Margao is the main population centre of South Goa. It is a busy provincial town reminiscent of its Portuguese past. It is the capital of Salcete taluk and the service and transport centre for people staying at Colva and Benaulim beaches.

Margao’s Church of the Holy Spirit is beautiful and well worth a visit.

Useful Information

Kadamba bus stand is about 2 km north of the town centre, on the road to Panaji, while Margao's new railway station is 1.5 km east. The GTDC Tourist Hostel has its tourist office in the centre of town. The State Bank of India is opposite the Municipal Gardens. Visa or Master-Card advances can be obtained at the Bank of Baroda near the covered market.

Bombay Café is a popular vegetarian restaurant.

Tato (east of the municipal gardens) is also vegetarian. A thali costs Rs 20.

Longhuinos (opposite the tourist office) serves Goan cuisine such as chourisso (Rs 25), pastries, sweets and good tandoori dishes. It also has a busy bar.

Woodlands Hotel is good value with fish curry and rice for Rs 25 and fried chicken for Rs 35.

Bus: There are deluxe buses between Margao and Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Hubli and Belgaum. The bus to Mumbai leaves daily from the Kadamba bus stand (16 hours), Bangalore (14 hours), Pune (15 hours), Hubli (6 hours) and Belgaum (5 hours). Private bus agents can be contacted in the town centre near the Tourist Hostel.