Location of Beach
Anjuna
lies at a distance of 18 kms from Panaji in north Bardez Taluka. The beach
is a part of 30 km long beach coastline of Western Goa along the Arabian
Sea. Anjuna is 8 kms west of Mapusa, just south of Vagator Beach and north
of the Baga-Calangute-Candolim stretch.
Beach Overview
If you want to know about the ancient home of Hippies and their long
unending period of leisurely pleasure, then Anjuna is the place to head for.
It has one of the world's weirdest and most wonderful collections of
overlanders, monks, defiant, ex-hippies, artists, craftsmen, explorers and
roaming expatriates who wouldn't be seen out of the organic confines of
their emporia in London. Anjuna is the place where red laterite cliff and
white sands borders the beach, azure water swirls and bubbles between the
rocks and the terraced coconut plantations soothe the mind.
Anjuna is divided into three parts - South, Middle and North, most of the
activities are centred around north Anjuna Beach. The Middle Anjuna Beach
has beachfront shacks while south of the Middle beach is the Flea market
area which leads on to South Anjuna Beach. The beachside shacks and food
outlets offer an amazing variety of international cuisines and the famous
Wednesday Flea market attracts vendors from all over India to sell trinkets
and handicrafts.
Actually, there is no point in trying to define what Anjuna is or what it
looks like since it offers so many thing to different people. The only way
to find out is stay here for few days, make some good friends and carry the
memories as a souvenir for lifetime.
Beach Attractions
Water Sports : Water Sports in Anjuna Beach are limited to
its southern end, where a rocky terrain keeps the sea calm. On calm days,
Anjuna offers some snorkelling around the rocks in the sea and you can spot
some mullet, parrotfish and groupers. Except at its southern end, Anjuna is
unsafe for swimming, because of an unpredictable undertow. But if you do not
plunge more than waist-deep into the water, there are minimum chances of
harm.
Leisure Activities : Take a walk from the Flea market to
Baga. The path winds its way along the hillside and ends near the Retreat
House in Baga. The walk will provide you some fantastic views and a pleasant
time. However, don't go out after dark, even if you have a torch as it is
not safe. Nonetheless, there is a popular alternative for you - watch the
sun go down in all its beauty and splendour.
Anjuna Flea Market : The Anjuna Flea Market began in the
1970s as a site where Hippies sold their valuables, when they were either
broke or leaving the town. In between, it was banned for several years after
the local church drove a campaign against it, but later, the market was
revived by the Anjuna Panchayat. Today, a tradition that started decades ago
is still followed by vendors who come here dressed in Hippi costume and take
part in brisk selling of goods. Infact, here you will find the vendors not
only from Goa, but also from Kashmir, Tibet and Gujarat selling their
trinkets and handicrafts.
Most of the goods are cheap and you can collect whatever you like from A to
Z of the daily necessary material. You also have the option of enjoying the
traditional food of Goa at food stalls, ranging from yak cheese to hummus.
Do not forget to bargain, as the vendors offer high bargain for everything.
Anjuna Flea is held every Wednesday over several acres of coconut
plantation. The market begins at noon and ends after sunset when people
start to leave the place. In full moon night, a mass party is organized here
and the Hippi-empire turns into fair ground. Due to the popularity of the
market you will find traffic jams on Wednesday, so boat cruise is a good way
of getting to and from the market.
The Acid House Party : A
trip to Anjuna is incomplete without a mention of acid house (full-moon)
parties. The Acid House Party has its roots yet again in the hippie invasion
in the 1960s and 1970s. Since then, the party has attracted a large number
of tourists, especially during the Christmas and New Year. The full-moon
party with trance music, dance, frolic, and festivity goes all night.
Generally 8-12 minutes long, acid house party assimilate organic 'squelchy'
sounds, put through a refrain filter. The Acid House Parties have a visual
aspect also, the use of fluorescent paint on coconut grooves and shacks
announces your arrival at a trance spot.
Albuquerque Mansion : Built in 1920, the Albuquerque
Mansion is raised with 8- Octagonal vertical pinnacles over red-tiled roof.
Mascarenhas Mansion : Mascarenhas Mansion has superb and
classic balconies (balcoes). Along the porch of the building is a L-shaped
seat made of costly wood. The building also has some delicate stained glass
floral carvings.
Chapora Fort :
The fort erected in 1717 by Goa's viceroy is mostly in ruins. It is
delightful place to get some spectacular view of the Anjuna Beach.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Anjuna Beach is from November till March. During
this period the weather remains pleasant. Christmas (25th December) and New
year period, is a good time to be here when you can enjoy the full-moon
parties.
Where to Stay
Limited accommodation options are available in Anjuna and few of them are
right on the beach. Some of the best accommodation options are The Tamarind,
Laguna Anjuna, Hotel Bougainvilla, Anjuna Beach Resort, Hotel Hill Top and
White Negro Beach Resort.
How to Reach
Dabolim airport is 57 kms away from the Anjuna Beach. From the airport you
can hire a pre-paid taxi to reach the Anjuna. Thivim Station (19 kms),
Panaji Station (25 kms) are the nearest railheads. Luxury buses operate to
Anjuna from Panaji (25 kms) and Mapusa (8 kms) almost every hour. You can
also get autos from Mapusa. For local transport Motorcycle taxis are
available, that take you from Anjuna to Calangute and Vagator.
