Anjuna Beach Goa

Anjuna is a picturesque little sea side village in North Goa, on the shores of the Arabian Sea. Discovered by the flower children in the late 60's, it still remains the undisputed capital of Goa's rave scene. Its colourful past and vivacious present have given it a surreal quality where anything goes. All kinds of people congregate here to party up a storm and later unwind at its many laid back beaches.

Shallow red laterite cliffs border Anjuna's beaches, terraced coconut plantations add a dash of vivid green to its landscape and silvery white sands welcome the azure waters that endlessly wash over it and then recede. Anjuna's abundant natural beauty has made it a perfect setting for many a hopping beach party. Along with its frenetic parties, the beaches here also have a laid back atmosphere; many restaurants offer an array of global cuisines. Shops, stalls and lamani women sell trinkets from all over India and the option of water sports adds activity to an other wise lazy and relaxing holiday.

Attractions
Anjuna is so huge that there is actually a south, middle and north Anjuna beach. Most of the hotels, bars and restaurants are clustered around the north beach area. The St. Anthony's Church is worth a visit and the Flea Market makes the village come alive with colour every Wednesday. This colourful market was begun by the hippies who lived here in the 1970s, however, today one finds a large number of Tibetans, Kashmiris and Lamani women peddling all kinds of trinkets and clothes from all over India. An eclectic array of goodies can be found here, don't be surprised to come across some good quality hummus and yak cheese.

Entertainment
The nightlife is what Anjuna is really famous for. From raves on moonlit beaches to very many trance bars, Anjuna always has many simultaneous parties each night to keep things rocking. Water sports are another added attraction here, limited mostly to the calmer south beach area, snorkelling around the rocks allows one to spot a large variety of sea life.

Buy Wednesday Flea Market

On the way to the beach by main road, you'll cross the Wednesday flea market location. The Anjuna flea market is attracting so many people from all north Goa every Wednesday that the traffic becomes a problem in south Anjuna. if you're going with a 2-wheeler you'll have to pay a few rupees for parking. Inside the market, you'll find all the shops that are on the streets the rest of the week and some more. be careful not to be fooled by the sellers who will tell you that it's not even their cost price or that they can sell it to someone else for 3 or 4 time the price you want. If you plan to open your own shop in the flea market, it will cost you ₨ 100.

Ingos Saturday Night Market

This one is a must go, more diversity in the shops, good quality items, food stands but also usually more crowded. Many foreigners are running business in this market (didgeridoo player selling didgeridoos,to travellers doing some business to travel more, Tibetan cooking Tibetan food to raise money for Tibetan refugees, etc.). It's on the way to Arpora from Anjuna. You can also find some smaller night markets around, some are worth spending some time inside, others aren't.

Unfortunately it seems that Ingos has been forced to move from its old location at Arpora to a new location on the other side of the new road bridge just north of Siolim, its yet to be seen if the new location will be successful. Many of the Westerner stall holders have moved to Mackies for the moment.

Inkman's studio

Inkman's studio are known to be Printers, suppliers and distributers of promotional items. Apart from this they also deal in digital prints, papers, printers, inks. Inkman's studio products are known for their quality and economic prices. Inkman's studio first started in Mapusa, that is a business town close to where they have now moved. Located at the center of Anjuna,they cater to the tourism industry as well as the local markets. Known for customized printings for special occasions such as birthday's anniversary's weddings and all important events they have brought these products within the reach of the common man with extremely their low pricing.

Mackies Saturday Night Bazaar

This Goan run night-market has expanded recently and seem to have benefited from the problems experienced by Ingos, its worth a trip. It is located North of the river at Baga, to get there follow the windy road that heads south from Oxford Stores until you hit the T junction at Baga river, the entrance is just across the road to the left. Indian store-holders are concentrated in the first section, in the middle is a large bandstand with live music which seems to consist of popular covers from the package tourists from Calangute and Baga, you can buy beers here. Past the bandstand are the westerners stalls and the food stalls.

Roadside and Beach Stalls

It's impossible to miss these, you will be hounded by their owners saying 'come look my shop' at every opportunity. They have some good textiles and tee-shirts but mostly have the same items and there's much more choice at the markets. If you bargain hard you can get things for a good price but you may find the experience a bit draining.

