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The collection
of people attracted to the beach settlement of Anjuna
in North Goa may seem eclectic at first glance, but
there are common (if loose) organic and spiritual
threads woven between the hippies, artists, mild crazies
and supposed ex-materialists who congregate here.
It's famous throughout Goa for its Wednesday flea
market, and has retained an undeniable if somewhat
shabby charm. This is a good place to stick around
for a while, make some friends and engage in mellow
contemplation while the sun goes down. Full moon,
when the infamous parties take place, is a particularly
good time to be here if you want to indulge in bacchanalian
delights. The main beach isn't the best, so it's worth
the walk to the small, protected sliver of sand at
South Anjuna where the area's long-term house-renters
tend to gather.
Calangute
Once upon a time, Calangute was the it beach for hippies,
where pujas, ganja, drug-addled musicians and other
lost artistic souls predominated, a beach of the truly
half-baked that modern Leonardo di Caprioan versions
couldn't hold a psychedelic candle to. But for those
who still seek the occasional naked group frolic,
Calangute has undergone a metamorphosis. The locals,
who used to rent out rooms in their houses for a pittance,
have moved on to more profitable things. Calangute
is now the centre of Goa 's rapidly expanding package-tourist
market.
Palolem
This impossibly beautiful crescent cove in the far
south of Goa is so languid and balmy that even the
water has only enough energy to lap half-heartedly
onto the beach. There's nothing to do here but soak
up the rays and go for long walks paddling in the
shallows, so bring a friend, some factor 15 and a
good book. It's possible to rent rooms in villagers'
houses by asking politely at the restaurants lining
the beach.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
This small wildlife sanctuary in the lush foothills
of the Western Ghats is a good place to see sambar
and wild boar, and a fine place to escape from the
beach culture of coastal Goa . It boasts a botanical
garden, a fenced deer park and a zoo that is better
than most. The sanctuary has accommodation in chalets
and dorms, and is located 50km (30mi) southeast of
Panaji. |
