Arambol, Goa, India
Arambol is one of the last places in Goa where the hippie movement is still alive. It has a very laid back (non commercial) atmosphere and a great vibe which touches everyone who passes by. It is a little bubble of creative energy supported by all sorts of amazing people who come every season to enjoy this place and practice their art. It is a home of musicians, singers, dancers, clowns, contacters, yogis, acros, meditators, tantrics, artists, jugglers of all corners, artisans, actors, poets, designers, performers, therapists, teachers, gurus and all kind of beautifully crazy characters from all over the world. This mixed energy creates one of the most beautiful places on earth for 5 months a year. Combined with arambol’s natural exotic beauty and the inherent incredibility of India; Magic happens every single season!
If you like having everything close by on your holidays but prefer to avoid mass tourism, this location is for you. The beach, yoga classes, markets, nice cafés and restaurants are just a step away. In high season there are also many events, workshops, live-music, parties, night-markets etc. to keep you entertained. Although it can get quite crowded during high season it is always very laid-back with much more of a alternative traveller vibe than a touristic one.
In season;
Everyday there is live music in different venues made by musicians from all over the world who perform with super eclectic bands (arambol is renown for live music, specially eastern sounds, and not so much for the party scene which is more in Anjuna)
There are wonderful workshops of every kind not to be missed. Great Yoga teachers of every kind (specially ashtanga yoga with Balu). All types of beautiful therapies, massages, meditations, courses etc.
There are markets from super talented artisans, and designers
North Goa is surprisingly exciting for foodies with fantastic restaurants for every budget, every taste. Amazing music venues with performances.
And there is simply the beach should you want to just come and relax in this creative environment.
Check out youtube videos of arambol for an idea.
There is also super nice beaches, some secret, around this area. I have a list of recommendations of the most amazing places nearby.
Season in Goa:
Starts slowly around end of October through November. December starts picking up and christams and NYE is peak season. These 2 weeks can get quite crowded and prices tend to soar up the roof. February to March is super nice April drops until May where everthing closes down. June to September is off-season and monsoon kicks in. It is also a beautiful time to come and see arambol in its pure form, although there is not much open and expect heavy rain.
Weather in Goa:
November, October –slightly hot and humid
December, January – best weather, great temperature, can even get slightly chilly at night which is great, the only time when you wear a light jumper.
February, March –bit hot and humid but ok
April, May –starts to get more hot and humid
June to September –Monsoon.
Arambol territory;
Arambol is a small village which goes along the beach with about 3 km from north to south.
North end of arambol near the cliff is the mass touristic side. Hotels, bars, loud restaurants, tourists, shops fill the street and beach with vibrant energy, alcohol, trance music and loud, normally drunk tourists. If you want to be in the epicenter of touristic arambol then this is the place. Beach is normally very busy on that end and filled with restaurants playing music.
All the way south arambol is the opposite, more quiet and peaceful, yet quite far from everything. There is lack of shops and restaurants and one has to walk a bit to find anything or go anywhere and is mainly Russian people. Great for people who just want to beach and relax and mind their own business (but best for that is Keri beach, a bit more north of arambol, super quiet beach)
Center of Arambol is, in my opinion, the best of both worlds; it is secluded enough to keep peaceful yet very near to everything. All my listing are here in a super nice neighborhood; perfect location and atmosphere. Its 3 minute walk to the beach, it has one of the classic restaurants of arambol, the arcan bar which is really good and affordable. Internet shops, wine shop, organic shop, 3 of the best yoga shalas, the best vegetarian/vegan restaurant in arambol (magic park), cheap eats around the corner, washing and bike renting also available and is still not flooded by tourists. It is where many of the “local foreigners” (people that come every season) live for that reason. Its where I live as well.
