Anjuna Beach
With its fluorescent painted palm trees and infamous
full moon parties, ANJUNA, 8-km west of Mapusa
, is Goa at its most "alternative". Designer leather
and lycra may have superseded cotton Kaftans,
but most people's reasons for coming are the same
as they were in the 1970s: dancing and lying on
the beach slurping tropical fruit. While browsing
in the area have a day trip to the famous flea
market.
The Beach
One of the main sources of Anjuna's enduring popularity
as a hippy hang out is its superb beach. Fringed
by groves of swaying coconut palms, the curve
of soft white sand conforms more closely to the
archetypal vision of paradise than any other beach
on the north coast. Bathing is generally safer
than at most of the nearby resorts, too, especially
at the more peaceful southern end, where a rocky
headland keeps the sea calm and the undertow to
a minimum.
North of the market ground, the beach broadens,
running in an uninterrupted kilometre long stretch
of steeply shelving sand to a low red cliff. The
village bus park lies on top of this high ground,
near a crop of small cafes, bars and Kashmiri
handicraft stalls. Every lunch hour, tour parties
from Panjim pull in here for a beer, before heading
home again, leaving the ragged army of sun weary
westerners to enjoy the sunset.
Getting There
Buses from Mapusa and Panjim drop passengers
at various points along the Tarmac Road across
the top of the village, which turns right towards
Chapora at the Main Starco's crossroads. The Starco's
crossroads has a couple of small stores, a motorcycle
taxi rank, and functions as a de facto village
square and bus stand.
Accomodation
Most of Anjuna's very limited accommodation consists
of small-unfurnished houses. Some of the resorts
and guesthouse can be found at the main Starco's
crossroads area. But the best choice for accommodation
is available in Calangute , Baga or nearby Vagator
or Chapora . |
