Ponda is a city in North Goa. The town is a gateway to Bhavan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and the Dudhsagar Waterfalls.  The Butterfly Conservatory is in close proximities to the city. Ponda is renowened for Hindu temples and spice plantations that are situated in and around the town. The town is also known for historic Safa Masjid mosque built in 1560 and considered to be the oldest mosque in Goa.

Major tourist sites in and around Ponda: Lord Mangesh (Shiva), Lord Nagesh, Lord Ganapati, Lord Ramnath and the Goddesses Mhalasa and Shantdurga Temples, Tropical Spice Plantation, Sahakari Spice Farm, Savoi Plantation, etc.

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: Madgaon Junction railway station in Margao is about 20 km (12.4 mi) away. Margao station is the terminus station for several Konkan Railway trains and almost all trains passing through Goa stop here. There are direct trains from most parts of India including Delhi, Mumbai, Cochin, Mangalore, Bangalore, Gujarat, Kerala, coastal Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

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 32 km (19.8 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. Buses go from Panaji, Margao. 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 Ponda is about 32 km (19.8 mi) via NH566. It takes around 1 hour.
The distance from Madgaon Junction railway station in Margao to Ponda is about 20 km (12.4 mi)via Margao - Ponda Hwy/Panaji - Farmagudi - Margao Hwy Bypass Rd and NH566. It takes around 1 hour.
The distance from Old Goa to Ponda is about 20 km (12.4 mi)via NH748 It takes around 1 hour.
The distance from Panaji to Ponda is about 32 km (19.8 mi) via NH748. It takes around 1 hour.
The distance from Dudhsagar Waterfalls to Ponda is about 43 km (26.7 mi) via NH748. It takes around 1-2 hours.
The distance from Bhavan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary to Ponda is about 38 km (23.6 mi) via NH748. It takes around 1 hour.
The distance from Mumbai to Old Goa is about 590 km (366.6 mi) via NH48. It takes around 10-11 hours.