Ponda
This busy commercial town is
experiencing an economic boom due to its proximity with some large iron-ore
mines of the State. Around Ponda are a number of important Hindu shrines set
amidst lush landscape full of swaying palms, numerous spice plantations and the
wildlife sanctuaries of East Goa. Portuguese could not occupy Ponda for nearly
two and a half centuries, after their arrival in Goa. Thus, it became a haven
for the Hindus, who escaped the Inquisition in the Old Conquests (Velhas
Conquistas) and crossed the river to settle down here. It came under the
Portuguese in 1791, by then they had become more tolerant towards other
religions.
Tourist Acctration in Ponda
- Ponda Fort
- Safa Masjid
Ponda Fort : It was originally
built by Adil Shahi rulers and was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1549. Shivaji
conquered the town in 1675 and rebuilt the fort and was again destroyed by the
Portuguese. Within the fort ruins lies the mausoleum of saint Ghazi Abdullah Khan
Shaheed.
Safa Masjid : Safa or the Shahouri
was built 1560, by Ibrahim Adil Shah of Bijapur and is the best preserved
Muslim monument of Goa.
Reaching There
AirPort: Dabolim (45 kms.)
Railhead: Karmali (17 kms.) in
Road . Ponda lies on NH4A that connects
Panaji to Belgaum. Panaji (28 kms.) & Margao (17 kms.)
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