Fashion showroom Miriam Strehlau

The showroom of the designer is just behind the shore bar and offers the opportunity to purchase limited editions and customized pieces besides the actual collections as well as home accessories artwork. Characteristic for the design is the fusion of contemporary and tradition style. A mix of innovative materials, sustainable fabrics and handcrafted Indian textiles.

    Osama - Is one hip boutique in Anjuna that deserves a mention. They stock some really hip T shirts and accessories that is quite exclusive. And stuff that you don't find in the run of the mill shops around in Anjuna. Osama is a great place for the latest in Psychedelic Chique! They also have branches in Baga on Tito's Lane and in Arambol on the main road leading to the beach.

Money

There are three ATMs in Anjuna now right next to Dominoes Pizza: AXIS bank, HDFC bank & Kotak Mahindra. This is as you enter Anjuna from Baga side on the way to Starcos. There is also a Corp bank ATM on the road that connects to Vagator/Chapora from Starcos junctions. These developements have happened in the last year and a half or so.

Eat

    Basilico is a pizza and pasta place near main crossing, to get there turn left on the way to Paradiso from main crossing, you'll see the sign indicating the way.

    Biryani Palace is just down for Starco corner, this slightly more expensive restaurant specializes in North Indian dishes like Kebabs, Bryanis and Tandoor dishes. Friendly waiters.

    Curlie's is one of the most active beach shacks of Anjuna beach. It's located near the south end of the beach. This is one place to go to meet people. It is also a racist place that systematically racially discriminates against Indians. If you are an Indian man, try going to the upstairs area of the shack at any point of the day or during any of their parties and you will be asked to pay an entry fee. Notice then how western tourists (men/women), however, are allowed to get in for free. After some prodding, the guy at the entrance will even admit to only charging Indians.

    Munche's a.k.a. Munchies corner is open 24 hours a day. a place to eat food, have a drink, watch cable TV, meet people at night or find a list of upcoming parties. It's located on the left side of the road, on the road to Vagator between main crossing (Starco junction) and Oxford Arcade.

    Oasis is one of the most popular restaurants in Anjuna. It serves cheep food and has friendly staff, its located on the north side of the main road towards the beach from Starco junction.

    The German bakery is a nice and relaxing place for breakfast, having a drink with friends, or getting some quality bread and pastries. It's located on the way to the flea market, you can't miss the German bakery sign where you have to turn.

    At LaFranza you will find one of the best Kingfish in Anjuna, King Prawns and Specialty's from the Tandoori-Oven (Chicken, Fish etc.) Try the Butter-Chicken, it's a must. Relax after a good Meal upstairs, or watch the Nightlife pasting by while you playing Pool or check your e-mail at the Internet-Cafe.

    Zuri, net to the nightclub Paradiso, is a very nice place to go to eat. The views to the sea are beautiful and it feels really comfortable to be there with the breeze. The menu is not the best, but has some unique options.

    Shore Bar. This is definitely the best place to eat in Anjuna. The food is really good and the menu is never ended!!! People are nice is is by the sea.

    Avalon Sunset - Is a muliticuisine restaurant by the shore, good food and the Menu offers Indian, Israeli, Continental and Chinese. Very friendly staff. Being right on the shore by the rocks it s a great place just sit by and enjoy an afternoon drink as well. It's the first restaurant as you walk southwards towards the beach on the main street of Anjuna. They also hire bikes and the restaurant is a WI FI zone for browsing the internet. They even have laptops that they let the customers use.

    Whole Bean, (on the main road to the Anjuna flea market). Excellent place for lunch. Offering great tofu and other health foods. Worth a try. 

    Bean Me Up Restaurant and Guest House, (Next To Anjuna Petrol station), ☎ 2273479, [1]. Bean Me Up is a popular Organic restaurant in Anjuna. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options available, amazing choice of salads and the food is always fresh and healthy, they do have musicians playing on certain nights, open for Breakfast, lunch and Dinner. Rooms also available

Nightlife

Anjuna is also the home of the most popular night club of goa: Paradiso, and so despite the fact that they will try to charge some people with entrance fee (Rs 200 to Rs 500+) and not others. Most of the time the security service will prevent the locals to enter the club. even if it's worth going in once to enjoy the view, this is not the place where you want to go if you're looking for parties. Better go to nine bar or hilltop in Vagator and ask around for open-air parties.

