Anjuna Beach: Freak Capital of the World
Anjuna Beach is often referred to as the Freak Capital of the World, and this indeed is quite appropriate given the beach’s (in)famous status as the trance capital of the world. The beach infrastructure is well-developed and perfectly accentuates the beach’s beautiful geography and clean environs. On weekends (especially, long weekends), the beach is thronged by hundreds of urban dwellers, who come to take a dip in the sea water. On less-crowded days, Anjuna beach is ideal for long swims and walks; one can also avail of the many water sports options available at the beach. Though the waters may be clean and thoroughly inviting for a swimmer, caution is advised as the beach sometimes can have strong undercurrents.
Places to visit in Anjuna
The local church and Anjuna village are a must-visit. The local church, St. Michael's Church, Anjuna, was founded in 1595 and is dedicated to S. Miguel. Albuquerque Mansion, a large colonial-era mansion overlooking the beach is also a major tourist attraction. Further, the Anjuna beach is situated in Goa, which can be considered to be the most-visited tourist destination in India. Goa is a former Portuguese colony and as such is quite blessed with Portuguese-style colonial architecture. Goa has plenty of Portugal-styled churches and colonial era government buildings, which are in use even today. Further, there are many other beaches within the vicinity of Anjuna beach; these too make for excellent getaways.
Anjuna- Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine
- Languages- English and Hindi are widely spoken in the region surrounding the Anjuna beach, and as such communication should not be a problem.
- Cuisine- Cuisine catering to all tastes and stomachs is readily available in Anjuna beach.
- Travel Tip- The weekly Flea Market, which is held every Wednesday, is an excellent place to shop for handicrafts, roadside jewellery, cheap clothing, accessories and fresh seafood.
Many tour operators cover the Anjuna beach as part of their Goa tours. The waters surrounding the Anjuna beach are rich in aquatic life and make for excellent fishing points.
Best time to visit Anjuna
The Anjuna beach can be visited any time of the year. However, during the monsoons, that is, between the months of June and September, one may not be able to soak up a whole lot of sun. Further, as the Anjuna Beach is decently accessible from the major towns and cities of the region, it has become one of Goa’s premier weekend getaways. Consequently, the Anjuna beach is not so secluded during the weekends. Also, Goa gets very crowded during the months of November and December when tourists from all over the world throng its beaches. Further, even the most secluded of seafronts and beaches may not be that empty. If, however, one digs trance and beach parties, Anjuna beach is the place to be, especially during the New Year’s.
Best way to reach Anjuna
- By Air: Dabolim Airport, located 47 kms away, is the nearest airport. Dabolim is one of India’s most prominent domestic airports, and is connected via daily flights to Mumbai, Delhi, Mysore, Pune, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Chennai and Hyderabad.
- By Rail: The nearest railhead is Thivim (located some 12 odd kilometres away), which is one of the more important railway stations in the region and as such is well-connected to the major cities in the region.
- By Road: The Anjuna beach is well connected to all the important cities and other beach resorts in the region. Local transport largely consists of non-metered auto rickshaws, unregulated and regulated buses and hitch-hiking. Perhaps, the best way to enjoy Goa is by hiring a motorbike.
Accommodation
Hotels, inspection bungalows, private cottages, etc. are available to suit all budgets. The Anjuna beach abounds in family vacation beach resorts, beach retreats, beach vacation homes, beach hotels and beach houses. One can obtain excellent discounts on accommodation via beach holiday packages, beach tours and beach holidays. A very interesting feature of Anjuna beach is that there are many beach camps and beach resorts that dot all over the long sandy stretch. Many such beach camps and beach resorts offer private beaches that are out of bounds for outsiders.