# Arambol

Arambol is a traditional fisherman village in the Pernem administrative region of North Goa, India, located 24.6 km (15.3 mi) north of Goa's capital city of Panaji. As of 2011, it has a population of around 5,300.
Its beach, bordering Keri Beach to the north and Mandrem Beach to the south, attracts many international tourists, mainly during the winter season between November and March.

## Weather

* Rainfall: 3,117 mm (122.7 in)
* Maximum temperature: 34 °C (93 °F)
* Minimum temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
Arambol's warmest month of the year is usually April with an average high of 34 °C (93 °F). 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. The warmest sea temperature is between April and June with an average high of 29 °C (84 °F).

## 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 kl (23,000 cu ft). The nearest fire fighting service is at Pernem – 13 km (8.1 mi) away.

### Manufacturing

Arambol (CT) is engaged in the manufacturing of following items (in decreasing order of importance): 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 also three banking cooperative societies.

## Religion

The majority of the Indian residents 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.

## 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 (also called The Money Stone). 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 (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 Alternative medicine and Wellness (alternative medicine) offer courses in Yoga, meditation, Odissi dance, and musical instruments (like Tabla, Sitar and other traditional Indian as well as Western 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.

## Notability

The Harmal chilli is a variety of chilli mainly grown in this village and so named after its place of origin.
Noted for its high pungency, even a small quantity of Harmal chilli powder is sufficient to add significant flavor to dishes. Due to its intense heat, it is often blended with other spices (masalas) to create iconic Goan culinary preparations like Chicken Xacuti Masala, Garam Masala, Khatkhatem, Recheado Masala.

### Geographical indication

It was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry under the Union Government of India on 14 September 2021 (valid until 13 January 2029).
The Harmal-Pernem Chilli (Mirchi) Growers Association from Pernem, proposed the GI registration of Harmal Chilli. After filing the application in May 2020, the chilli was granted the GI tag in 2021 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Harmal Chilli" exclusive to the chilies grown in the region. It thus became the second chilli variety from Goa after Khola Chilli and the 3rd type of goods from Goa to earn the GI tag.