Mapusa is a small modern town in North Goa, located 13 km (8 mi) from the capital Panaji. Mapusa is a major transport hub for northern Goa buses. The city is situated around the Altinho hill and is in close proximities to Calangute, Candolim, Anjuna and Baga beaches. Mapusa is best known for its Friday Market attracting people from all over Goa. The market sells everything from fresh and dried fish, seafood, incense, spices, fruits and vegetables to local handicrafts. The items to look for are red Moira bananas, Goan spirits, local specialties such as chouricos (spicy sausages), etc.  Mapusa does not have too many tourist sites.

Major tourist sites in and around Mapusa include: a few colonial era buildings on the hill, Lord Hanuman Temple, Church of Our Lady of Miracles.

Tourism Board Website

When to visit: best time to visit October to March. March to May is hot and humid. June to September is monsoon season.

HOW TO REACH

Nearest railway station: Pernem railway station is about 13 km (8 mi) away. Thivim Railway station is about 9 km (5 mi) away. Karmali Railway station is about 17 km (10.5 mi) away. Vasco De Gama train station is about 44 km (27.3 mi) away.

For detailed train timings and other information log on to www.indianrailways.gov.in or https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search

Nearest airport: Goa International Airport (Dabolim Airport) is about 39 km (24.2 mi) away.

For more information see section TravelInfo/Airports/Goa/Goa International Airport

Buses: The Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) is the state government’s bus service. Mapusa is easily reachable by bus from Panjim and Calangute, Candolim, Anjuna, Baga beaches. For longer distances you need to change buses. Biggest bus stations in Goa are – Mapusa, Panjim, Vasco da Gama, Margao and Canacona.

By road: The distance from Goa International Airport (Dabolim Airport) to Mapusa is about 39 km (24.2 mi) via NH 66. It takes around 1 hour.
The distance from Vasco De Gama train station to Mapusa is about 44 km (27.3 mi) via NH 66. It takes around 1-2 hours.
The distance from Calangute to Mapusa is about 10 km (6.2 mi) via Calangute - Mapusa Rd. It takes around 30 minutes.
The distance from Candolim to Mapusa is about 12 km (7.4 mi) via Calangute - Mapusa Rd. It takes around 30 minutes.
The distance from Anjuna to Mapusa is about 9 km (5 mi) via Anjuna - Mapusa Rd. It takes around 30 minutes.
The distance from Baga to Mapusa is about 10 km 96.2 mi) via Calangute - Mapusa Rd. It takes around 30 minutes.
The distance from Old Goa to Mapusa is about 24 km (14.9 mi) via NH748 and NH 66. It takes 1 hour.
The distance from Mumbai to Mandrem is about 555 km (344.8 mi) via NH48. It takes around 10 hours.