While exploring Goa you cannot forget to visit the biggest and the most important city of Goa and that is Vasco. In short it is called Vasco but the actual name is Vasco Da Gama. Vasco Da Gama was a famous explorer of Portuguese who came to Goa. The city of Vasco got its name from him. Vasco Da Gama was established in the year 1543. Vasco was the shooting location of famous Hindi movie ‘Josh’. Now you must be interested in knowing facts about the place. Vasco is situated on the Western tilt of Mormugao peninsula in Mormugao Taluka of south Goa at a distance of thirty kilometres from capital city of Goa, Panaji. It is quite near to the start Point of Zuari River. Mormugao taluka’s headquarter lies in Vasco. One can reach here from the nearest airport Dabolim Airport which is only five kilometres away from the city.Vasco is a very important city of Goa. It was under Portuguese control till 1961 even after the independence of India. That is why you clearly see Portuguese effect on its architecture, culture, festivals, churches, infrastructure, lifestyle, etc. After independence from Portuguese control there were many times in the past it was tried to change the name of the city from Vasco to Sambhaji Nagar but all in vain. Vasco is so important because of its very well connectivity by air, water, road and railways. Connectivity through NH 17 (National Highway), Southern Railways, Dabolim Airport, Morugao Harbour makes this place most suitable for business/economic activities as well as tourist access point. People here speak Konakani, Marathi, Hindi and English languages. There are mainly three religions followed by different segment of people here and these are Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.There many spots of tourist interest in Vasco like Bogmalo Beach, Japanese Garden, Pilot Point, Marmugao Port, St. Andrews Church, Naval Aviation Museum, ports, etc. Bogmalo beach is 9 kilometres away from Vasco and quite popular among the tourists because of its clean water as it provides safe environment for swimmers as well as divers. The surroundings also make the visit worthwhile because of uninterrupted greenery and soothing winds. Delicious local food is available here to try one. This beach is not as not as commercialised as other famous beaches in Goa. There two more beaches in close vicinity named Khollant and Baina Beaches. These are smaller than Bogmalo Beach. The Naval Aviation Museum is one of its kind museum in entire country displaying the history and gradual development of Indian Naval Aviation industry since its inception along with showcasing used weapons, arms, aircrafts, rare pictures, etc. this museum was established in the year 1998. The port of Vasco is also one of the worth visiting place. The Marmugao port is a busy place and important trade point in Vasco. It is a natural Harbour which is used for import and export of various items and raw material. There are cruise services available at the port to give short tours of the coast line to the tourists.When we talk about any part of Goa and do not mention the historic churches, it is not possible. Vasco is home of a 400 year old historic monument known as St. Andrews Church. When you enter the city you first sight this inviting structure which is situated just at the entrance of Vasco. Carnivals and parades are common in entire Goa and they add fun element to the life of Goa people as well as tourists. vasco is also not behind in this activity as there are annual carnival and Shigmo is being celebrated here in flying colours. Enthusiasts come from all over Goa to participate and be a part of the carnival. From October till April is the season to visit Vasco Da Gama. Quite good hotels, resorts and other accommodation facilities are available here to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.Ruchi Mahajan