There are nightclubs catering to western package tourists in Baga and Calangute to the south that are easy enough to get to by taxi.

Curlies This is definitely one of the best places in Goa during daytime for trance people, freaks, hippies & other positive people... :-) It is located just next to the Anjuna Flea Market place, on the extreme south of Anjuna beach. Nice beach shacks with really nice music (psy trance & ambient in Curly's bar, and Israeli psy trance in some another beach shack 50 metres further to the south), nice people - so this is really excellent place for some psychedelic relaxation before/after parties, or just for watching the beautiful Goan sunset while drinking some fresh pineapple juice.


Location

Anjuna is a small sea side village that lies 18 kms away from Panaji, the capital of Goa. It is situated in the north Bardez Taluka, just south of Vagator Beach and north of the Baga-Calangute-Candolim stretch, from which it is cut off by the Baga river.

Getting There

Air - The nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji and 47 km from Anjuna. A pre paid taxi costs around Rs 700 from here to Anjuna.

Rail - From Thivim Station, which is 19 kms away, a taxi costs Rs 300 while from Panjim Station, which is 25 kms away, a taxi costs Rs 400.

Road - Motorcycle taxis take you from Anjuna to Vagator and Calangute. Buses operate from Panjim and Mapusa about every hour. Autos are also available from Mapusa.

Goan Island Tourism

Although the beautiful islands of Chorao and Divar are just a short distance away from the capital city of Panaji, they are rarely on the regular itenarary of the tourists.

However, both these islands are truly worth a visit, if only to get a taste of the tranquil and picturesque setting of rural Goa.
Chorao Island

To reach Chorao Island, you need to take the ferry ride across from the village of Ribandar, about 5 kms from Panaji, on the road to Old Goa.

Most of the western half of this island, is today a reserved area as the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. It is full of dense mangrove swamps and the best way to navigate is by a canoe.

The Sanctuary is home to a variety of birds, animals and quite a few muggers - the Goan crocodiles. Another unusual inhabitant is the mudskipper - a mid-sized bulbous headed fish which actually skips through the mud at low tide.

The Chorao village on the island is a small collection of mud and thatch houses and some exquisite Portuguese villas. There is also a small village Church.

The road through this picturesque village finally leads to the crossing on the other side of the island which takes you to the famous Saptakoteshwar Temple at Narwe on the mainland in Bicholim taluka.

If you do visit the temple on the mainland, then on the return trip you can take the ferry ride which takes you to Divar island.


Divar Island

The island of Divar can be reached by a ferry ride on both sides: the ferry on the north side of the island is at Old Goa about 7 kms from Panaji and the ferry on the south side is from Narwe.

The ferries leave quite frequently throughout the day, unless there is inclement weather in the monsoons, so there is hardly any chance of being stranded on the island.

From both ferry crossings, the road passes through picture postcard Goan countryside, full of rice fields and wooded hills, before reaching the village of Piedade.

Piedade, a small, typical Goan village is spread at the bottom of a small forested hillock on which there is the Church of Our Lady of Compassion. Like the island of Chorao, well maintained, elegant Portuguese villas dot the countryside.

From the top of the hill, superb panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including Old Goa and the meandering Mandovi river can be seen.

The famous Bonderam festival is celebrated in Divar, during the monsoon with great fanfare and attended by thousands of tourists and locals.

The charm of these islands, where life seems to have been unchanged for hundreds of years, can only be seen and experienced by walking or cycling through the countryside.

Anjadip Island goa

Anjadiva Island, also known as Anjidiva Island, Anjediva Island and Anjadip Island, due to its area of 1,5 squire kilometers length is the largest island of archipelago which consists of five islands: Anjadiva, Kurnagal, Mudlingud, Devgad and Devragad. With its strategic and economic importance this Island played a significant role in the history of Goa.

Anjadiva Island is located in the Arabian Sea, near Canacona seashore, in South Goa. Due to the fact that the Island situates about two kilometers from Binaga Village (Kartanaka state) it is widely believed that Anjadiva belongs to this State. But legally Anjadiva Island is a part of Goa State. The place is known to Indian culture since the Puranic period. In the poetry it is described as "resting place of Venus and her lover". Since ancient times local people adored here the famous Arya Devi Goddess (the wife of Shiva God), later known as Anji Devi Goddess.

