Visit Ponda South India | Ponda Tourism Info Guide

Ponda

Ponda has big transport network with adjacent towns and neighboring states. Kadamba Transport Corporation provides local as well as interstate bus services to people.

It gives frequent services to Panaiji and Margao and people can board buses very easily. Karnataka and Maharashtra road transport also provide services to visitors. Ponda has well connected rail network with Margao. The Dabolim Airport is the nearest airport to Ponda.

Tourist Attractions in Ponda
Safa Shahouri Mosque : Safa Shahouri Mosque is one of the 27 mosques built by Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah in Ponda. Constructed in the year 1560, it is a small single chambered mosque having a tiled roof. The original mosque was destroyed in the hand of Portuguese and a new one was built up again. You can reach the main entrance of the mosque by

flight of steps. The outer periphery of the mosque is adorned with a masonry minaret having eight-sided columns. Its platform is surmounted by finials, but many of the columns are missing now. There is a stone water tank adjacent to the mosque, whose walls are supported by underwater arches. The mosque and water tank were flanked by a garden with wide laterite pathways.

Mount Carmel Chapel : Built by Portuguese for their battalion, the Mount Carmel Chapel is now used by the Indian Army. The 18th century chapel has dark coloured altars, made of magnificently carved wood. You can see people wielding brooms and dusters and cleaning the chapel.

Miraculous Cross : Locally known as "Goddar", Miraculous Cross is the major attraction in Ponda. Every year on the 3rd May, the Feast of the Holy Cross is celebrated here. During the feast, people of all religions form a solemn trek to the forest check post and climb up a steep hill.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary : If you are a wildlife enthusiast, visit the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary which provides shelter to a variety of fauna. Bondla is the smallest Goan wildlife sanctuary sprawling over a small area of 8 sq. kms. Situated 3000 ft. above the sea level on the slopes of Western Ghat ranges, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a combination of a Botanical Garden, fenced deer park and a zoo. Ragado river flows on the east and the Madhel river is on the north of the sanctuary. Here, you can spot animal species like Wild Boar, Deer, Leopard, Reptiles and thousands of domiciled birds of different species. Guides are available here, you can hire them from forest office.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls : In your train journey from Vasco to Miraj, you will be awaken by rippling sound of the Dudhasagar Waterfalls. Situated 60 kms east of Panaji, Dudhsagar falls is a centre point of beauty in Goa. The highlight of this falls is its white colour water, hence it is called Dudhsagar or Ocean of Milk.

How to Reach
By Air : Ponda is 45 kms away from the Goa's Dabolim airport. From Dabolim airport, flights are available to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and other major cities of India.

By Train : Ponda is located at a distance of 17 kms from Karmali railway station and 20 kms from Margao railway station.

By Bus : National Highway 4 A, which connects Panji to Belgaum in Karnataka via Old Goa, runs through the Ponda city. Buses run every 15 mins between the KTC bus terminals in Ponda, Panji, Margao and Vasco da Gama.

Places Where You Can Stay
Ponda is dotted with a number of good hotels that offer comfortable stay. Most of the budget hotels are situated on the Belgaum Road which provide well-furnished rooms to guests. GTDC's Tourist Cottage at Farmgudi is the best mid-range hotel. Other popular hotels are Hotel Menino, Hotel Musafir, Hotel President, Hotel Prakash Heritage, Hotel Venkatesh Leela, Atish Hotel and Ganesh Residency.

Contact us for Prior Booking at our 24 Hours desk on the following mobile Nos: +91-99428 99555 , 98424 30308 , 99425 87000 . Email Id : info@tourisminsouthindia.com, Fax No: 0422 - 2331605.

Cities

Ponda, Travel Guide, Tourism in South India Reservation Form