Infamously called the "Freak Capital of the World," the Anjuna Beach found in the Indian state of Goa made its fame from its numerous "trance parties" and its reputation as a popular haunt of the so-called hippies during their heyday in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it still draws the self-professed hippies and backpackers, although its evolving and developing tourism has enticed more than a few regular visitors and even family vacationers.
Anjuna is considered as the best and largest beach in all of Goa, its sheer size reflected in it being divided into three main parts: the north, south, and middle. Typically, the majority of hotels and restaurants are found in the north, with markets and bazaars dominating the middle, while the south hordes most of the best stretches of the beach. Of course, the main order of the day in Anjuna is party, a quick swim, and then party some more. In fact, it is known for the Acid House Party that invites younger tourists to a night of dancing to trance music, and merriment that lasts until the wee hours of the morning.
The highlight of a visit to Anjuna, however, is not the parties and swimming, but rather its famous Wednesday Flea Markets. A tradition started by the broke or departing hippies who sold their possessions on the streets back in the 1970s, it is a major event that draws so many people and visitors that it is responsible for more than a few traffic jams. It is reputed for the plethora of weird and unique stuff that one can buy from its strings of crammed stalls. More common goods such as handicrafts and trinkets, however, continue to be sold. If a flea market is not one's cup of tea, there are also the night bazaars held during Saturdays that sell much more commonplace goods like food and accessories.
A smattering of sights can be seen in Anjuna, including the Mascarenhas Mansion characterized by its traditional-style balconies, wooden porches, and stained-glass floral etchings. There is also the 1920 Albuquerque Mansion with its octagonal towers and roofs made with Mangalore tiles, as well as the Chapora Fort that was built entirely out of red laterite stones and offers a bird's eye view of the Anjuna Beach.
In our Magazine
Three Countries, One Day
Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Burma and China rely on the river Mekong for trade and tourism. Travelers who want to discover these countries can easily avail of cruises that last for as short as 24 hours.
Trans-Siberian Railway: The Epic Journey Continues
As part of the must-do list of passionate travelers, riding the Trans-Siberian Railway offers not only the beauty of passing scenery but a genuine interaction with the places where the train cuts through.
Last chance to see
Destruction of a place is what a Hollywood doomsday film is made of but fiction does extend to reality, especially in the case of the Great Barrier Reef, the Alps, and the Red Sea which may disappear in our children’s lifetime.
