5 Must-Visit Places In Mapusa, Goa (2024)
Are you planning a trip to Goa– the party capital of India? Are you an offbeat traveler? Would you like to visit something different in this beautiful tropical state? If your answer is yes, then Mapusa, the capital of Northern Bardez taluka is the perfect tourist place in Goa for you. Located at a distance of about 13 km from Panaji, Mapusa is the third-largest city of Goa. Congregated around Mount Alto, Mapusa is basically a commercialized town of Goa and serves as a major market town for the surrounding pristine beach areas such as Calangute, Anjuna, Baga, Candolim, and so on.
Regarded as the run-of-the-mill Goan town nestled in a Portuguese-style setting, the Mapusa city boasts of showing current rich Indian culture. Being located in close proximity to the many popular beaches of North Goa, Mapusa is frequented by a lot of people. The town is home to plenty of interesting historical monuments and forts. Owing to its several attractions and laid–back approach, the city is quite popular among travelers as well as locals. Want to know some of the best places to visit in Mapusa? If yes, then you have arrived at just the right place. In this article, we have shortlisted some of the best ones for you. Continue reading to know more!
5 Must-Visit Places In Mapusa, Goa
1. Shree Dev Bodgeshwar Temple
Situated on the outskirts of the town amidst lush green sprawling fields of rice, the shrine of Sri Dev Bodgeshwar is one of the top places to visit in Mapusa for all the religious and cultural person. Also known by the name of Bodgini by the local people, the prime deity of the shrine is known as ‘Angavani’. It is believed that if one worships with a pure heart and true dedication, then the deity will fulfill his or her desires and wishes. This deity is considered as the prime guardian of the Mapusa city and hence is immensely popular among the local people. In fact, the local people also believe that it is due to the blessings of Shree Bodgeshwar that the local market of Mapusa flourishes successfully. This shrine of Baba Bodgeshwar also boasts of organizing an annual fair by the name of ‘Zatra’. This festival is usually held during the months of December or January and attracts a huge bunch of devotees from all over the country. During this festival, the entire temple gets decked up beautifully for the fair.
- Best Time To Visit: If you wish to experience the vibrancy of the true local culture as well as heritage, then the best time to visit the temple is during the fair, in the months of December or January.
- Opening hours: You can visit the temple anytime from 7.30 AM till 9.30 PM. The temple remains open on all days of the week.
- Location: Calangute – Mapusa Road, Mapusa, Goa, 403507
2. St. Jerome’s Church
Being one of the prominent structures from the Portuguese colony of Asia, Goa, in general, is home to many stunning churches. Also known by the name of Church of Our Lady of Miracles, this is one beautiful church of Mapusa which traces its origins long back in the 16th century. The church is named so because it earned its dramatic popularity because of its annual 3 days long feast of Our Lady of Miracles. More than 400 years old, the church was reconstructed in the year 1791 AD and again in the year 1838 AD. The current structure of the church that you can see was erected on the ruins of the earlier pagoda-style monastery. The ground where the church is built is considered to be holy and sacred by both Christians as well as Hindus. Built-in Portuguese style, the ground on which this popular church of Mapusa is constructed is the same site where once a significant Hindu temple existed. When the feast festival is organized at the church premises, it is attended with equal respect and happiness by people of both religions. Thereby, this church can be considered as a fine example of the co-existence of Hindu and Christian religions in complete harmony in Goa.
- Best Time To Visit: A series of devotees from all over the country visit the church during the annual feast which is celebrated on the second Monday after Easter every year.
- Opening Hours: The St. Jerome’s church has regular visiting hours, like any other church.
- Location: Angod, Market Road, Mapusa, Goa 403507
3. Maruti Temple
If you are an ardent follower of Hinduism and are looking forward to visiting a religious attraction, then Maruti temple is one of the best places to visit in Mapusa for you. Located at the heart of the town on top of the mighty Mount Altinho, Maruti Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, a prime Hindu God. Maruti is another name by which Lord Hanuman is widely known. This temple is known to have been built long back in the 1840 AD and was rebuilt again in the year 1843 AD after it was destroyed by the Portuguese forces. It is said that the temple was built to provide a heavenly abode to the deity when Ramdasibuva came to Mapusa with a silver idol of Lord Hanuman. Though constructed in several phases, the architectural brilliance of the temple is worth appreciating. The temple sports intricate and skilled carvings on its massive doorway and is colored beautifully in the tones of peaches.
- Best Time To Visit: It is during the night hours that the temple is at its peak glory after being lit up beautifully with a series of lights. You can see this beautiful temple even from a distance.
- Opening Hours: You can visit the temple anytime from 5 AM till 10 PM.
- Location: Dangui Colony, Mapusa, Goa 403507
4. Mapusa’s Friday Bazaar
For all the shopaholics out there, you must definitely visit the popular Friday Bazar of Mapusa. The city is renowned for its shopping scenarios and is one of the most popular shopping destinations among both locals as well as tourists. Though the market can get a bit overcrowded with its expansive collection of unique stuff available at affordable prices, the large crowd does not come as much of a surprise. Visiting this marketplace, you will actually realize how right the saying ‘Shopping under one roof’ actually is. Almost everything you could ever imagine buying can be found here. Some of the most popular items bought from the Friday Market by the locals include groceries, general household stuff, accessories, vegetables, clothes, home décor, spices, junk jewelry, and so on. However, despite the availability of an array of items to shop, the main highlight of the Friday Bazaar is its aromatic species and the beautiful terracotta home décor. Chirpy sounds, colorful collections, and vibrant staff make it one of the popular attractions of Mapusa.
- Best Time To Visit: You must try to visit the market in the early hours for the best stuff.
- Opening Hours: This market is organized on Friday every week and opens right at 8 AM and goes in full swing till 2 PM.
- Location: Municipal Market, Mapusa, Goa 403507
5. Kalika Temple
Goa is renowned for its religious coexistence in complete harmony and Mapusa is no exception to this fact. Located right on the outskirts of the town, Sri Kalika temple is a prominent Hindu temple of Mapusa. As one guess from the name, this temple is dedicated to Maa Kali, a Hindu Goddess who is worshipped here in the avatar of Mahamaya. Worshipped religiously by mainly the coppersmiths of the village, the main attraction of the temple is the idol of the prime deity. The sculpture boasts of being a gem of Kadamba Sculpture and is believed to be about 8 centuries old. Built-in Goan style of architecture, the temple with its skillful and artistic structure is considered as an epitome of architectural brilliance. You will be surprised to know that the dome of the temple is topped with a Kalash or a copper pot imparting the structure a different and unique appearance, unlike other religious places of Goa.
- Best Time To Visit: You can visit the temple anytime throughout the day for a great experience.
- Opening Hours: The temple is open for visitors from 5 AM till 7 PM.
- Location: The temple is located approximately 12 km away from Mapusa city in Goa.
These were some of the popular tourist places to visit in Mapusa. This is one laid-back city of Goa, which has managed to retain its peace, natural beauty, and originality. Away from the hustle-bustle of the fast–paced city life, Mapusa is the right place to go for all those travelers who are looking forward to escaping reality and relax for a while amidst natural serenity. A visit to this place will surely be a relaxing and refreshing experience for all!
FAQ’s For People Visiting Goa
Q1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Goa?
Ans. The best time to visit Goa is in the winter season.
Q2. What Languages Are Spoken In Goa?
Ans. Though Konkani is the primary language, English, Portuguese, and Hindi are also spoken widely here.
Q3. Is It Safe To Visit Goa?
Ans. If you follow all the general safety procedures, then the state is considered a safe place to go to.