Mapusa, 13 km south of
Panaji, is the headquarters of
Bardez taluk. Mapusa pronounced as Map-sa in
Konkani means measure and fill. Mapusa was a trading town, long before the advent of Portuguese , primarily due to its proximity to Rio de Mapusa or Mapusa River.
Mapusa market, a vibrant friday market, is thronged by people from all over
Goa to buy and sell their wares. An 800-year-old Kansarpal-Kalbadevi temple is 14 km from Mapusa.
Anjuna Beach, Chapor Beach and Candolim Beach are the beaches near to Mapusa. The church of St Jerome at Mapusa attracts devotees irrespective of religion.
Goa Airport is about 40 km south of Mapusa at
Dabolim. Situated on
National Highway 17, Mapusa forms a junction on the network of roadways covering the whole of North Goa District.
