Introduction

Arambol is a 16-kilometer-long (10 miles) stretch of beach along the Goan border complete with a freshwater lagoon and picturesque cove. The beach is an isolated one, and is a 50-kilometer (31.25 miles) drive from Panaji, North Goa. Arambol is a unique combination of shingle and soft-sandy beach flanked with a sweet water pond on the shore. The area has two beaches, Harmal Beach – the northernmost beach of Goa, and smaller beach that nestles beyond the rocky headland. This part of Arambol can only be reached on foot. Beyond the cove, you will come across a broad strip of soft white sand hemmed in by steep cliffs on both sides.

Take a stroll on the main beach, lounge on its sand and read up a book or take a refreshing dip in the sea; this part of the curved beach is ideal for swimming. There is a small freshwater lake that runs along the bottom of the valley into deep woods, fed by hot waters springs. The lake shore has deposits of sulphurous mud, which, smeared all over the body, dries to form a butter-colored shell. While exploring this part of the beach, resident hippies might flummox you with their sulphuric mud-coated appearance, as they stalk naked around the shallow like tribals emerging from some obscure ceremony. Apparently, the silt produced on the lakeshore is believed to be good for the skin.

The cliffs flanking the spotless beach are popular for paragliding and dolphin watching boat trips. You will find a few clothes, junk jewelry and ethnic handicraft shops adjacent to the beach. This includes some good cafes along the main beach and on the rocky headland to the north, rustling up delectable Goan, Italian and Indian cuisine. The lovely fisherman village near the seashore is quaint and secluded, and home to a few hundred local fishermen. An amble along this quiet and friendly village is a great way to get a glimpse into the local life and culture. You can approach the village by the road which winds across the plateau and down through cashew trees. The bigger beach, Harmal Beach is about 2.5 kilometers (1.56 miles) from the village bus stop, down a road past village houses shaded by coconut palms. You can even plan an overnight stay in the area, in one of the humble houses in the woods. These cozy shanties are fully equipped with bedroom, living space, showers and kitchenette to make your stay relaxed and comfortable.

Spend the day simply soaking up the sun and gazing at the white curving sand, tiny cottages on the red slopes, the blue Arabian Sea stretching into distance and the rocky cliffs strewn on the spotless beach. Head to the approach road for a succulent seafood meal or if you wish to pick up some traditional souvenirs. At one end of the road runs the Tiracol River and beyond it stands the Tiracol Fort, now a pretty little hotel. On Sundays, the beach gets a huge crowd of local picnickers; if you want to escape the weekend chaos visit Arambol at leisure on a weekday.

Special Attributes

A truly unique secluded beach opening up a brilliant vista of curved white sand, rocky headland, picturesque cove and a freshwater lagoon. A part of the beach is great for swimming.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

To arrive at this beach, you can take one of the many buses that ply regularly between Arambol and Mapusa, and also between Arambol and Chopdem. You can move around locally by hiring a taxi or motorbike that is easily available.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers, Honeymooners

Exposure

You will be under the open sky of Goa. The sun can get harsh near afternoon, so you are advised to carry sunshades, a sun block cream and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

You can try out paragliding, take a dolphin watching boat safari. There are ample restaurants and souvenir shops in the area, including lodging options for overnight stay.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Begin early in the day so that you can explore at leisure, enjoy a nice swim, sun yourself on the beach, stroll the village and most importantly try out paragliding among others. There is not much to do on this beach after sundown.

Type of site

The northernmost beach of Goa