Absorbing the myriad activities happening around me I strolled through the Anjuna market. It was my second day in Goa, and though I knew my trip would last a whole 2 months; I suddenly forgot all about the 33 long hours I spent in the train and drove my bike to the Anjuna market.
Goa has something for everybody; the beaches for those who like to loaf in the sun, the numerous restaurants for the gourmet lovers and the weekly markets for the shopaholics. There are many markets in Goa but the one’s that have become increasingly popular are the Ingo’s Saturday Night market, the long-standing Anjuna Market and the Mackies Saturday Market. Each distinct in its own way.
Early in the 1960’s it was the hippies who started the famous Anjuna Flea market, and since then it has been getting bigger and better. This wasn’t my first time in Goa and definitely not my first time at the Anjuna market, but barely anything seemed to have changed. Way back in the early days hippies sold their used cameras, clothes and other things. Today the market has everything one can hope to find.
The flea market remains open from 9 am to 6 pm through out the tourist season in Goa that begins in October and ends in April every year. Once in Goa its not too difficult to find the flea market, all you need to do is ask for directions or take the route that most of the bikes are taking. The ever-growing popularity of the flea market draws most of the tourists who visit Goa.
You may not be interested in buying anything, but simply strolling in the markets in Goa is in its own way delightful. If you are looking to buy souvenirs for friends and family, the Anjuna Flea market is a perfect place to go shopping, one can find Tibetan silver jewelry, Kashmiri handicrafts stall, sarong sellers from the south and hippies from around the world who sell hand made accessories and clothing.
One may find the flea market products to be a little expensive, but the distinct designs and rarity of certain products make them well worth the price. But everything comes with a price, there are many stall which sell fakes in the name of antiques. An important thing to remember is haggle as much as you can and make sure you know exactly what you are investing in.
If you are keen on standing out and making an impression pick one of the glow in the dark psychedelic t-shits that most people sport at the night parties.
If shopping is not your forte, Café Looda has live bands performing every Wednesday. Good food and good music design a vibe that is simply irresistible. During my numerous visits to Goa in the past, I never once had the chance to visit the Ingo’s Saturday night market. This year I made up for it.
Ingo’s market has a different character of its own, firstly it goes on till early in the morning thus avoiding the heat and the dust at the Anjuna flea market. Initially a small market that was started in 1999 at Arpora, Ingo’s market is probably where all the tourists are on a Saturday night.
Unlike the other markets, Ingo’s market has various bands playing every week both national and international. Even the food at Ingo’s is much better with a lot more options. From sushi’s, tofu salads at bean me up, Burmese cuisine and momo’s it is delight for foodies. The succulent and juicy whole roasted chicken sold by a German guy is totally worth the money. A whole chicken costs Rs. 600 and serves four.
Most of the markets in Goa have the same things on sale and even the same people. So don’t expect something extraordinarily different in the stall, though the Ingo’s market has many more stalls the things are mostly the same.
One of the best pick for your house are the embroidered rugs and carpets, on a good day you may even get a great deal. Just remember to bargain.
For those who want to pick up some Goan delicacies, the Mapusa market is just the place. This market is held every Friday and locals from across the city come to sell their produce. First citied in the 1580’s by a Dutch Chronicler the Mapusa market was described as the ‘Bazaar Grande’.
Goan women sell everything from the famous goan pork sausages, kokam, dried fish, pickles and many spices. The strong smell of the dried fish combined with the aroma of the spices infuses the air with a fragrance. If you are planning on longer retreat in Goa this is just the perfect place to go grocery shopping. There are many shops that sell kaju, the famous produce of Goa. Numerous wine shops scattered across the market are a good place to pick up a few bottle of wines for friends and family.
Mackies market is one of the markets in Goa that is gaining popularity. The location of the market give it n added bonus over other markets. Situated on the banks of Baga river in Arpora, this market is a good place to breakaway from the beaches, pubs and restaurants in Goa. Though I would not suggest people to shop here, it is definitely a place one can visit while in Goa.
Tourists often visit the city of Panjim to shop for souvenirs to take back home. Panjim has many shops both local and international brands that stock loads of goodies for everyone.
The best place to shop for feni is the market in Old Goa. Feni is a must take holiday gift from Goa. Feni is a Goan spirit that has a Geographical Indicator registered which makes it a specialty alcohol beverage from Goa.
The Old Goa market has the best of antiques and handicrafts. If you are looking to buy some antique furniture Goa has many shops that sell Old Portuguese furniture.
Goa is an ultimate holiday cum shopping destination in India. The early morning fish markets and the music and shopping at the night markets could easily be an experience of a lifetime.
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