Anjuna Beach

The shoreline stretches wide, framed by palm trees and low rocky cliffs. The Arabian Sea rolls in steadily, waves breaking in a rhythm that makes it easy to lose track of time. Anjuna doesn’t feel overly polished or commercial — it has a slightly rough, relaxed charm that makes it easy to settle into.

At one end of the beach, a group of local boys are playing cricket — India’s undisputed national obsession. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a proper field, a narrow alley, or a sandy beach; if there’s space to swing a bat, there’s a game happening. The rules seem flexible, the enthusiasm absolute.