beautiful carvings.
Relax on Anjuna Beach: This popular beach is known for its picturesque setting, lively atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife.
Visit St. Jerome’s Church: This historic church is known for its beautiful Baroque-style architecture and stunning interiors.
Take a trip to Chapora Fort: This 17th-century fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: This wildlife sanctuary is home to a wide variety of bird species, including kingfishers, herons, and eagles.
Explore Calangute Beach: This popular beach is known for its wide expanse of golden sand, clear blue waters, and lively atmosphere.
Visit Fort Aguada: This historic fort offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and is home to a lighthouse and a 19th-century prison.
Explore Reis Magos Fort: This historic fort offers stunning views of the Mandovi River and is home to a museum showcasing the history of the region.
Relax on Arambol Beach: This serene beach is known for its tranquil atmosphere, clear blue waters, and golden sand.
How to Get Around in Mapusa
Here are some ways to get around in Mapusa:
Taxis: Taxis are a convenient way to get around Mapusa and the surrounding areas. You can either hail a taxi on the street or book one through a taxi app.
Buses: Mapusa has a well-connected bus network that is operated by the Kadamba Transport Corporation. Buses are a budget-friendly way to get around the city and the surrounding areas.
Motorbikes and Scooters: Renting a motorbike or scooter is a popular way to get around Mapusa and the surrounding areas. There are several rental shops in Mapusa that offer motorbikes and scooters for rent.
Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation in Mapusa and the surrounding areas. They are cheaper than taxis and can be hailed on the street.
Walking: Mapusa is a small town, and walking is a great way to explore the local markets and attractions. Just be mindful of the traffic and be sure to stay on the sidewalks when possible.
where to eat in Mapusa
Here are some popular places to eat in Mapusa:
Vinayak Family Restaurant: This is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Mapusa known for its delicious South Indian cuisine and thalis.
Cafe Xavier: This cozy cafe is known for its breakfast dishes, sandwiches, and burgers.
Anandashram: This vegetarian restaurant is known for its pure and sattvic food. It is located in the Anandashram ashram and serves a variety of Indian and international dishes.
Shanbhag Restaurant: This is a popular non-vegetarian restaurant in Mapusa known for its delicious seafood and Indian cuisine.
Ollie’s Cafe: This is a cozy and stylish cafe known for its breakfast dishes, sandwiches, and smoothies.
Cafe Real: This is a popular cafe in Mapusa known for its coffee, tea, and baked goods.
Ritz Classic: This is a popular restaurant in Mapusa known for its seafood and Indian cuisine. It has a spacious dining area and a bar.
Mapusa Market: The Mapusa market is a great place to try local street food and snacks such as bhajis, samosas, and vada pavs.
Kamat Hotel: This is a popular vegetarian restaurant chain in Goa known for its thalis and South Indian cuisine.
Bhojan Restaurant: This is a popular restaurant in Mapusa known for its North Indian and Chinese cuisine. It also has a bar and a pool table.
famous street stalls in Mapusa
Here are some famous street stalls in Mapusa that you should check out:
Dosa Wala: This popular street stall in Mapusa is known for its delicious dosas and other South Indian snacks such as idlis and vadas.
Bhajji Stall: This stall is famous for its crispy and delicious bhajis made with different vegetables such as onion, potato, and spinach.
Samosa Center: This is a popular street food stall in Mapusa that serves crispy and delicious samosas stuffed with spiced potatoes and peas.
Vada Pav Stall: This is a popular street food stall in Mapusa that serves delicious vada pav, which is a popular Indian street food made with a potato fritter sandwiched in a bread roll.
Juice Center: This is a popular street stall in Mapusa that serves fresh and delicious fruit juices and shakes.
Chaat Stall: This is a popular street stall in Mapusa that serves delicious chaat, a savory Indian snack made with fried dough, potatoes, chickpeas, and chutneys.
Bhelpuri Stall: This is a popular street stall in Mapusa that serves delicious bhelpuri, a savory Indian snack made with puffed rice, vegetables, and chutneys.
Roasted Corn Stall: This is a popular street stall in Mapusa that serves delicious roasted corn with various toppings such as butter, salt, and spices.
These street stalls are located in various parts of Mapusa, especially near the market area and the bus stand.
where to stay in Mapusa
luxury accomodation
Mapusa is a bustling town located in North Goa and offers a range of accommodation options for travelers. Here are some luxury accommodation options in Mapusa that you might consider:
Nilaya Hermitage: This luxurious property is situated in Arpora and offers a serene and peaceful environment. It features beautifully designed villas, suites, and rooms, along with a spa, yoga deck, and an outdoor pool.
La Mansion Goa: This luxury hotel is located in Assagao and features elegantly designed rooms and suites, a swimming pool, a garden, and a restaurant.
Anjuna Beach Resort: This luxury resort is located on Anjuna Beach and offers stunning sea views. It features well-appointed rooms, suites, and cottages, along with a swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant.
The Postcard Velha: This luxurious property is located in the charming village of Velha, and offers a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. It features spacious rooms and suites, a swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant.
Acron Waterfront Resort: This luxury resort is located in Baga and offers stunning views of the Baga River. It features elegantly designed rooms and suites, a swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant.
These luxury accommodation options in Mapusa are perfect for travelers looking for a luxurious and comfortable stay in Goa.
where to stay in Mapusa
budget accomodation
If you’re looking for budget accommodation options in Mapusa, here are some options that you might consider:
The Orange House: This budget-friendly guesthouse is located in Anjuna and offers simple but comfortable rooms, along with a garden, a terrace, and a shared kitchen.
Hotel Mayura: This budget hotel is located in Mapusa and offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
The Funky Monkey Hostel: This hostel is located in Anjuna and offers dormitory-style accommodation, along with a swimming pool, a garden, and a shared kitchen.
The Nest by Hostelogy: This budget hotel is located in Mapusa and offers comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
Casa D Calma: This budget guesthouse is located in Calangute and offers simple but comfortable rooms, along with a garden and a shared kitchen.
These budget accommodation options in Mapusa are perfect for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers who are looking for comfortable yet affordable accommodation.
Travel Tips Mapusa
Here are some travel tips to keep in mind when visiting Mapusa:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Mapusa is from November to February when the weather is pleasant and there are several festivals and events taking place.
Getting around: Mapusa is well-connected by public transport, including buses and taxis. You can also rent a scooter or a bike to explore the town and nearby areas.
Local markets: Mapusa is famous for its Friday Market, which is a must-visit for anyone visiting the town. You can find a wide range of items, including fresh produce, spices, clothing, and handicrafts.
Beaches: Mapusa is located close to several beautiful beaches, including Anjuna, Baga, and Calangute. Make sure to spend some time exploring these beaches and enjoying water sports.
Food: Mapusa offers a wide range of food options, including local Goan cuisine as well as international cuisine. Make sure to try some of the local delicacies such as fish curry, vindaloo, and sorpotel.
Safety: Mapusa is generally a safe town, but it is always advisable to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially when travelling alone or at night.
Culture and customs: Goa has a rich cultural heritage, and it is important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites, and avoid any behavior that may be considered offensive or disrespectful.
By keeping these travel tips in mind, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Mapusa.