In 1498 and later in 1502 the Anjadiva Island was visited by Vasco Da Gamma, who stayed here for some period of time. The island was strategically important for Portuguese defense, as well as it was an important sea port for Greek, Arab, Egyptian and Portuguese merchant and trade ships during centuries. That’s why the Fortress and a Church, which is considered to be the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Asia, were built here (the Church was build in 1502).


Till nowadays the Island carefully keeps and protects the remains of those bygone eras: you will be able to see several ancient houses and buildings, the ruins of Fort and Church. The Indian Navy Forces headquarters and base are placed at Anjadiva Island too.

The Island is also well known and famous for its annual Nossa Senhora da Brotas Fest which is hold on February 2 and with the celebration of the Day of St. Francis D'Assizi Chapel which is taking place on October 4.

To reach the Island you should first go to the City of Karwar. The closest railway station is Shirwad Station which is located 6 km from Karwar (Concan railway route). If you are planning to travel to Anjadiva Island by a car, than you should drive NH17 Highway. Numerous buses are running from Goa to Karwar regularly. You can also travel by water transportation from the main port of Karwar City directly to Anjadiva Island. Keep in mind that sometimes the access to the Island is forbidden, so before going there, please, contact Station Commander Sea Bird Project to find out if the Island is open and there is a possibility to visit it. 

Maya Lake Goa

Maya Lake also known as Mayem Lake is situated in Mayem in the Bicholim taluka of North Goa,India. It is a popular tourist spot in Goa for boating. The beautiful Maya lake is located 7 kms from the Saptakoteshwar Temple and is a famous picnic spot for the locals of Goa and tourists alike. On the roadside there are vendors dealing in Goan handicrafts and refreshments boasting of delicious coconut water.

The undulating hills covered by a thick lush green vegetation forms the perfect backdrop. This lake is a man-made lake and not a natural one. Though small, it attracts a lot of tourists. This scenic lake is located just 35 kilometres from Panaji. This lake is much cooler than other parts of North Goa.

Mayem Lake is an artificially created lake, which is surrounded by green undulating hills. This makes the lake more picturesque. Although it is a small lake but it does not fail to attract tourists from international destinations too. The place around the lake is much cooler than the other parts of North Goa.

While visiting Maya Lake, you can even make a short detour and visit the Saptakoteshwar Temple. The temple is just seven kilometres from the lake. Even the Chamundi Temple at  Pilgao is worth a visit. It is here that the image of Chamunda Goddess resides which was originally brought from a temple located in Goah Velha, which was ransacked and destroyed by the Muslim rulers. The Chamundi temple has been re-built a number of times. The temple tank in the centre is worth noticing because of its antique carvings.

Many small Goa hotels have come up surrounding the Mayem Lake. These hotels in Goa look into the special needs of the tourists. As a response to the ever growing demand of the tourists, the Tourist Development Corporation of Goa has come up will small cottages in and around Maya lake.They are well-furnished and have all the basic amenities. Spending a day or two in these cottages can be very refreshing and energising.

You can spend a day leisurely by boating in and around the lake. The hills are covered with cashew trees and areca nut palm trees and pineapple plantations. Over the hills you can see the Mandovi River and Panjim.

The lake has a lot in store for the nature lovers. One can visit the small villages or ‘hamlets’ surrounding the lake for a different kind of experience.  During the winter months, the lake is a treat for bird watchers as many varieties of winter birds flock to this place. The cool and serene surroundings are really enjoyable.

In and around the lake, you can taste the delicious coconut water sold by vendors. Shopaholics can do their bit by shopping Goan handicrafts and artefacts from the small shops surrounding the Maya Lake.

Chorao Island Goa (Bird Sanctuary)

Chorao: For Bird lovers Chorao is a place which is not to be missed. Over here lies the Dr. Salim Ali bird sanctuary. The island of Chorao lies along the river Mandovi and it is very near to Panaji. To reach the island of Chorao one would have to go to Ribandar which is around 2-3 kms from Panaji and then take a ferry from the Ribandar jetty to reach Chorao. The bird Sanctuary lies at the edge of the island. This bird sanctaury is approximately 1.75 square meters in area and is covered in a thick layer of mangrove forest. One of the main attractions here are the migratory birds.Below are some of the pictures taken at Chorao.

