Things To Do In Mapusa: A Refreshing Exploration Amidst Goa

Mapusa is a vibrant city located in the fun capital of India, Goa. Mapusa in Goa is the third largest town in Goa after Panaji and Margao, and the largest town in North Goa. Goa lovers look forward to enjoying the things to do in Mapusa. This city with modern buildings spreads around the slopes of a little hillock called Altinho. The reminiscents of the Portuguese kingdom in Goa can be seen in Mapusa in the form of forts and historical monuments. Mapusa has the presence of exotic beaches that will surely captivate your hearts.

8 Best Things To Do In Mapusa

Here are the top things to do in Mapusa for a blissful vacation in Goa that will capture your hearts for a lifetime memory:

1. Visit Vagator Beach

The vibrant Vagator beach in Mapusa is known for its red cliffs, white sands, pristine blue waters, and clear skies.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Vagator Beach in Goa is lovely and forms a destination for one of the best things to do in Mapusa. Located at a distance of 21 km from Panjim, the vibrant Vagator beach in Mapusa is known for its red cliffs, white sands, pristine blue waters, and clear skies. Visit the beach to witness mesmerising sunsets and explore the ravishing Goan culture and cuisines. This is also the place where the lively Sunburn Festival is held every year. Travellers seeking for a thrilling vacation and adrenaline rush can engage in some exciting watersports and adventurous activities in Goa.

Location: 44 km from Vasco Da Gama railway station
Duration Required: 2 – 4 hours

2. Explore The Church Of Our Lady Of Miracles

Exploring this church with exotic architecture is one of the best things to do in Mapusa.

Photo: Joe Ravi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Church of our Lady of Miracles is a Catholic Church in Mapusa, Goa and was originally built by the Portuguese in 1594. The beautiful church is situated at the end of the market road in Mapusa. The exterior of the church displays exquisite Portuguese architecture with decorated walls and lush greenery around. The church is also known for its three day long feast of Our Lady of Miracles which is organised on the 3rd Monday after Easter. The tranquil beauty of the church attracts tourists visiting Mapusa in North Goa.

Distance: 52 km from Vasco Da Gama railway station
Duration Required: 1 – 2 hours

3. Relax At Anjuna Beach

The serene Anjuna Beach is known for its red sands, ravishing nightlife, and hippie culture.

Photo: Nikhilb239 / Wikimedia Commons

Anjuna Beach in Goa is another scenic beach and has some of the best things to see in Mapusa. It has water sports that are cheaper than other beaches in Goa. The serene Anjuna Beach is known for its red sands, ravishing nightlife, and hippie culture. Explore the exotic nightlife of Mapusa at Anjuna Beach which has many clubs and colourful shacks that host live music and parties amidst a diverse array of Goan food. The red sands of the beach are further a popular tourist attraction in Mapusa. Set a bonfire and relax amidst the red sands, live music, and tranquil waters there.

Distance: 47 km from Vasco Da Gama railway station
Duration Required: 3 – 4 hours

4. Pray At Bodgeshwar Temple

A visit to Sri Bodgeshwar Temple is one of the best things to do in Mapusa.

Photo: Jorge Láscar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Sri Bodgeshwar Temple is located in Mapusa, at a distance of 12 km from Panaji. Set amidst lush rice fields, outside Mapusa City, the temple is also known as Bodgini and houses the holy shrine of Kanakeshwar or Bodgeshwar Baba. It is believed that one can see the Bodgeshwar Baba holding a torch and roaming around the rice fields on every moonless night. Thousands of devotees visit the temple due to the firm belief of the people that their wishes will be listened to and fulfilled. The people also offer certain offerings to the deity upon the fulfilment of their wishes.

Distance: 38 km from Vasco Da Gama railway station
Duration Required: 1 – 2 hours

5. Seek Blessings At Sri Kalika Temple

Sri Kalika Temple, an ancient temple in Goa, is said to be about 100 years old.

