Ponda lies 28 km away from the state capital of Goa, Panaji, and 17 km away from Margao which is the district headquarter. Konkani is the official language used in Ponda but the residents also speak English, Marathi, and Hindi. Connected to all the other parts of Goa through either rail or road, Ponda has an excellent transportation network.
Having these many facilities available in just one place, it is a popular tourist spot and attracts visitors from all the parts of the world. Ponda is full of places that are worth visiting and will leave you spellbound after your trip. Be it the temples or the villages, everything in and around Ponda is extremely beautiful and alluring.
# Butterfly Conservatory of GoaLocated at Priol, the Butterfly Conservatory of Goa is home to more than a hundred varieties of butterflies with a small collection of fishes and birds. It is also called the Mystic Meadows and is truly a perfect destination for a lover of nature and its various creations. The conservatory works towards protecting and preserving these species. Comprising of a lush green view, the conservatory provides a lot of information and research-related education about these butterflies. This Butterfly Conservatory is absolutely free to visit and explore and makes for an amazing place to visit during the morning.
# Shivaji Fort
Ponda Fort or popularly known as the Shivaji Fort is an amazing picnic spot for tourists and students. Located at Farmagudi in Ponda, this fort comprises a huge statue of the great Maratha leader Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who captured this fort in 1675 from the Portuguese. Shivaji Fort is a very popular tourist spot overlooking a Ganesha temple which is just to its opposite side. This fort too is absolutely free to visit and makes for the perfect spot to discover and explore the architectural wonders of ancient times.
# Old Borim Bridge
Extremely popular among the youth of Goa, this bridge is the one with mind-blowing scenic views. People usually come here for photographs. Home to one of the most beautiful sunsets in Goa, Old Borim Bridge is a favorite of the youngsters. Although it is rumored to be haunted no such paranormal activity has been noticed here. This old bridge’s ruins were discovered in three parts and recently, the middle section of the bridge broke off too but the concerned authorities and departments have already taken grave measures to maintain its safety. Very recently, new and permanent fencing has been added outside the leftover parts of the bridge to prevent any mishap from happening.
# Sahakari Spice FarmThe Sahakari Spice Farm is one of the most visited spots in Goa. Located amidst the greenery-filled surroundings of Curti, this spice farm is the perfect destination for the nature and farming lovers of the world. The farm provides a guide who gives you a complete tour of the farm and supplies you with all the required and relevant information about the spices cultivated at the farm. Surrounded by the dense forest cover, the farm cultivates a great number of spice trees and is a perfect spot for relaxation. Not just that, Sahakari Spice Farm also serves traditional Goan food in its main course which is very popular among the visitors.
# Safa MasjidSafa Shahouri Masjid or popularly called the Safa Masjid is among the only two residua of proper Islamic architecture in the entire Goa. Constructed in the year 1560 by Ibrahim Adil Shah, Safa Masjid is believed to be the oldest mosque in Goa. The beautiful water reservoir at the entrance of the masjid is the key highlight of this place. The tank is so built that it mirrors the entire mosque in its water when seen from any angle which is a cherry for every photographer. That’s why this mosque is very popular among photography fanatics and also other tourists.
# Shanta Durga TempleLocated in the Kavalem village on a small hill, Shanta Durga Temple is very popular for its religious value. As the name speaks for itself, this temple is dedicated to Shri Jagdamba Devi who took birth to promote peace between Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Carrying with itself a lot of spiritual importance, this temple is visited by hundreds of devotees every year. A Shanta Durga fair also takes place here in the months of December and January. This temple is definitely a must-visit owing to its amazing historical and spiritual importance.