Chorao Island Goa

Islands of Chorao is located five kms from the capital city of Panaji. Chorao Island is an island along the river Mandovi near Panaji of the Indian state of Goa. The Choro Island was called chudamani, meaning stunning precious stone in Sanskrit.

Local legends narrate the history of the islands emerging from the diamonds that were thrown away by Yashoda  the mother of Lord Krishna. The Islanders call it chodan or chodna. It was the Portuguese who called it Chorao. The Portuguese noblemen were the founders of the Chorao Island and created it as a pleasurable place to live. Thus, the place derived its name as Ilha Dos Fidalgos (Island of Noblemen).

The earliest settlers with the island had been 10 households of the Goud Saraswat Brahmins.The island was said to be a place of learning and also boasts a Sanskrit University. According to the Hindu deities and Temples by Rui Pereira Gomes, the island had ancient temples of Ganesh, Devki, Ravalnath, Kanteswar, Mallinath, Bhaukadevi, Bhagwati, Narayan, Sanata-purush, Chandeshwar and Dadd-sancol. Also Vanadevata and Roulu on Caroi Vado. These were destroyed by the Portuguese and this was the time that the people of Chorao smuggled the deities via Mayem to Naroa and Marcel a where they are held.

Amongst the first places to be captured by the Portuguese who called the island Chorao, the Chorao Island is a quaint place that has a whitewashed church and some old villas. The island mystifies many visitors as it is screened by a thick hedge mangrove beyond the aquatic swathe. It is known to be the largest amidst Goa’s 17 islands which is also bestowed with rich riverine endowments by the Mandovi and Mapusa rivers jointly.

One can reach the Chorao Island by taking a ferry from Ribandar which is on the road to Old Goa at around 3 km from Panaji. There is also a ferry linking Chorao to Pomburpa on the island’s west. One of the roads moves northwards to Mayem and Bicholim and the other road passes uphill by the majestic 16th century church of Sao Bartholomew.

Facing the Arabian Sea, the Sa Bartholomew church was erected in 1569 and founded by the Jesuits. The magnificent landmark reflects the grandeur of Mannerist Neo-Roman architectural style. The church was transferred to the diocesan clergy before 1642 and it was remodeled in 1649. In 1559, the second church dedicated to Our Lady of Grace came up in Maddel. This church was known for its large fairs that were held on the feast day with horses, camels and textiles being traded by foreign merchants.

The Chorao island offers picture postcard views of the towering Old Goa convents. The famous Dr. Salim Ali bird sanctuary is also situated here. However to explore the sanctuary one needs a canoe as the forest department has no operational boats. A number of soft drink stalls are situated on the ferry wharf on Chorao and one of these hires out a canoe with a guide in season that is from October to April. A drive around the island takes you back to vintage Goa.

Travel Information :                                                                                                                    

By Airways : Dabolim is the closest airport which is located at the distance of about approx 30 km away from Panaji. There are regular flights accessible from main cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Mangalore and other major cities.

By Train : Madgaon is the closest junction to reach at Panaji that takes max two hours of journey.

By Bus : Kadamba bus stand of Panaji is the main bus station. The state owned bus services of states Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka operate from this station. These buses connect cities in Goa to in and out of the state Goa.

Clubs In Goa - Night Life in Goa

Mambo's Disco Club Club in Goa located in Baga, North Goa, India Most happening places in North Goa  +91-9822765002  Mambo's is an open air pub/beach club situated on Baga beach near the famous Tito's Club. It is one of the most happening places in North Goa and that has changed the clubbing scene in Goa. Mambo's is also known as Cafe Mambo. It is usually open from 9pm onwards and it is a chilled out zone to meet with friends and catch up for a drink. The club has in house DJs as well as renowned Internation

Tito's Club Dance Club Club in Goa located in Cavelossim, South Goa, India GOA\'s only INTERNATIONAL entertainment experience  08888061199  Club Tito's at the Radisson Blu, Cavelossim, South Goa is the biggest entertainment venue in Goa. The club spread over 5000 sq. ft with 02 big bars, VIP seating areas is a ultra luxury nightspot comparable to some of the best international clubs.

