Arambol Beach

There’s something about sky when the sun sets in Arambol in the months when it threatens to rain. The sky just about takes every possible shade of red and the glow is reflected in the mildly sluggish water which heads endlessly to the shores. Arambol was one of Goa’s most splendid and unique beaches, until it finally succumbed to mainstream tourism passions. It’s the second beach when one proceeds down from the northern tip of Goa. It’s the pristine strip of sand, sandwiched between the sea on the one hand and a long stretching hill on the other.

Weather

Come prepared to face the sun all the while. It can get awfully warm at Arambol throughout the year. Although it rains cats and dogs in the period between mid May and mid September, That’s the only period of relief from the sun. So instead of fighting the sun, join it. Always wear some sun screen before hitting the beach.

Best time to visit:

Conventionally popular visiting months are from October to March. Some try to avoid Goa in the rains. But it’s worth a visit then too, to see the monsoons in their uninhibited glory.

Getting there / Route Information

By Bus

The best place for you to board a bus heading for Arambol would be Mapusa bus stand. And yet the service isn’t all that great, with a bus every 45 minutes. The buses tend to be packed to capacity. Another alternative for you would be to head for Siolim, which is 8 km from Mapusa and pick up a bus to Arambol from there from the bus stop alongside the river. Barring the break in journey, this could be quicker as well as the buses are relatively empty. Only thing is the beach is about 400 meters from the place where the bus drops you, near a school.

By Train

The best place to alight is the Pernem railway station, which is the nearest rail head. Pernem is the first station in Goa, once you crossover from Maharashtra. But due to a paucity of public transport from the station, you would do well to pick up private transport generally in form of autos from there. Haggle well to get a good bargain.

Pictures of Arambol Beach

Major attractions

Arambol is perhaps the most amazing beaches in Goa. The sea is amazingly level and the seabed even making it an ideal place to swim. But the most unique part about Arambol is the fascinating sweet water pool right next to the beach at foot of the hills that borders it. What you need to do to reach the pool is keep walking towards the North. If its high tides, you’ll need to use the small path on the hill to get to this pool. This longish clean pool of fresh water is one of the most amazing places to swim. A rock right in the middle of the pool makes it a great place to dive into the water. Another insight about the pool is that there are some hot water patches, which can have an amazing effect at the end of a long day at the beach. The hill overlooking the sea makes for a drop dead view of the entire stretch from Morjim to Arambol.

The presence of this huge hill also makes his is an amazing place for paragliding. You can hire some paragliding gear from the shacks below and launch yourself into space. Of late Arambol has emerged as one of the hottest rave destination after Anjuna. In the last few years, the beach has been more crowded than it ever was. Arambol has some very good shacks which sell some amazing breakfast. During the season a couple of excellent German bakeries also set up shop which sells some amazing baked products and coffee. You can also avail of some scuba gear and water sports gear from a couple of shacks located at the southern end of the beach.

Nightlife

Night throbs with the beat of the waves at Arambol most of the season. There’s a rave almost every alternative day. So you really need not look anywhere else for night life. Shacks are virtually open all day and night to ensure that you don’t go hungry as you sway to the psychedelic music.

Shopping

Arambol has all the stereotypical stuff that’s available on most beaches in Goa. So it’s several stalls which sell you beach wear, trinkets and other standard paraphernalia.

Vital Tourist Information

Hotel availability

Arambol is one of the very few beaches in the extreme north end of Goa to have no accommodation issues. Most of the accommodation here is on the lines of houses which rent out rooms. Such arrangements simply do not end in Arambol. In fact, through its accommodation facilities Arambol actually hosts a lot of tourists who otherwise spend time at Ashwem, Morjim or even Tiracol.

Note of Caution

It has been estimated that Arambol alone accounts for most of the drug sales in North Goa, barring Calangute, which only means that more and more people flock to this beach to pick up of the readily available drugs, from this relatively remote beach. Drugs are illegal and any attempt to purchase or carry them is fraught with danger. Possession of even a small amount of charas (a type of drug) can mean 10 years in prison. Be very careful, in order to avoid unfortunate event of someone ‘planting’ drugs on you. Know your belongings and always keep an eye on them as you indulge yourself into the fun Arambol beach has to offer.

Local Transport

Motorcycle

The most preferred mode of transport is a motorcycle pilot, which are in effect two wheeler taxis, driven by licenced riders, who can transport one individual at a time.

Rent-a-bike

This is the latest addition to the transport modes in Goa and has become an instant hit. These self-driven yellow-letters-on-black number plate two wheelers or four wheelers can be sourced from the hotel you are put up in.

Taxis

Taxis, although are easily available during the peak season, the rates charged are exorbitant. Try hardball bargaining.

Nearest known city: Mapusa, 28 km approx.

Contacts in case of Emergency

Hospitals:	Goa Medical College. Tel: 0832-2458700/16
Police:	Pernem police station. Tel: 0832-2201233