Margao, known as Margaon or Madgaon, is in South Goa. This vibrant city, the second largest after Vasco da Gama, serves as the region's bustling hub of commerce, culture, and spirituality. Margao, a city with a rich past, holds significance as an influential settlement in Salcete during the era of Portuguese rule. Known as 'Matha Grama', which translates to 'village of the Mathas' or leaders, it was renowned for its abundance of temple schools. Unfortunately, in 1579, raiders inflicted extensive destruction upon this historical site.
The marketplace is busy because of the many shops in the area. The city is a big transportation centre. Many visitors come by train or bus. It is a gateway to many great beaches in South Goa. These beaches include Cavelossim, Mobor, Colva, Benaulim, Agonda, and Palolem.
What Is Good in Margao? / What Can Be Better in Margao?
Since it is the most populous city of Goa, Margao takes immense pride in its maintenance and connectivity to other parts. But there is always a scope for improvement in Margao. Let’s see what is good and can be better in the locality.
What’s Good in Margao! | What can be better in Margao? |
Local buses are the most popular mode of transportation. It is easily accessible. | There are not enough bus stops in Margao. |
The NH 66 is an important road link between Margao and various nearby states, such as Mangalore and Mumbai. | Water logging problems occur from time to time after heavy rains. |
The parks in the locality are very well maintained for tourists and the locals to enjoy. | Patrolling residential areas at night is limited. |
Madgaon boasts an impressive Air Quality Index of 59, a remarkable feat that surpasses even the most advanced cities. | There needs to be better garbage management near popular tourist attractions and churches. |
Margao is close to educational institutions. | There should be more highways to increase connectivity to nearby areas, which would help commuters and people who work in the city. |
Margao is also known as the cultural capital of Goa, as this city boasts several religious institutions. | Individual housing costs in Margao are extremely costly, which can be a problem for individuals or families looking for affordable options. |
Physical Infrastructure and Livability Index
A busy neighbourhood, Margao is one of the most popular localities in Goa. Bustling markets and several religious institutions attract many tourists. There are renowned educational institutions, hospitals and shopping malls around the area. Access to basic amenities makes it an ideal location to stay for the residents.
Margao is linked to various cities like Udupi, Mangalore, Mumbai, Kumta, Karwar, and Bhatkal through the National Highway 66. Other significant roads, such as Swami Chinmayanand Road and Margao-Curtorim-Macasana Road, also connect Margao to different areas in Goa. The closest railway station, Madgaon Junction, is merely 4 km away. The Goa International Airport is conveniently located 28 km away, allowing a quick 43-minute drive.
Social Infrastructure - Restaurants
The locality is popular for its food hub. Several great restaurants are offering various cuisines. Several popular restaurants in the area are known for their flavours and taste of local cuisine.
Here is a list of some of the best restaurants in Margao that will let you savour the best cuisines and give you a delightful vacation experience!
- The Chikoo Tree Project
- Martin’s Corner
- The Red Ginger
- Spicy Family Restaurant And Bar
- Pepper’s Gourmet Cuisine
- Nostalgia
- Margao Central
Banks/Metro Station/Airport/Bus Terminals/Railway Stations/Parks
Margao is a well-developed area with a great network of roads and transportation options, making it easier for people to travel. The locality has multiple banks, ATMs, and parks.
Banks and ATMs
- ICICI ATM
- HDFC Bank ATM
- Canara Bank ATM
- HDFC Bank ATM
- CSB ATM
- Indian Bank ATM
- Union Bank of India
- IDBI Bank
- Corporation Bank ATM
- Canara Bank
Metros & Railway Stations
Major Railway Stations near Margao, Goa are -
- Madgaon Junction Railway Station- 0.35 km
- Anverdam Chuch Railway Station-16.1 km
- Vasco Da Gama Railway Station- 20.83 km
Airport
Bus Terminals
- Rumdamol Ground Bus Stop- 0.8 km
- Chowgule College- 1.5 km
- Old College Bus Stop- 1.5 km
Parks
- Villa Monica-1.2 km
- Borda Garden- 0.9 km
- Virgincar Park- 1.2 km
- Amrut Nagar Park- 1.4 km
Popular Roads in Margao, GoaNational High Way: NH 748
The NH 748 is a significant road network in India, stretching from Belgaum in Karnataka to Panaji in the North Goa district. The highway covers a distance of 153 km, with 82 km falling within Karnataka and 71 km within Goa.
