The capital of the Bardez Taluka, Mapusa is located at a distance of 13 kms north of Panaji. Most beaches of north Goa are accessible from here. It is famous for it's 'friday' market. Residents from the surrounding areas of Moira, Porra, Saligao, Arpora, Anjuna, Siolim, Aldona, Calvim come here to sell their home-grown commodities, or home-made wares and the entire population surrounding this town does their shopping from here.
During the rainy season you can buy all types of plants, flowers and samplings from this place, the seasonal favourites being Goan pork sausages, dried fish, cashew feni and coconut jaggery.

At the entrance of Mapusa town there is a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The famous church of miracles is revered by all and an yearly feast is held. The temple located in the field towards Kanka is famous for the yearly zatra knows as Bodgeshwar zatra.