Curlies Beach Shack, nestled on Anjuna Beach in North Goa, holds a significant place in the region’s tourism history, particularly in the context of its association with the global hippie movement and the evolution of Goan beach culture.

Here’s a detailed historical account:

1. Establishment and Early Days (Late 1990s)

• Curlies Beach Shack was established in the late 1990s by Edwin Nunes at Anjuna Beach, North Goa.
• It began as a small beachside shack serving simple Goan food and drinks to a growing number of international backpackers.
• Its location near the famous Anjuna Flea Market helped attract a regular crowd.

2. Rise to Fame (Early to Mid-2000s)

• By the early 2000s, Curlies had evolved into a major hub for electronic music, Goa trance parties, and global travelers.
• It became a symbol of Goa’s free-spirited party culture, drawing both Indian and international tourists.
• Known for its multi-level structure, beach views, vibrant nightlife, and trance events, it was considered a must-visit place in Goa.
• Curlies hosted DJ nights, full moon parties, and after-hours gatherings, making it famous among the psytrance community.

3. Cultural Impact

• It played a key role in defining the global image of Goa as a party destination.
• Mentioned in travel blogs, international guides, and YouTube travel vlogs, Curlies became more than just a shack — it became a landmark of Anjuna.
• Backpackers, digital nomads, and hippies flocked to Curlies during peak seasons, often staying nearby for weeks.

4. Legal Troubles and CRZ Violations

• Around 2016–2018, the shack came under scrutiny for violating Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.
• The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) found that Curlies had constructed portions of its structure illegally in protected coastal areas.
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered parts of Curlies to be demolished, which were enforced in phases.
• The legal battle continued for years, with Curlies sometimes partially shut, reopened, and then restricted again.

5. Sonali Phogat Death Controversy (2022)

• In August 2022, Curlies made national headlines when Haryana BJP leader and actress Sonali Phogat died after allegedly being drugged at the shack.
• CCTV footage and witness reports confirmed she had visited Curlies shortly before falling ill.
• This triggered a massive investigation and arrests of staff involved in allegedly supplying banned substances.
• The shack was temporarily sealed following the incident due to its suspected involvement in illegal activities.

6. Demolition and Present Status (2022–Present)

• After the Sonali Phogat case, and following court orders, the Goa government partially demolished the illegal portions of Curlies in September 2022.
• While not entirely shut down, the shack is currently restricted in operations.
• It is not permitted to host large-scale parties and functions under close monitoring and limited capacity.
• As of now, Curlies no longer holds the same cultural power or status it did during its peak.

Conclusion

Curlies Beach Shack was more than just a restaurant — it was a cultural icon of Goa’s trance scene and beach party era. Its transformation from a simple hut to a global tourist magnet reflects the changing face of Goa.
But with environmental violations and a tragic controversy, it stands today as a reminder of how unregulated growth can clash with the law. Though partially operating, the golden age of Curlies is over, and what remains is its legacy in Goa’s tourism and music history.