National High Way: NH 66
The National Highway 66, previously known as NH 17, spans over 1,640 km, extending from Panvel in Maharashtra to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. This highway boasts sections with both four and six lanes. It is a vital link connecting various tourist hotspots, industrial areas, and ports, thus significantly driving economic growth.
Nearby Locality to Margao, Goa
Locality | Distance | Commute Time |
Seraulim | 6.4 km | 15 minutes |
Dramapur | 9.4 km | 20 minutes |
Navelim | 4.8 km | 10 minutes |
Telaulim | 7.9 km | 18 minutes |
How People Rate Margao, Goa?
Margao is well-connected to various parts of Goa by road. The autos in the locality are easily available. Margao has a good social infrastructure with several schools, hospitals, parks, and shopping malls. With a 4 out of 5 star rating, Margao is considered a popular area in Goa.
It is a welcoming locality and is considered to be safe. There are several advantages of living in Margao, one being its connectivity. The roads here are well-connected to markets, schools, colleges and banks.
However, there are some problems faced by the residents in this locality. Patrolling residential areas at night might give additional protection. The neighbourhood also has a poor drainage system that causes waterlogging in the areas when it rains heavily. An additional drawback is the regular occurrence of parking problems due to the area's high activity level.
How To Visit Margao, Goa?
Margao is a prestigious and well-developed residential and commercial district in South Goa.
It is possible to commute to Margao via cabs, buses and autos. However, buses are the best mode of public transportation as they are inexpensive and easily accessible.
By Road: Margao is linked to various cities like Udupi, Mangalore, Mumbai, Kumta, Karwar, and Bhatkal through the National Highway 66. Additionally, Margao is connected to different areas of Goa through prominent roads such as Swami Chinmayanand Road and Margao-Curtorim-Macasana Road, among others.
By Train: The nearest railway station, Madgaon Junction, is about 4 km away.
By Air: The Goa International Airport, which is at a distance of 28 kilometres, is a 43-minute drive away.
Places To Visit in Margao
Some places to visit in Margao are
Majodra Beach: A stroll along the sands of Majorda Beach may be the finest thing that happens to you while in Margao. There are several resorts and eateries on and near the beach. That is one of the reasons why visitors and tourists visit these picnic areas in Margao.
Sri Damodar Temple: Located along the serene Kushavati River, this enchanting waterway is renowned for its therapeutic properties. Devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva, this temple once housed the sacred idol that previously resided at the Church of the Holy Spirit.
Loutolim: Visit Loutolim to see beautiful mansions built during Portuguese rule. This Margao location is a must-see for history-loving tourists.
Utorda Beach: The beach is located north of Majorda. It has soft white sand and plenty of Palm trees.
Locality Comparison
Margao is among the most populous localities in Goa. People looking forward to buying properties in Goa should consider Margao as an option, as it is the second-largest area in the city. The area's value as a real estate property is enhanced by its excellent road network and various intra-transport alternatives, which makes commuting convenient and hassle-free. Margao stands out as a well-rounded choice for people looking for a convenient lifestyle with a strong feeling of community.
Conclusion
Margao has become a demanding neighbourhood in Goa due to its prime location and excellent connectivity to various parts of the city. This strategic location provides residents with the best of both worlds - a peaceful residential area and convenient access to the rest of the city. The surrounding social infrastructure is highly developed, boasting renowned hospitals, educational institutions, and other essential amenities. With a wide range of housing options available, Margao is a highly attractive destination for prospective home buyers.
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