The Most Amazing Things to Do in Arambol, Goa (2025)

From creative workshops to sunset beach parties, there’s never a dull day in Arambol – a hippie beachside village in Goa, India. I spent a month travelling solo in Goa, including two weeks in Arambol, as this was my favourite place of all. Here is my guide to what to do in Arambol, including the best places to visit and where to stay.

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Quick overview of Arambol, Goa

• Arambol is North Goa’s laid-back hippie beach town
• It’s famous for its creative community, daily sunset drum circles and spiritual wellness scene
• Accommodation ranges from budget hostels and guesthouses to beachfront cottages
• Top activities include yoga and meditation classes, the legendary Saturday Night Market, wakeboarding at Om Lake and creative workshops
• The daily sunset beach party with drum circles is a must-do
• There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants
• Arambol is best visited between November and March for ideal weather
• It’s located about 2 hours north of Goa airport, easily accessible by taxi

What is Arambol famous for?

Since the 1960s, Arambol has been a haven for hippies, artists, yogis and free spirits from around the world. It’s famous for being North Goa’s most bohemian beach town, known for its daily sunset drum circles, spiritual wellness scene and creative community.

Is Arambol Beach worth visiting?

Arambol Beach is one of North Goa’s most authentic beaches and well worth visiting. Unlike more commercialised areas like Baga or Calangute, Arambol retains its hippie charm and relaxed atmosphere. The beach itself has soft sand, relatively calm waters and the occasional cow sauntering along the coast. What makes it truly special is the daily sunset drum circles, its friendly international community, beachfront cafés serving affordable food. It also gives you easy access to the nearby Om Lake and Sweet Water Lake.

The most awesome places to stay in Arambol

There are a lot of affordable accommodation options, from hostels to guest houses, beach shacks and hotels in Arambol.

If you’re solo backpacking in Arambol, check out the popular and highly-rated Happy Panda hostel. This relaxed hostel has an on-site bar, kitchen and library, and its rooms have a shared bathroom including a bath.

If you prefer a private room, try one of the many affordable hotels near Arambol Beach, Goa. Try the wonderful beach cottages of the GoYm Resort at the south end of the town.

To check availability and prices of accommodation in Arambol for your dates, check out the map below:

These are the most amazing things to do in Arambol

Arambol is the kind of place where you might arrive for three days and leave three weeks later. Between sunrise yoga sessions, afternoon wakeboarding on hidden lakes, creative workshops teaching everything from Ayurveda to ecstatic dance, and legendary sunset drum circles on the beach, this bohemian village has a way of capturing hearts and extending travel plans. There are many amazing things to do in Arambol, from yoga and mediation workshops to lively markets and the Arambol beach sunset party.

Get blissful with yoga and meditation classes

Famously, India is the home of yoga. In Arambol things to do include a wide array of yoga classes and meditation.

If you’re interested in yoga, there are plenty of places to go in Arambol. The highly rated Universal Yoga Center is located on Arambol beach. It’s run by Vijay Amar, who has been teaching yoga for over 25 years. The school offers teacher training courses and drop-in classes for ashtanga and hatha yoga.

Try wakeboarding at Om Lake

Hidden away near the famous Arambol sweet water lake is an adrenaline-pumping activity that many visitors miss.

At One Zero One Wake Park on Om Lake, you can try wakeboarding in a stunning natural setting surrounded by coconut groves. The experience is perfect for both beginners and experienced riders.

What makes this experience special is the calm water and scenic backdrop. Unlike crowded beaches, Om Lake allows for a more focused and immersive ride. The serene surroundings add a magical contrast to the adrenaline pumping through your veins.

Book your wakeboarding experience at Om Lake here.

Go shopping at the famous Saturday Night Market

Arambol has a fantastic local street market where you can browse for clothes and local souvenirs. However, visiting the epic Saturday Night Market is one of the must do things in Goa.

Around 20 minutes by motorbike taxi from Arambol is Arpora. Here, there is a weekly Saturday Night Market, known as the Arpora Bazaar. It takes place every Saturday evening from 6pm until the early hours of the morning.

This vibrant and entertaining experience has live music, delicious food and a broad range of quirky and eclectic hippie stalls. It even has its own bar and nightclub.

A visit to Arpora’s Saturday Night Market is definitely worth the trip. If you decide to buy something, remember to negotiate to get the price down. Often the original price vendors will give you is up to five times its actual value. Otherwise, you can just grab something to eat or drink, wander around the fascinating market stalls and enjoy the entertainment.