Photo: Aashiyan Estate Developers / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Located at a distance of 14 km from Mapusa, Sri Kalika Temple is situated in Kansarpal village in Goa. This ancient temple in Goa is said to be about 100 years old. The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Kali, a fierce form of Devi. Several idols of other Hindu Gods and Goddesses also amplify the beauty of this temple. Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple to witness and experience the peaceful morning and evening aarti offered to Goddess Kali. The temple complex is surrounded by several shops and street-side vendors from where you can buy some unique Goan souvenirs at discounted prices.

Distance: 38 km from Vasco Da Gama railway station
Duration Required: 1 – 2 hours

6. Roam In Mapusa Friday Market

Colours of the Mapusa Friday weekly market, one of the vibrant things to do in Mapusa.

Photo: Fredericknoronha / Wikimedia Commons

The Mapusa Friday market is a vibrant and colourful affair held every Friday on the streets of Mapusa city in North Goa. The market displays a large collection of items ranging from textiles, handicrafts, jewellery, footwear, and other consumer goods that will surely stop. The Mapusa Friday Markets gets super active and busy during the afternoon hours which is the best time to explore the beauty and charm of the market. Set out on a shopping extravaganza and ship for some exquisite items for a memorable experience in Goa.

Distance: 40 km from Vasco Da Gama railway station
Duration Required: 5 – 6 hours

7. Pray At Cansaulim Church

The church offers a glimpse of Portuguese architecture and designs and is dedicated to St. Thomas.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Cansaulim Church in Goa is dedicated to St Thomas and is certainly one of the best things to do in Mapusa. Set in 1959, the church offers a glimpse of Portuguese architecture and designs and is dedicated to St. Thomas. The serene setting of the church offers solace and a peace of mind away from the bustling streets and chaos of the city. The Cansaulim Church in Goa has a wide open space in the front for hosting weddings and parties. It is surrounded by lush greenery, orchards, trees, and colourful flowers for a further refreshing experience for the tourists.

Distance: 15 km from Vasco Da Gama railway station
Duration Required: 1 – 2 hours

8. Explore Fort Aguada

Exploring Aguada fort is one of the best things to do in Mapusa.

Photo: Travel with BD / Wikimedia Commons

Aguada Fort is a stunning seventeenth century Portuguese style fort located in Mapusa, Goa. The fort overlooks the confluence of Mandovi River and the Arabian sea. Built of red-brown bricks, the fort also houses a Central Jail and an old style lighthouse. The tourists can sit back at the fort premises and enjoy the calming ambiance and refreshing sea breeze that will surely rejuvenate your soul. The picturesque views of the setting sun is another enthralling experience for the wanderlusters in Goa. Capture some stunning images of the verdant landscapes, and the calming sea for a further enthusiastic vacation in Mapusa.

Distance: 42 km from Vasco Da Gama railway station
Duration Required: 2 – 3 hours

If you are worrying about what to do in Mapusa, it is dotted with heavenly and picturesque tourist destinations. This city will surely make your vacation a fun-filled and enthralling one. Get ready, pack your bags, and plan a trip to Mapusa with TripXL for a comfortable and hassle-free journey in Goa. Embark on a family vacation or a friends trip that is packed with thrill, adventure, and bliss away from the bustling streets and chaos of the city.

Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The nearest airport to Mapusa, Goa is the Goa Mopa Airport, located at a distance of 16.8 km from Mapusa city in Goa. A private cab or a taxi will drop you at Mapusa city in about 30 to 40 minutes. Other nearby airports include Goa International Airport(23.2 km away).
The nearest Railway Station to Mapusa in Goa is the Thivim Junction Railway Station. Taxis, autos, and rickshaws are available from the railway station to Mapusa. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach Mapusa city by car.
The best time to visit Mapusa in Goa is between October and March. The weather is pleasant and comfortable and is an ideal time for sunbathing, exploring water sports, and other activities at the beaches. Additionally, the months of October to December are dotted with vibrant celebrations, fairs, and festivals for a further enriching experience.
Mapusa, Goa is famous for its vibrant Friday markets where visitors can find some exotic goods and products at affordable prices. Set out on a shopping spree to shop for some intricate handcrafted products, textiles, and other consumer goods.
Many hotels and lodging facilities offer a budget-friendly, welcoming and pleasant stay to tourists in Mapusa, Goa. Some of them include Pride Sun Village Resort, Boshan Hotels, Mapusa Residency and more.

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