About Anuja Beach
Anjuna Beach is
popularly known as the freak capital of the world and not without reasons.
It claimed popularity for its Trance Parties and the Hippies who tried to
synthesize the spiritual traditions of the East and the art, ideas and the
music of the West. Sometime in the late 1950s to mid-1960s, the area was "discovered"
by a group of travelers, including "Eight Finger Eddie,"
and a small international psychedelic scene began to meet there to party
during the dry season. Anjuna is just the right place for lazing
holidaymakers. Besides the calm waters of the Arabian Sea lapping softly
on the Indian shore, Anjuna comes live with its ever-famous full-moon
parties and the Wednesday flea market to take one on to a trance trip. The
main attractions of Anjuna Beach are the magnificent Albuquerque Mansion
built in 1920 (flanked by octagonal towers and an attractive Mangalore
tile-roof), the Mascarenhas Mansion, and the Chapora Fort.
Mascarenhas Mansion
With riches and
classic 'balcoes' (balconies) at Anjuna stands the monumental Mascarenhas
Mansion. The L-shaped seat along the length of the porch is of expensive
wood. It has some of the finest stained glass floral etchings
Flea Market
Every Wednesday, at around 11
a.m., Anjuna breaks into a riot of colors. Lines of vehicles full of
tourists start virtually raising clouds of dust in this area. Whatever one
needs, from a used paperback to a haircut, one would find it here.
The flea market is a heaven for hardcore shoppers and good
bargainers, to bid on wonderful blends of Tibetan, Kashmiri and Gujarati
trinkets and handicrafts, European snacks, cassettes of a noisy brand of
music called 'Goa Trance', artificial ornaments carvings and T-shirts. An
elephant ride and a photograph with a fake sadhu or a fake snake charmer
can also be found here.
The Acid House
Party
Anjuna is also known for its full-moon (acid house) parties. Held for and
by young tourists, these parties have attracted thousands of tourists. The
trance party with dance, frolic, and merriment goes all night besides the
fire.
Anjuna Beach - Excursions
In the vicinity of Anjuna are the Chapora Fort and the Albuquerque
Mansion. To the east is a mountain. Anyone tired of the party and
interested in returning to civilization can climb the mountain to get to
Baga where one can catch a ferry out. Panajim too is not far away. The
Chapora Fort gives a splendid view of the nearby Anjuna and Vagator
beaches. The fort has been well preserved except a few interesting ruins.
Once, it was a domain of the Muslim rulers before the Portuguese wrested
it. In 1683, the Marathas hijacked three priests from the Chapora Fort and
made them Hindus.
Location
Anjuna is a small village in north Goa, on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It
lies 18 km away from Panaji, the capital of Goa
Climate Goa has a consistent climate
throughout the year with just meager fluctuations in the temperature.
December and January might require light woolens, but April and May are
warm. The period from June to October brings heavy rain, almost up to 320
cm. The temperature during the summers ranges from 24°C to 32.7°C
and during the winters it ranges from 21.3°C to 32.2°C. Because of
its pleasant climate, Anjuna can be visited at any time of the year.
However, tourists should beware the heavy rainfall between June and October.
The period from November to February is the best time to visit Anjuna.
Security Precautions Swimming is
dangerous at most of the beaches because of the strong undercurrents.
Consulting the lifeguards is a must before venturing out into the waters.
How to get there The nearest
airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji and 47 km from
Anjuna.
The nearest railway station is at Karmali 11 km away
from Panaji and 29 km from Anjuna.
There are buses every hour to
Anjuna from Mapusa (8 km). For tourists arriving from Mumbai, Mapusa is the
jumping-off point for the northern beaches. There are frequent local buses
to Panaji, which is just 18 km away. One can also hire a motorcycle or a
taxi from Mapusa to reach Anjuna.