Read all about Arpora night market in my dedicated post.

Try one of the workshops teaching everything under the sun

A popular hippie beach destination since the 1960s, Arambol is still a laid-back place to be and full of surprises. Here you will find plenty of offbeat things to do in Goa. On a walk around the village, you will see flyers and posters for countless courses, workshops and hippie festivals. In Arambol, you’re certainly not limited to lazing on the beach or hanging out in a bar.

Many of these workshops take place at yoga centres and cafés near Arambol beach. Just follow the posters, signs and flyers to see what catches your eye, and give it a try.

It could be learning Ayurveda, ecstatic dance or belly dancing. Or even one that I saw advertised called ‘laugh power: the funniest interactive workshop on planet earth.’

Discover hidden places near Arambol Beach

If you’re interested to explore other places to visit near Arambol Beach, why not check out the Arambol sweet water lake. This freshwater lake next to Kalacha Beach, one of the beaches near Arambol, is a popular local attraction and a peaceful place to hang out.

Nearby, in a secluded spot in the forest, is the Arambol banyan tree, which is well known by locals. People come here to sit under this spectacular tree to meditate, play music or simply relax. The ‘banyan tree’ marked on Google maps in the centre of Arambol is not the original, so don’t get them mixed up.

Meet a great mix of people from around the world

Arambol welcomes friendly, open people from around the world. As well as plenty of solo travellers, there are parents with toddlers, young sun-seekers, elderly retirees, hippies, punks and yogis. All here to enjoy the warm climate and coastal living.

During my stay here, a young British couple invited me to an open-air movie screening at their Arambol home. It was a lovely, relaxed evening. Though we had to be careful of bats hanging from the trees above us, in case of unexpected bowel movements!

Another afternoon, I mentioned to a fellow traveller that I fancied doing some painting. He introduced me to Maria, who was starting an art class at her home. Kindly, she invited me to join the group. It couldn’t have been better timed. The people here are warm and generous, and everything just seems to flow.

Enjoy the music – it’s everywhere you go

Arambol is full of music. Every day and night there are tunes emanating from across the village. People jamming on guitars in chilled cafés, live performances and open mic nights, and beachfront bars with heavy trance beats.

If you haven’t heard of the hang, it’s a beautifully melancholy-sounding instrument. It looks a bit like a miniature spacecraft or an inverted steel drum. You are sure to find one being played somewhere in the village.

While I was there, the town was abuzz about a visit by world fusion musician Prem Joshua and his band. He performed at a specially constructed concert venue in the coconut grove behind the beach.

Experience the amazing Arambol beach party every sunset

Arambol beach is famous for its daily sunset parties, which are an incredible experience.

Every evening as the sun goes down, people from around the world gather on Arambol beach. A small drum circle steadily turns into a party. Strangers join in to play instruments and dance freestyle to the tribal beats. Everyone is welcome. It’s a special way to mark the end of another remarkable day in Arambol.

Check out this article on how to find Arambol’s sunset beach parties.

There are plenty more things to do in Arambol

If you’re interested to explore other places to visit near Arambol Beach, why not check out the Arambol sweet water lake. This freshwater lake next to Kalacha Beach, one of the beaches near Arambol, is a popular local attraction and a peaceful place to hang out.

Nearby, in a secluded spot in the forest, is the Arambol banyan tree, which is well known by locals. People come here to sit under this spectacular tree to meditate, play music or simply relax. The ‘banyan tree’ marked on Google maps in the centre of Arambol is not the original, so don’t get them mixed up.

The tastiest places to eat in Arambol (for vegetarians, too)

If you are looking for restaurants in Arambol, you will be happy to know there are plenty of options. There is so much good, fresh food here and it’s affordable too. It’s also very vegetarian and vegan friendly.

Here you can find a freshly prepared thali platter of curry, dahl, veggies and rice. Washed down with refreshing juice from a coconut, sliced right in front of you, this costs less than a fiver.

The Twice in Nature vegetarian cafe in Arambol is one of my favourites. With chilled vibes, live music and tasty food, it’s a good place to meet open-minded people.

Another laid-back place I liked to hang out in is The Bees Knees Cafe. This serves tasty vegetarian-friendly international food and specialises in Mexican dishes.

