Ponda (Konkani: Phonem,pronounced [f]) is a city and a municipal council in North Goa district in the Indian state of Goa. It is located in the central part of Goa. Ponda lies about 29km south-east of Panaji and 18km north-east of Margao and is also the capital of Ponda taluk. Ponda is well connected by road to the Goan Capital Panaji and the main railway junction of Margao. It is the industrial centre of the state of Goa with many large factories and industrial estates. Ponda is also the fastest growing city in Goa with a population of approximately 20,000. Goa's major engineering college, the Goa Engineering College, is located at nearby Farmagudi. Ponda is popularly known as the Cultural Capital of Goa. Ponda is located at 1524N 7401E / 15.40N 74.02E / 15.40; 74.02. It has an average elevation of 42metres (138feet). Ponda lies strategically along the NH-4A highway connecting Panaji to Belgaum in the neighboring state of Karnataka. Ponda formed part of the...
