Mapusa (Maapsa) is the third largest town in Goa and is located in the district of North Goa. It is located about 13 Kms from the capital city of Panaji (Panjim).
Even before the Aryans, or Marathas, or Sultans or the Portuguese invaded Goa, this was an agrarian community with a well established Gaunkari or Community Farming System, where villages formed associations, worked on community land and shared profits. Market day was a major event, with goods brought in from every district to one central area. Mapusa has thus remained a prominent market center for many centuries.
Mapusa is close to many famous beaches in the North Goa which makes it a suitable base during the tourist season (October to January). Because it is a mainly commercial town (for locals) with a large resident population, Mapusa has only a limited number of hotels and accommodation.
The Friday market at Mapusa is a famous tourist attraction in Goa as well as a time for local residents to buy produce from farmers as well as household and desktop items sold by small time businesspeople from all over Goa.
Tourist attractions in Mapusa
Beaches in and around Mapusa:
Other attractions:
Places to see around Mapusa:
Go back to North Goa tour guide or return to Goa tourist attractions