Ponda, the administrative headquarters of Ponda taluk lies about 28 km south-east of
Panaji and 17 km north-east of
Margao. It is considered as the heart of
Hinduism in
Goa. Since it concentrates on music, drama and poetry, Ponda is known as Antruz Mahal. Belgaum highway or
National Highway 4A connects Ponda with the neighboring state of
Karnataka. The major areas of Ponda were a part of 'Quela' village. The city is considered as a gateway to Goa's wildlife sanctuaries and the
Dudhsagar waterfalls. Bhagvan Mahavir sanctuary and
Bondla sanctuary are located near to Ponda. Nagesh temple,
Shantadurga temple, Mahalsa Narayani temple, and
Safa masjid are the major attractions of Ponda. Factories and industrial estates that have sprung up on the outskirts of the town have made Ponda an industrial city.
