Laid-back and sun-baked Arambol (aka Harmal) looks out across the shimmering Arabian Sea from Goa’s northernmost corner. A haven for bohemian types since the 1960s, today Arambol is popular with everyone from backpackers to long-term European residents and yogis. Relax beachside, shop at handicraft markets, visit religious monuments and party beneath the stars.
From sunrise until long after sunset, Arambol Beach throngs with people sunbathing and taking part in recreational activities. Join yoga classes and meditation sessions and purchase exotic fruits from the beach vendors. Swim in the warm water and try your hand at bodyboarding, kite surfing and surfing. Music playing from the beach bars creates a vibrant atmosphere throughout the day.
Arambol Mountain rises above the northern end of the beach. Follow a trail over the mountain to access the sheltered Kalacha Beach. Bathe in the calm sea here and walk through a gap in the palm trees to Sweetwater Lake. A track cuts through a jungle valley from the lake to a sacred Banyan tree characterized by enormous vines.
Shop for hippy-style clothing, jewelry, hats and souvenirs at the many shops that line busy Harmal Beach Road. Bargaining for goods is customary so try to negotiate a price before making a purchase. Pause to appreciate the beautiful whitewashed façade of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. The Laxmi Narayan Temple is another interesting place of worship.
Arambol’s culinary scene has something to suit most tastes. Feast on mouthwatering Goan seafood dishes, vegetarian Konkan cuisine, vegan options and western fare. Bars, cafés and restaurants line the beachfront and the town’s streets. Return to the beach at night to dance at drum circles with a cold beer or fruit lassi in hand.
Arambol is a 90-minute drive from Goa’s Dabolim Airport. The nearest train station is 10 miles (16 kilometers) away at Pernem. Manderem Beach and Querim Beach are nearby beaches worth visiting on a beach-hopping tour of Goa.
