Ponda

SHANTADUGA TEMPLE PONDA,

Ponda is a essentially a temple town with a busting business district. It is also an industrial hub with many factories, small industries and shops.

There is no shortage of hotels for travellers or pilgrims. The city of Ponda lies about 28kms south-east of Panaji and 17kms north-east of Margao and is also the capital of Ponda Taluka . The town was born after the Portuguese took over the area in 1791 from the Raja of Sonda and annexed it along with Quepem, Canacona and Sanguem forming the New Conquests.

Ponda taluka is most famous for its temples, most of which have made the area their home for centuries following displacement from their original sites elsewhere in Portuguese occupied Goa during the early days of the Inquisition.

Major Attractions
Safa Shahouri Masjid
This is the biggest and the oldest mosque in Goa. It is the only remaining one in Ponda taluka among the 26 mosques that were built by Sultan Adil Shah of Bijapur in 1560. The oldest part today is the water tank in front of the mosque. It used to be surrounded by a garden with many fountains, all of which were destroyed by the Portuguese.

Mount Carmel Chapel
The portuguese built Mount Carmel chapel in Ward 8 for the batallion stationed there, and its barracks are now used by the Indian Army. This 18th centuary- chapel's alters are of dark, elegaently carved wood and it is favoured over the main chruch St. Anne's in Silvanagar.

The Miraculous Cross
The Miraculous Cross is also known as "Goddar" and feast of the Holy Cross is celebrated here each year.

Around Ponda
There are more than fifty temples within a 10 Km radius of Ponda. It includes Mangueshi temple, Mahalsa temple, shantadurga temple, Nagueshi temple, Mahalaxmi temple and Kamaxi temple, which are really beautiful and must see temples

Travelling to Ponda
Dabolim Airport :45 Kms. A taxi costs around Rs. 550
Thivim Station: 17 Kms  A taxi will cost Rs. 300