The Visiting Season
The season in Anjuna starts in early November, when most of the long staying regulars show
up, and peters out in late March, when they drift off again. During the Christmas and New
Year rush, the village is inundated with a mixed crowd of round the world backpackers,
refugees from the British club scene and revellers from all over India, lured by the
promise of the big beach parties.
Outside peak season, however, Anjuna has a surprisingly simple unhurried atmosphere- due,
in no small part, to the shortage of places to stay. Most visitors who come here on market
day or for the raves travel in from other resorts. That said, a couple of large package
tour hotels have appeared over the past couple of years, and this is bound to radically
alter the mix of visitors here.
NIGHTLIFE
Thanks to the kill-joy attitude reputation, Anjuna is a rave-venue for big parties that
take place over here from time to time, especially around the Christmas-New Year full moon
period. Smaller events may also happen whenever some occasion or celebration comes up.
At other times, nightlife centres on the Shore Bar, in the middle of the beach, which has
a pounding sound system. The biggest crowds show up accompanied by the latest ambient
trance mixes from London. The music gains pace as the evening wears on winding up around
11.00 pm, when there's an exodus over to the Guru Bar, further up the beach, or to the
Primrose Caf� in Vagator, both of which stay open until after midnight.
Musical Amusements
When it eventually gets it act together, The Alcove, over looking Ozran Vagator Beach,
will be another worthwhile nightspot. More mainstream musical entertainment is on offer at
Temptations, in the Red Cab Inn just below Starco's crossroads, where Indian classical
recitals and guitar based cover bands feature with fire dancers on Mondays, starting at
7.00 pm.
HOW TO GET THERE
Road:
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.
WHERE TO STAY
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.
EATING OUT
Both the beachfront and village at Anjuna are awash with good places to eat and drink.
Most are simple semi open air, thatched palm leaf affairs, specializing in fish and
western food. All serve cold beer, invariably with thumping techno music in the
background. On the beach, one'll also be approached every ten minutes by women selling
fresh fruit, including watermelons, pineapples and locally grown coconuts.
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