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.
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!