Arambol is a town in the north of famous beach state Goa. Its fame makes for many expats and travellers, who are seeking peace, connection, and perhaps a little bit of a nightlife as well. In Arambol, you'll find it all!
If there's one place in India where I had that "I could live here" thought, then it surely was Arambol. The compact, walkable town has all you need at your fingertips. I found a great balance between spirituality and nightlife, nature and crowds. I extended my stay 3 times with a total of 2 weeks spent just in that small town. The people were great, the beach was right there, evenings were exciting. The vibe was vibing.
As Arambol is a place that offers about everything, you can go many ways in terms of accomodation. You could go for a yoga course with a private room, walk the social path by staying in a hostel, or opt for your very own apartment. In fact, all these options exist in the vibrant "center", as well as on the beach and in the more quiet big streets around town. Read more about locations in my reviews below.
I stayed at
You can't do much wrong with food in Arambol, as many places are heavily visited by tourists and maintain a certain level of hygiene. It's also a great place for vegans and other dietary needs, with many cute hip cafés and alternative food spots! I would only suggest avoiding fish in small beach shacks and street food in random little stalls. But if you've read my page about India, you already know the drill.
You don't go to Goa to visit temples and historic landmarks of that sort. Arambol is a great place to discover nature, participate in spiritual ceremonies, and enjoy an open mic or two. I can tell you all about the hotspots and enriching experiences Arambol offers.
The most beautiful event space I’ve seen in my life! With a dance floor right beneath the banyan tree, cozy lights all over, and a peaceful area to have a bite or sing at the bonfire, this place is ideal for an enchanting ecstatic dance experience. The community that gathers here is truly a vibe!
Music Is Religion. This beach bar doesn’t only throw great reggae parties on Sundays, it’s also the gathering place for performance artists around every sunset. Go by 5pm, enjoy the calm and clean beach at that side of Arambol, and watch the show unravel until hours after sunset. Fire jugglers, acrobats, you name it. And perhaps you’ll be lucky to join a drum circle when the sun is under.
Our go-to in town, with regular open mics and other events, only a 3 minute walk from Mitra Hostel. Twice in Nature is a very popular place, so make sure to come well in time, or you’ll have to sit on the floor!
If you’re looking for a little oasis of rest, the Sweet Water Lake is your spot. It’s right behind the beach and beneath the hill, making it a great spot to enjoy beautiful surroundings. It’s pretty clean, you can swim in it, and you can even order a beer!
When I first came to Arambol, I though there was one big famous tree and you had to go find it. In reality, banyan trees are typical for the area and you’ll find plenty of them! But I assure you it’s worth hiking up the hill or through the forest to find those few really big ones. Their majestic structure, with a myriad of aerial roots looking for ground to nestle in, will have you speechless.
A 40 minute scooty ride away from Arambol, you’ll find party cities Vagator and Anjuna. Expect extravagant beach clubs, festivals, famous rooftops, and well known dj’s. Especially in the psytrance/goa music scene of course! If you’re a party animal, Arambol will keep you hungry for more, so make sure to try one of Vagator’s big events! Mine was the psytrance day rave for the 40 year anniversiry of Hilltop, and let me tell you that was my most unforgettable day in India.
Want to receive my entire map with pins for Arambol? I’m not charging for it (yet)!
Every place comes with its own quirks. I lived them all in Arambol so you don't have to! Read the tips & tricks article to find out what to absolutely bring, how to behave, and what to avoid!
Goa is quite touristic and open minded. I would even say it’s gentrified. So the beaches are free spaces where you can wear a bikini without an issue. Just beware of Indian tourists asking you to take selfies (gosh please say no) and chatting you up (again, clearly say you don’t want to talk). You’ll encounter cows, dogs, religious ceremonies, and just people vacationing. I suggest going to the southern part of Arambol (30min walk North-South) and sunbathe around the MIR.
The center of Arambol is basically a market, with nice souvenirs being sold stall after stall.
Our go-to in town, with regular open mics and other events, only a 3 minute walk from Mitra Hostel. Twice in Nature is a very popular place, so make sure to come well in time, or you’ll have to sit on the floor!
If you’re looking for a little oasis of rest, the Sweet Water Lake is your spot. It’s right behind the beach and beneath the hill, making it a great spot to enjoy beautiful surroundings. It’s pretty clean, you can swim in it, and you can even order a beer!
When I first came to Arambol, I though there was one big famous tree and you had to go find it. In reality, banyan trees are typical for the area and you’ll find plenty of them! But I assure you it’s worth hiking up the hill or through the forest to find those few really big ones. Their majestic structure, with a myriad of aerial roots looking for ground to nestle in, will have you speechless.
A 40 minute scooty ride away from Arambol, you’ll find party cities Vagator and Anjuna. Expect extravagant beach clubs, festivals, famous rooftops, and well known dj’s. Especially in the psytrance/goa music scene of course! If you’re a party animal, Arambol will keep you hungry for more, so make sure to try one of Vagator’s big events! Mine was the psytrance day rave for the 40 year anniversiry of Hilltop, and let me tell you that was my most unforgettable day in India.
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