Ponda - पोंडा

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.