Anjuna Beach, Goa
Popularly known as the freak capital of the world, 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. Anjuna is a small village in north Goa, on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It lies 18 km away from Panaji (the old name for Panjim), the capital of Goa.
The key 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.
Wednesday 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 on all night beside the fire.
Mascarenhas Mansion - With riches and classic '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.
If you love to rollick in the sea and starve for a bath in the sea waters, Anjuna beach in Goa would be your perfect place for vacation. There are some interesting activities and water sports which are extremely admired by adventure lovers.
