Photo Essay: Anjuna Flea Market (Goa, India)

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Anne

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You can’t go to Anjuna without making a stop at the Wednesday Flea Market. Merchants and gypsies from all over India and the world flock here during high season (Oct-April) to sell their merchandise, making it a top attraction in Goa.

It all started in the 60’s when the Western hippies arrived and didn’t want to leave… soon they ran out of money. They began bartering and selling all of their possessions from their clothing, art, guitars and jewelry.  It has now evolved into the popular destination it is today. You can find just about anything at the market from blankets to clothing, jewelry and art, teas and spices, toys and other souvenirs. It’s littered with people from all walks of life and has an eclectic energy oozing throughout the narrow dirt walkways.

Open from dawn until dusk, we nearly spent an entire day bartering with the vendors, taking breaks for Chai, and snacking on international bites.

We were staying at Bean Me Up restaurant and eco-guesthouse and made the 40 minute walk to and from the Flea Market. Most people take their motorbikes ๐Ÿ˜‰

If you’re considering a trip to Goa, check out our Goa budget.

 

Delicious middle eastern snack
Delicious middle eastern vegetarian snack

 

We made a brief list of things we were hoping to find, but were easily persuaded by the unique pieces in front of us.

 

Knick knacks worth buying
Knick knacks worth buying

 

The colors were so vibrant they invaded all of our senses.

 

Old Indian gypsy selling her crafts
Old Indian gypsy selling her crafts

 

We often walked by pieces that reminded us no matter where we are… we’re still in India.

 

Pieces that reminded us no matter where we are... we're still in India
Traditional Indian trinkets

 

It wouldn’t be India without the occasional cow passing by…

 

Holy cows everywhere.
Holy cows everywhere.

 

After a while, bartering became easy as most vendors had the same lines heard time and time again: “Come, friend! Look at my store; looking is free! I give you best price.”

 

Multi-purpose blankets sold everywhere. Best price? $3 USD.
Multi-purpose blankets sold on every corner. Best price? $3 USD.

 

The market was endless. It seemed to go on forever.

 

Expansive market view
Expansive market view

 

Some of the merchants live in Goa for 7 months out of the year, while the other 5 months are spent traveling or back at home.

 

International vendors hand making their jewelry
International vendors hand making their jewelry

 

I got lost in all the scents from the spices and teas! Too bad samples weren’t free! At least looking is… ๐Ÿ˜‰

 

Spices and tea were abundant
Spices and tea were abundant

 

We took a few breaks out of our shopping excursion to show the locals how to play kendama. We brought Sweets Kendamas from home and they’ve been wildly popular with travelers and locals alike. Thanks, Sweets!

 

Brandon showing an Indian vendor how to play with the kendama we brought from home
Brandon showing an Indian vendor how to play with the kendama we brought from home

 

Every store had their crafts artfully displayed, making it hard not to want to buy everything we saw.

 

Handmade lanterns
Handmade lanterns among other Indian souveniers

 

After nearly 6 hours of walking, talking, shopping and eating, we witnessed a beautiful sunset over the Arabian Sea just outside the market. What a great way to end the day.

 

Sunset on the market
Sunset on the market

 

Want more photos? Check out the Photo Essay: Mumbai street life

 

 

Have you visited the Anjuna Flea Market? If not, where’s your favorite market to shop?

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About Anne

Anne is a passionate yogi who loves to be active outdoors. When she's not traveling to destinations near the equator to practice yoga and eat tropical fruit, you can find her in the kitchen cooking up nourishing meals with her partner, Brandon. A music junkie at heart, she is currently spinning: Tor, Hiatus, Friend. and Giyo.

14 thoughts on “Photo Essay: Anjuna Flea Market (Goa, India)”

  1. The market looks like fun. My guess there was lots of things that you have liked to have. But traveling via backpack makes it difficult. I have been receiving questions about what type of camera you are using? Everyone who views your posts have become very curious since your photos look like paintings, such vibrant colors and the great eye.

    Take care!!

    Reply
  2. Thanks, Liz! And you’re very right – the backpack has it’s limitations for buying stuff… good and bad ๐Ÿ˜‰
    We are using an Olympus EM-5 with a Panasonic Lumix 14-42 mm lens and also an iPhone 5. We use Lightroom for post production.
    Glad you enjoyed the pictures!

    Reply
  3. Wonderful post! Goa is such a relaxing state, so different from India! I absolutely love the colors! When I spent 6 months traveling through India, the rich and intense colors were one of the things that fascinated me the most.

    Reply
    • Yes Goa is so unique from the rest of India! I agree about the colorsโ€ฆ we are loving it! Any recommendations on places we should be sure not to miss?

      Reply
    • The vibe in Goa is unlike the rest of India for sure โ€“ definitely a must see if/when you make it to India. Lots of various beaches to explore that have their unique vibes as well. Weโ€™d like to explore more of the Southern beaches next time!

      Reply
  4. Get it girl.

    Isn’t traveling addicting?! What an amazing adventure. I’m super jealous. Enjoy every second ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • It sure is! Feels soooo good to be back “on the road” again after so many years. Thanks for following along! Hope you’re doing well ๐Ÿ™‚ Maybe you guys can take a trip later this year and meet us in SE Asia…?! ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
  5. love reading up on your travels – everything seems fascinating. looks like you guys are having a blast over there! Definitely adding India to my bucket list.

    Reply
    • Thanks for following along, Adam! Fascinating is a good way to put it… along with crazy, intense, beautiful, emotional…among a lot of other words. Indis is unlike any place we’ve ever been. Definitely worth a trip, or two or three… ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply

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