Goa needs no introduction. It is home to one of the most laid back environs and a place where time has no meaning. It engulfs her visitors within a blanket of peace and tranquility as soon as they set step on her soil. Strangely enough even the sun’s scorching heat does little to dampen the vacationer’s spirit. There is something for everyone — lazy days and nights for those looking to relax, adventure sports and parties that end only the next morning.While Baga and Calangute are the commercialised beaches that are perpetually bustling with people, beaches like Palolem, Tiracol, Morjim and Anjuna are destinations that might not have much happening, but in their own calm way have a lot to offer. A portion of Anjuna beach bears testimony to it. North of Calangute, meandering through narrow serpentine roads that pass through barren fields dotted with the occasional cluster of coconut trees is a secluded beach, that is neatly tucked away in a nook, far from the chaos and traffic usually witnessed in places like Baga. Every year and every season, Anjuna draws its own set of loyal fans who prefer sitting by the beach all day reading a book or gorging on the scrumptious yet affordable meals. The beach is cut off by rows of porous rock formations. The clean water and gentle waves are another reason why Anjuna earns its extra brownie points with the visitors. However, the portion encapsulated by the rocks is so calm that one could float there unperturbed.The walk down to the beach could be labelled as a trek of some sort. Taking vehicles down to the shore is out of the question, which is another reason why the beach is only specked with people. The beginning of the walk or the trek is laced with a number of houses that have over the years converted themselves into makeshift restaurants and lodging that are equipped with clean rooms and a bath. The rentals of the rooms could range anywhere between `500 to `1,000. The cherry on the cake is that most of these old homes, also provide bikes and cars for hire.Anjuna is also popular for its weekly flea markets. There are two markets that are held every week — Wednesday market is organised on a tiny stretch of road leading to the beach and the other is the Ingo’s flea market that is held on Saturdays. Every Wednesday the skeletal structure that lie desolate during weekdays, come to life on Wednesdays with colours, local vendors speaking in fluent European languages and Russian. The market starts in the morning and shuts shop by evening. It is a labyrinth of small shacks and shops that kind of resemble a cross between a tent and a shack. Every season the area covered by the flea market only increases. From clothes to bikinis, shoes to jewellery, bags to hammocks, spices to show pieces, it has it all. Both the flea markets are enticing in their own individual ways, while one is a burst of colours, the other is a haven for shopaholic.From Bangalore there are buses and trains that run on a daily basis that depart late afternoon of early evening.
Comments
0 comment