Think Anjuna, think long beach, rice paddies, psychedelic parties, and countless cheap guesthouses!
Anjuna, one of the most famous beaches of North Goa mostly amongst international crowd, is undoubtedly the stalwart of India’s hippie culture since the 1970s. Nonetheless, it is also home to one of the most popular hangout’s in Goa – the Curlies beach shack.
One amongst the quieter beaches of North Goa, Anjuna serves to Goa first-timers as well as travellers on longer stays. Numerous affordable guesthouses make sure there is room for everybody, literally so to speak. Prices can go as down as INR800-1000 offseason for a decent double bed with kitchen space, bathroom, and TV. Some also go an extra mile and provide laundry service.
Though you may want to head to Baga and Calangute for the adrenaline-pumped activities, Anjuna is one of the best places in North Goa to practice Yoga. There are many yoga, reiki, and meditation centres offering drop-in, short-term, and intensive yoga courses for those of you interested. Ask around for Brahmani Yoga or Oceanic Yoga, or check for notice signs at Cafe Diogo or German Bakery.
Speaking of cafes and bakeries, Cafe Diogo apparently serves the best fruit salads in Goa!
This brings us to the last and unfailingly the most beguiling charm of Anjuna – the Anjuna Wednesday Flea Market. The market is as much a part of the Goan experience and lifestyle as a Goan prawn curry or a day at the beach. A market which has existed since time immemorial and which was once the sole hub of joint smoking hippies has now developed into a full-fledged flea market with tradesman and artisans from all over the country coming here to sell their products. It is also the perfect place to purchase souvenirs for your friends and family but remember to HAGGLE.
Air: Dabolim Airport is Goa's only airport. You can a bus or taxi from the airport.
Train: Goa is connected by rail to most of the big cities in India. There are two main stations - Madgaon, and Thivim. You can a bus or taxi from the station.
Bus: Ac buses and Volvo coaches operate between Goa and nearby metropolitan cities such as Mumbai and Bangalore.
Anjuna is 5 km north of Baga and Calangute. Daily buses from Mapusa stop at the main bus stand near the beach. If you have rented a scooter or bike, simply head north on Calangute-Anjuna Road and keep an eye out for the signboards. The easiest way to get around in Goa is to ask for directions.
">CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Dow Hill