Arambol


Arambol is a traditional fisherman village, located approximately a 90 minutes drive from Dabolim Airport within the Pernem administrative region of North Goa, India. The beach attracts many international tourists, mainly during the winter season between November and March. Arambol beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa, bordering Keri Beach to the north and Mandrem Beach to the south. Located 43 km north of Goa's capital city of Panaji, Arambol has a population of around 5,300.

Weather

Arambol's warmest month of the year is usually April with an average high of 34°C. The sunniest months are January, February, April, May and December with around 10 hours of sunshine per day. The dry period in Arambol corresponds with its main tourist season, from December to April, which normally doesn't see any rain. The warmest sea temperature is between April and June with an average high of 29°C.

Utilities and services

Sanitation and drinking water

The town has an open drainage system. Water is supplied from a service reservoir. The town gets it water as tap water from a treated source. The capacity of the water supply system is 650 kilo-litres.
The nearest fire fighting service is at Pernem.

Health services

The nearest Allopathic hospital facility is at 25 km. The nearest Alternative Medicine hospital is at 90 km. There is 1 Dispensary / Health Centre in the town. There is 1 Family Welfare Centre in the town. There is 1 Maternity and Child Welfare Centre in the town. The nearest Maternity Home is at 11 km. The nearest T.B. clinic is at 28 km. The nearest Nursing Home is at 0 km. The nearest Veterinary hospital is at 25 km. The nearest Mobile health clinic is at 0 km. The nearest Other medical amenities is at 40 km. There are 3 Non-Government medicine shops in the town.

Educational facilities

There are 2 government Primary Schools in the town. There are 2 private Primary Schools in the town.
There are 2 private Middle Schools in the town.
There are 2 private Secondary Schools in the town.
There is 1 private Senior Secondary School in the town.
The nearest private Degree College of Commerce only is at Mapusa.
The nearest government Degree College of Arts & Commerce is at Rural.
The nearest private Degree College of Arts, Science & Commerce is at Mapusa.
The nearest private Degree College - Law is at Panaji.
The nearest government Degree College - University is at Panaji.
The nearest private Degree College - Others is at Mapusa.
The nearest government Medical College is at Bambolim CT.
The nearest government Engineering College is at Bandora CT. The nearest government Non-formal Training Centre is at Penha de Franca CT.
The nearest government Management Institute is at Penha de Franca CT.
The nearest government Polytechnic is at Panaji.
The nearest government Vocational Training School is at Mapusa.
The nearest government Special School for Disabled is at Penha de Franca CT.

Facilities

The nearest private Orphanage Home is at Panaji.
The nearest government Working Women's Hostel is at Penha de Franca CT.
The nearest government Old Age Home is at Siolim CT.
The nearest government stadium is at Mapusa.
The nearest private Cinema Theatre is at Pernem.
There are 2 private Auditorium / Community Halls in the town.
There is 1 private Public Library in the town.

Manufacturing

Arambol is engaged in the manufacturing of following items : country liquor, chili products, dry fish

Market and banking

Every Wednesday, a weekly market takes place at the Arambol Bus Stand area, where local vegetable vendors sell their products such as Green Leafy Vegetables, Potatoes, Spices, Fruits and similar edible products. There are few supermarkets on the Arambol Street that caters to all the basic kitchen needs and supplies.
There is a branch of Bank of India, State Bank of India and HDFC Bank near the Arambol Bus Stand area. There are 3 banking cooperative societies also.

Religion

The majority of the locals are Hindu. Christian and Muslim minorities are also present. The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel serves the religious interests of the many Catholics in the area. Mother Mary is referred to as Saibinn Mai in the local Konkani language.

Sports

As in many other parts of Goa, both football and cricket are popular sports with the people of this area.

Attractions

A short walk north off the main beach is a smaller beach with a "fresh water lake" close to the sea. The jungle valley, enclosed between low hills, hides a banyan tree. Adjoining the banyan tree there is a stone sculpture created by an American conceptual and land art artist, Jacek Tylicki, titled Give if you can - Take if you have to. It has become a pilgrimage destination.
Another attraction is Arambol Drum Circle & Sunset Beach Market, one of the most unique flea markets in Goa. It starts a few hours before the sunset where travelers from all over the world sell their hand made creations. More than just a market, it is a party on the beach where people bring their drums, hand-pans, Didgeridoo and meet here everyday to make music as the sun sets. It is common to see performers at this time with their juggling balls, hula hoops, poi and many other props. With things like handmade clothes, food, jewelry, glass pipes – this market looks like it is right out of a music festival.
Due to the composition of both national and international musicians, Arambol is home to a rich live music scene, dominated by Gypsie-Fusion bands.

Activities

Strong winds during the main season make it a significant location for leisure sports, like paragliding and kite surfing.. Every evening during the peak tourist season, there are sunset parties on Arambol beach. A variety of practitioners in the healing arts offer courses in Yoga, meditation, Odissi dance, and musical instruments.

Events

The Tribal Dance Festival and the Indian Juggling Convention take place in Arambol. The Goa Contact Festival and In-Touch Festival both offer Contact Improvisation Dance and Somatics. All are scheduled for late January/early February.