Club Sinq Pool Side Club Club in Goa located in Candolim, North Goa, India India\'s first party resort  +918308000080  Shake it at the most popular Club in town, or take the party outdoors on our Upper Deck. Get some sun or jump in the blue waters at the Poolside Lounge & Diner, or relish the truly international cuisine at the Tavern bistro. At our upcoming hotel with Party Suites, you can choose to wind down for the day, or simply step it up another notch and continue the party in the privacy of your own room.

LPK Waterfront Dance Club Club in Goa located in Nerul, North Goa, India The World\'s Most Unique Wedding Venue  9326733292  LPK Waterfront is the most unique location in the world. We offer incredible water views, breathtaking beauty, grand opulence and romantic charm. Envision your special event over the banks of the Nerul River with the historical Candolim 400 year old Indo Portuguese Church as the backdrop while dancing the night away in our specially sculpted indoor dance floor.

Club Cubana: Hip and Fabulous Disco Club Club in Goa located in Arpora, North Goa, India classy nightclub with a whole new set of clubbers  +91-9823539000  Beautiful party people in the world know that when there's a good time to be had in Goa, it has to be at Club Cubana. There are no other places in Goa which have created a legend of their own and Club Cubana in Arpora was voted Asia's number 1 nightclub for the last 7 years! The glamorous party spot is back after the monsoons.    more info >>>

Titos Disco Club Club in Goa located in Baga, North Goa, India Where else?  +91-832-2275028  The year was 1971. It was the time of the hippies and the flower power generation. The hippies and other young people from Western Europe and the Americas were searching for Nirvana or Spiritual Salvation and Goa seemed to put them on the right track. The Goans also accepted these peaceful and gentle people whole heartedely. Life in Goa was simple then. No motorbikes, cars and restaurants.

Cafe Del Mar Beach Bar & Club Mix Club in Goa located in Baga, North Goa, India For those that want to have a good time  +91-9823028108  Cafe Del Mar Beach Bar & Club is located next to the Tito's Lane in Calangute, North Goa. The beach bar club has gained recognition for itself and is a famous place for different types of music like hip hop, house, tech, retro, etc. The service is good, prompt & friendly. The bar is extremely inviting and has a wonderful enviroment. It is just the place to be for those that want to have a

Fiplees Pub / Disco Mix Club in Goa  located in Benaulim, South Goa, India Every Day is different  +91-9822153545  Fiplees Pub / Disco is open for all you party animals. You could be rocking all night until Fiplees says good morning to you. Fiplees has all the possible good price, not to forget the cuisine, just get served some of the most delicious Indian, Tandoori, Continental, Chinese & Speciality Goan Dishes. We have good Dj's comming in to rock you plus we have a Fiplees In-house Dj's too.

Cape Town Cafe [] Enjoy the music and general ambience Mix Club in Goa located in Baga, North Goa, India  +91-9823307104  Cape Town cafe has become the answer for the thirst or hungry tourist as well as the local who simply wants to sit back and enjoy a fun filled night out. Divided into four basic areas, Cape Town's three sided bar offers the best view of the place as well as the popular street adjacent. Friendly bar tenders are always ready to chat and offer travel advice and are equally quick within their servi

Paradiso Mix Club in Goa located in Anjuna, North Goa, India Enjoy drinking and dancing the whole night long  +91-9326100013  Paradiso situated in the hotspot at Anjuna is the biggest club in Goa. Located at the most happening location in India, it has breath taking ambience with four levels looking out towards the sea. The Paradiso club has a walled entrance. It also has several beautiful and impressive dance floors and bars some of which terrace down towards the beach. The parties here function late into the night a

Kamaki Mix Club in Goa located in Baga, North Goa, India The best after party hub  +91-9823276520  Kamaki is yet another famous pub/bar/club situated on the Tito's lane in Baga, Goa. It is also known to be an after party hub as when the parties end at Tito's and Manbo's, the DJs head over to Kamaki to keep the spirits high. At Kamaki one can watch the football or join in on the fun with the pre clubbers and post clubbers. It is known to be a place that has good crowd and is suitable for thos