The most convenient ways to get to Arambol

It’s best to get a taxi from Goa airport to Arambol, as the journey takes up to two hours. You can usually order a private transfer via your accommodation so you don’t have to queue for a taxi at the airport.

From the Goan beach resort of Calangute to Arambol the distance is about 19 miles (31 km). The journey takes an hour by car or by public bus it’s closer to 2.5 hours. 

The best places to visit after your stay in Arambol

If you don’t mind travelling overnight, you can take a trip by local bus to the ancient city of Hampi in Karnataka. Even if you only have a day or two, it is a fascinating place to visit, as there are so many ornate temples and quirky statues to discover.

Travelling from Arambol to Palolem in South Goa can take up to three hours, so an air-conditioned taxi will be the most convenient and comfortable. Read my guide to Palolem here.

South of Goa is Kerala, known as God’s Own Country, because it is so lush and green. In Kerala, you can visit the rolling tea plantations of Munnar, sail along the backwaters of Alleppey and relax on the hippie beaches of Varkala. Read more about it here.

You can read more about Hampi and its ancient attractions here.

Frequently asked questions about Arambol

How many days should I spend in Arambol?

I recommend spending at least 5-7 days in Arambol to fully appreciate what the town has to offer. This gives you enough time to settle into the relaxed pace of life, try a few yoga classes or workshops, explore the beaches and hidden spots, experience the Saturday Night Market and connect with the friendly community. Many travellers end up extending their stay – I spent two weeks here and then came back a few days later!

Is Arambol a party place?

Arambol has a unique party culture that’s quite different from the club scene in South Goa or commercial North Goa beaches. The main attraction is the daily sunset beach party, where locals and travellers gather for drum circles and freestyle dancing. It’s a cultural experience rather than a commercial club night. For information about evening entertainment and nightlife options in Arambol, check out my dedicated guide to Arambol’s party scene.

Is Arambol in North or South Goa?

Arambol is located in North Goa, about 50 km north of the capital city Panaji. It’s one of the northernmost beaches in Goa, situated close to the Maharashtra border. While North Goa is generally known for its busier, more commercialized beaches like Baga and Calangute, Arambol stands apart as a quieter, more bohemian alternative that has retained much of its original hippie charm and relaxed atmosphere.

Which is better, Anjuna or Arambol?

It depends what you’re looking for. Anjuna is more developed with a stronger party scene. It’s famous for its Wednesday flea market and weekend trance parties at beach clubs. Arambol, on the other hand, is more laid-back and spiritual, with a focus on yoga, wellness, creative workshops and community.

When is the best time to visit Arambol?

The best time to visit Arambol is between November and mid-March, during Goa’s dry season. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny with minimal rainfall, perfect for beach activities and outdoor workshops. December and January are peak season, so the town is busiest then. November and February-March can be slightly quieter while still having excellent weather. It’s better to avoid any times outside then when many businesses close and activities are limited – especially the monsoon season from June to September.

What should I pack for Arambol?

Pack light, comfortable clothing suitable for a beach town – think cotton and linen. Bring swimwear, flip-flops, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a small torch for evening walks. If you plan to do yoga, pack appropriate clothing. A sarong is versatile for beach days and covering up when visiting local areas. Don’t forget insect repellent and any medications you need, as pharmacies may have limited stock. A small daypack is useful for carrying essentials to the beach.

Final thoughts on things to do in Arambol, Goa

Arambol was was my favourite place in Goa – I stayed there twice during my solo month in Goa. What sets this beach town apart isn’t just the yoga, the markets or the sunset parties – it’s the way all these elements come together to create a community that welcomes you in. Guest house owners remember your name, while strangers invite you to art classes and movie screenings.

Many travellers arrive in Arambol for a few days and end up staying for weeks like I did. There’s a reason why Arambol inspires such devotion. It’s not just another pretty beach in Goa – it’s a place that encourages you to slow down, be creative and connect with like-minded souls from around the world.

Once you’ve danced at a sunset drum circle, practised yoga on the beach and experienced the warmth of this community, it’s hard to imagine not coming back.

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For much more information on what to do in Arambol and the rest of Goa, download the 170-page Insider’s Guide to Goa eBook by Rachel Jones, an American who lived in Goa for five years.

Click here to check out The Insider’s Guide to Goa now for all the details you need before you visit

Next up, read my comprehensive guide to solo travel in Goa.