Verna is a small village situated on either sides of
National Highway 17, about 10 km north of
Margao, in
South Goa District. The old name of the village was Varunapuri which literally mean ‘the city of Lord Varuna’ - the God of the sea.
The village is some times referred to as the ‘Electronic City’, thanks to the nearly 230 small and big national and multi-national companies functioning from over an area of 15 sq km in Verna. It is traditionally an agricultural village with paddy as the main agricultural produce. Pottery is the traditional industry of this place. The majority of the population here are Catholic Christians.
Verna, blessed with rich greenery and hills, has many springs and tanks and is well known for its cool and refreshing climate. The Portuguese used to call this village as 'Terra de Frescura' (Land of Coolness).
Major point of attractions here is the small temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalasa Narayani and the Church of Holy Cross, established in 1812.
Verna has a railway station on the Ratnagiri-Margao railway line. Buses and taxis are available from Margao to Verna.
