Many travelers, after arriving in Goa, immediately go to explore Arambol. This place is known to many. Those who have already been here are eager to return. Arambol is a symbol of freedom, the feeling of which embraces you as soon as you step out of the airport. Here you are greeted by a bright sun that makes you squint.
It is amazing how lush greenery and sun-dried grass along the roads harmonize here. Tall palm trees leaning over the paths seem to welcome every visitor. Picturesque houses, locals and streets shimmer lively with all the colors of the rainbow.
Crossroads
Arambol is particularly crowded, and the biggest crowds are often noticeable around the famous crossroads. Key points here include a vegetable store, a fresh juice center, and a pharmacy. While there are several such establishments in Arambol, these are the ones that are particularly popular, probably due to their prime location at the intersection of the two main streets. The shopkeepers here often speak Russian, which makes them particularly attractive.
Our Lady of Carmel Church
As we continue on our way, we notice Mount Carmel High School, where children from Arambol are studying. The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, known in Portuguese as “Nossa Senhora do Carmo Igreja em Arambol”, is simply called “The Church of Arambol” among the locals of Goa.
The original church building, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, was erected in 1780. However, in 1841 there was a rededication in honor of Our Lady of Carmel, and in 1878 the facade was rebuilt and extensive renovations were made. In 2000, the church received an expansion and a new parish house.
Within the church parish is the religious society of the Canossa Daughters of Charity (FDCC). There are approximately 2,000 Catholics living in the parish.
Market
Another popular place among tourists is the legendary Market, or Arambol Market. Here everyone will find something for the soul!
This market offers a complete closet overhaul with saris, various shawls, ethnic wear like kurtas and dhotis. Alladin pants are very popular here. And T-shirts with embroidery will not leave anyone indifferent. Among other things, there are boutiques with fashionable designer clothes.
If you want to purchase unique handmade jewelry or jewelry from local artisans, this is the place to go! The assortment also includes earrings, bracelets, necklaces, often adorned with precious stones. Prices will pleasantly surprise you!
Souvenirs: wooden figurines, key chains, magnets and so on. Figurines of elephants and gods, singing bowls, dream catchers and much more. Fans of antiques will find old coins, jewelry and dishes.
Local artists offer colorful paintings and canvases. These works of art will make a great decoration for your home.
Don’t forget about trading at these markets – it’s part of the local culture. Prices are often inflated several times over, but even after they are reduced, they can be surprisingly pleasant. Therefore, it is advised to go to India with an empty suitcase to leave room for all the amazing things you will want to bring from there.
Weather
Arambol is not just a resort area in India, it is a place where the sky remains cloudless for eight months of the year. Warm waves of the Indian Ocean, ripe fruits all year round, fresh seafood caught in the morning await you here. Warm sand, tanned bodies and happy smiles greet you at every turn. But the most amazing thing about Arambol is something you can experience but not see. A certain magic that has been attracting people from all over the world for almost half a century now. What is it?
To make sense of it, let’s dive into a bit of history
Period of colonization
Arambol is located in Goa, India’s smallest state, on the west coast of the Indian peninsula. Portuguese colonists first landed here in 1510 and Goa was a Portuguese colony until 1961. The long years of European influence left its mark on the culture of the state, making it unique in all of India. Perhaps this is what attracted the first hippies here in the 60s.
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The hippies were enchanted by the incredible beauty of Arambol’s wildlife, the friendliness of the locals, the eternal summer and affordable prices. The local population treated the newcomers with favor, which contributed to the growing popularity of the region. Here began to organize the first beach parties with acoustic guitars around the campfire, which eventually turned into famous Goa-parties with the participation of famous DJs. If in 70-80-ies on such parties gathered no more than 200 people, then by the beginning of 90-ies the number of participants increased to one and a half thousand.
Over time, lovers of music, dance and new sounds from all over the world began to gather on the coast. Arambol became a place where love and freedom were promoted and experiences were shared. Guests who initially came for a month or two began to stay for six months and longer, and some moved here permanently. Gradually, families started coming here, bringing their children and parents. Now Goa is a state open to all, where everyone can find their own corner and like-minded people.
This small stretch of coastline is home to people of different nationalities and religions, health seekers and gourmets, artists, painters and those who are far from creativity. Businessmen, IT-specialists and mothers in maternity leave meet here.
Arambol today
Arambol today appears as a cozy little village, able to satisfy a variety of needs. Here it is easy to do without knowledge of English – many locals have already mastered the Russian language and are always happy to communicate with you. Finding and buying necessary goods, be it in a pharmacy or at the market with ripe fruits, will be as easy as at home.
Arambol beach
The beach in Arambol will not leave you indifferent. It is an ideal place for beach lovers: the eight kilometer long beach passes through several villages – Arambol, Mandrem, Ashwem and Morjim. Scattered all along the coast are numerous sun beds belonging to various shekas. Shekas are small seasonal cafes and restaurants that are built on the beaches of Goa during the tourist season. There are a great number of them here, to suit all tastes and wallets. While many of them offer similar menus, there will be some that stand out for their unique presentation, design and cooking. There is usually no charge for the use of the sunbeds, but it is assumed that you will place an order at the shelter, at least a drink or meal.
Sweet Lake Beach
Sweet Lake is a real oasis surrounded by rainforest and warm water springs. This place with bright green nature and tall palm trees attracts those who want to experience an atmosphere of privacy and tranquility. The road to the lake leads through a picturesque market tunnel, passing through which one can reach a secluded beach with a magical atmosphere.
Sweet Water Lake, known for its beautiful view, has become not only a popular destination for tourists, but also a place with a number of environmental and social problems. The increasing number of visitors has led to pollution of the water and the surrounding area, despite the efforts of volunteers and local activists who try to keep it clean. Authorities and activists raise the issue of illegal logging and land grabbing, which has a negative impact on the local ecology. Arambol is also facing security issues that have attracted the attention of both the authorities and the media.
