Category: Travel - Page 61 - Best Places of Interest

Arambol, also known as ‘Harmal’ in the local language is a long and wide stretch of beach in North Goa. This Beach is roughly 32-33 km away from Panjim. The route from Panjim to Arambol will set the mood to what lies ahead of you in Arambol. En route, you will find things quintessentially ‘Goan’. There are some narrow streets that are charming, soothing greenery all around and peek-a-boo with the beaches. If you are on a bike- even better so! Be sure to go to Morjim beach too en route to Arambol. It’s a lovely stretch and one of the lesser known secrets of North Goa! So, what can one really expect in Arambol?

Sun and sand and some more sun and sand! Yes, the beach is long, wide, and hygienic, alluring, fringed with coconut trees. While, on the beach, you will witness a rewind to the 60’s & 70’s ‘hippies’ era as the place attracts many backpackers. Some of the most beautiful places in the world were discovered and brought into the limelight by them- be in Goa, Manali, Thailand, Bali and so on. They definitely do have a taste. And so, you will see in Arambol. The beach is far better than its better-known cousins in north Goa like Baga, Calangute, and Vagator etc. However, there are few shacks on the beach and even fewer beach huts making this place kind of exclusive.

Baga at sunset From St Anthony’s Shack, Baga Beach, Goa. Image courtesy-Extempore

Cocks Town (Image courtesy- indiamike.com)

Cocks town offers some decent beach huts and has a lovely shack. The beach has some good waves during high tide and you will find an occasional surfer. This is the ideal place to just gaze, ponder, steal sweet nothings and discover your artistic side. You can do so with some great food at these shacks. The schnitzels and grilled fish are pretty good. Though, with each passing day, the place is getting discovered by people, I guess the beach is still huge enough to let you have the sense of space. You can spend a good 2 days at Arambol to get in touch with yourself.

The nearby beaches and Mandrem can also be easily visited. They too are lovely. The beach does not offer any watersports per se. So, you will have to keep yourself entertained. It’s really a place for nature lovers, solitude seekers and some plain pondering. However, don’t let me position this place as a bore- it really has a good party scene at night- albeit at a few available shacks.

Be prepared for- There are very few shops around so make sure you have the necessary things for a comfortable stay. Also, since it’s a relatively remote location, it would help to have personal transportation like a bike, scooter etc. The beach huts are extremely basic but clean. Some have common bathrooms and some attached- so do make all your inquiries before booking.

So, the next time you are in North Goa and are pretty bored of what the Baga types have to offer, so hop on to Arambol. It’s definitely worth the visit- even if for a few hours! Adios!

The first thing that comes to mind is why travel to India? What is so special about travelling to India? Well, India is a melting- pot of various cultures, cultural traditions, landscapes. Memories that will stay with you long after you have left the country.

Taj Mahal, Agra – Many tourists throng this place every year to catch a glimpse of this beautiful architecture. It is one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’. Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan as a monument to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The structure is designed in Mughal style and designs. It is surrounded by gardens, fountains and a reflecting pool that reflects Taj Mahal. The structure rests on a square plinth and has an arch-shaped entrance with a large dome. There are 4 minarets of 40 meters tall which resembles a mosque. Passages from Quran can be seen on the walls of the entire structure.

The Taj was chosen as a World Heritage Site in 1983 and looks perfect as when it was first created – though it underwent a huge restoration project in the early 20th century. While in Agra, one can also visit the Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Sikandra- Akbar’s Tomb, Yamuna river and city of Mathura.

Udaipur, Rajasthan– This place has ornate Rajput palaces floating in the middle of two sparkling lakes.

lake_palace_udaipur.preview.jpg (easytoursofindia.com)

Bandhavgarh National Park – Park is located in the interiors of the eastern tracks of Madhya Pradesh. The park is known for its tigers and leopards and is rich with other animals and birds.

(Supergreenme.com) Bandhavgarh National Park Tiger

Keoladeo National Park– it is close to Agra and Jaipur and is Asia’s most famous bird reserve, where one gets to see millions of migrants each year. It is situated in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. It has over 230 species of birds and is also declared a World Heritage Site.

Palolem, Goa– If one likes to check out the beaches and relax then one should head for Goa. Palolem in Goa is the most exquisite crescent shaped beach in Goa with its renowned dolphins and if you like alcohol, then don’t miss out on their Feni.

Pushkar Camel Mela– With the onset of November, more than 200,000 Rajasthani herders in traditional costume meet on the desert haven of Pushkar for trading and bathing in a lake which is considered sacred.

Kerala, God’s own Country- this is in the southern part of India and is known for its backwaters and greenery. Tourists enjoy boat trips which go through this tropical waterway. You can even hire a houseboat and enjoy the calm and serene backwaters of Kerala.