Until recently, if anyone asked me my favourite beach in Goa, I would say Arambol, without a semblance of a doubt. But my last visit to Arambol has changed my mind.
First Impressions:
Rolling back to 2008, We specifically planned a trip to Goa with Arambol on our to do list. Having heard a lot about this hippie haven, I was literally behaving like a kid wanting a candy. We hired a scooter (the best thing to do in Goa) and headed for destination Arambol. The thin road snaking uphill and downhill, bared Goan beauty to my thirsty eyes.
Back then, Arambol was a relief from the cliche's of Baga and Calengute. Blue waters, golden sand, not too many people (certainly not as many that makes you feel crowded) and certainly not rowed with beach shacks. And all this while, I have been just talking about the main Arambol beach and not the beach with the sweet lagoon.
Arambol beach has long been popular for the famous sweet lagoon, banyan tree and the soil which is believed to have healing powers. One has to walk through an army of food stalls, clothes shop and shed some sweat while taking a little trek to reach the sweet lagoon. The beach there was even more secluded than the main beach. An hour of climbing in the forests along the water body takes you to the famous Banyan Tree with a small temple. People apply the mud (Multaani Mati) on their bodies and then have a swim in the beach or in the lagoon itself.
All of these attractions still exist at Arambol and it still can be a more than a decent beach outing. If it is your
first time, probably you might not feel the changes that I realise visiting it again after a couple of years.
Things that have changed:
1. The beach is littered. It was a heaven a few years ago with crystal clear waters and clearer sands. It was the hallmark of Arambol, the first time I visited. Now, I felt as if, trash was the only thing till my eyes could see.
2. Another major problem I faced is, the attitude of the people working/owning the shacks towards Indians. They were out-rightly arrogant and were clearly insulting most of the local tourists. I don't know if it happens to others but I clearly felt that as Indians, you won't be served or catered on priority. You can feel the obnoxious behavior of the waiter's and managers alike.
3. While I understand the area is dominated by Russians and hence all the shop's restaurants do advertise in Russian language, but I guess someone needs to monitor the fact that Arambol is in India and not Russia.
Finally, I just penned down some issues about a beautiful beach in Northern Goa.
Few things to keep in mind:
First time visitors should not hesitate visiting this beach. It's definitely a great beach. This piece of writing is
just because I am in love with Goa and I was disappointed with the way Arambol is deteriorating as a fair clip. It really doesn't mean that people should stop going there. Probably it's just to let people know that there is a particular scenario out there.
Also it might be case that I just had an off day and had a series of bad incidents one after the other.
I really do hope that what I felt experienced is not a trend but an one off incident.
Hoping Arambol continues to lure many more tourists from all corners of the world, including people from the country where its located.
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