Anjuna Beach in Goa

Welcome to the Freak Capital

The right advice to all lazing holidaymakers is - pack your bags and travel to Goa and hit the road to Anjuna. Popularly known as the freak capital of the world and not without reasons, 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. 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.

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. 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 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. The Mascarenhas Mansion is an architectural delight with rich and classic 'balcoes' (balconies). The L-shaped seat along the length of the porch is of expensive wood. It has some of the finest stained glass floral etchings.

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.


How to travel to Anjuna Beach, Goa

If you are looking for easy, fast comfortable transportation modes to travel to Goa, you have a few options to go for the ride. 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. We can arrange for all local transportation needs of yours whenever you are in Goa.


Where to stay in Anjuna Beach, Goa

There are plenty of guesthouses around the village, and even a couple of hotels. Someone planning a longer stay should look out for 'To Let' signs, as there are plenty of houses that are available on rent along the back lanes.

Hotels and Resorts Near Anjuna Beach, Goa

Fort Aguada Beach Resort
Dona Alcina Resort
Hotel Baia De Sol
Paradise Village Beach Resort
Ronil Beach Resort
Taj Holiday Village
The Aguada Hermitage
Whispering Palms Beach Resort