Last Updated on May 3, 2020 by Augustin Fernandes
There are some major spice plantations in Goa, where visitors can see how spice plants look in their natural environment, and how they are grown and processed.
There are three major spice plantations in Goa i.e., Savoi Spice Plantation, Sahakari Spice Farms, and Tropical Spice Plantation; all are engaged in organic farming.
Almost all Goa spice plantations are located in Ponda at a distance of 30-40 km from the capital Panaji and the largest city Margao. The regular tour lasts about an hour. The entry for tourists is for all these plantations is approximately 500 rupees per head. The price includes lunch and symbolic gifts. Separately one can pay for elephant riding and bathing with elephants, which may cost 600 rupees.
Sprawling across an enormous 130 acres in a pristine village in Ponda, it is the perfect setting to soak in pure, unadulterated nature. The elephants on the plantation tour are an amazing experience with rides and elephant baths. Catch sight of a few of the rarest and endangered species of birds, and paddle around the lake.
1. Tropical Spice Plantation in Goa
The “Tropical spice plantation” of Goa is located in a village called Keri, just 6 km off Ponda. This is a village untouched by pollution and full of greenery and fresh air. The Tropical Spice Plantation is spread over a large space of grassy land, which offers the perfect setting for you to indulge in the purity of untouched nature.
The cover of greens around the plantations, the vegetation, the chirping of birds and the tranquillity of the nearby stream, all make it a breathtaking place to come and visit.
Things to do at Tropical Spice Plantation Goa
The Tropical Spice Plantation site offers amazing guided tours that will guarantee freshness to your life and will refresh your senses and make you feel a part of nature.
There is a butterfly garden within the plantation that allows you to spend a lot of time with the countless variety of butterflies here.
The plantation also has over 75 species of birds within the plantation. Visitors to the plantation can feel free to spot some very rare and endangered species of birds. The Tropical Spice plantation thus also serves as a mini Bird sanctuary, contributing to the conservation of wildlife.
The guided tour will take you around the lake on a Paddle or row-boat to give you the closest possible view of the birds without disturbing them, which is so much fun!
At the Tropical Spice Plantation here in Ponda, one can even feast on the authentic Goan cuisines available here at the restaurant within the plantation as part of the tour and visit. Help yourself to generous servings of veg and non-veg delicacies.
The “Tropical Spice Plantation” is a unique place that also has coffee plants that are a rare phenomenon in India. Here there are also hectares of agricultural plants, groves of fruit trees, and forests where you can observe the King Fisher bird and monkeys in their natural environment.
How to reach Tropical Spice Plantation Goa.
Tropical spice Plantation can be reached from Panjim via Mardol.
Being Located in Keri Village in Ponda, you may have to book a private cab to reach there. You can also drive down to Ponda in your own vehicle and head 6 km from Ponda to the plantation.
Website of the Tropical Spice Plantation
Timing of Tropical Spice Plantations in Goa
The Plantation is open on all days of the week from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Entry Fee at Tropical Spice Plantations in Goa
It will cost you Rs. 400/- per person.
2. Sahakari Spice Farm Goa
Sahakari Spice Farm is situated amidst lush green surroundings at Kurti in the taluka of Ponda.
This farm spice plantation is extremely popular amongst tourists for its rich cultural heritage.
This Spice farm adds to the other spice farms, including the Tropical Spice Plantation and the Savoi Spice Plantation. The Sahakari Spice Farm is spread over 130 acres, 60 acres of which is exclusively devoted to the cultivation of Spices, Fruits, Medicinal trees, and Herb.
This organic farm is intended to offer the visitors an insight into pristine undisturbed flora, fauna, and cultural heritage of Goa.
The spices that are produced here at the “Sahakari Spice Farm” are cleaned and ground into powder. The plantation her is exclusively devoted to the cultivation of Spices, Fruits, Medicinal trees, and Herbs.
What to see at Sahakari Spice Farm Goa
Sahakari Spice Farm offers a guided tour of the spice plantation as well as a visit to the cashew nut processing unit. There are also a small dairy unit and the bio-gas unit located on the farm.
The visitors can also get to experience colorful folk dance performances by local villagers here at Sahakari.
This is a wonderful place to be free and relaxed under the dense forest cover, an experience an aroma of a variety of genuine spices coming from the trees grown around the farm. The tour will provide you with lots of knowledge, guidance on the types of species, and treatment for various diseases using spices.
Spice Plants available at Sahakari Spice Farm
- Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum)
- Nutmeg (Myristical Fragrans)
- Cardamom (Elettaria Cardmonium)
- Pepper (Piper Nigrum)
- Cloves ( Syzygrum Aromaticum)
- Chilli (Capsicum Frutiscens)
- Curry leaves (Murraya Koenid)
- Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)
- Ginger (Zingiber OffcinaleRoc)
You will also be offered lunch in the traditional Goan style as part of the tour here. Other modes of entertainment, including all this, add up to a fun, pleasurable day at the Sahakari Spice Farm.
How to reach the Sahakari Spice Farm Goa
Sahakari Spice Farm can be reached easily from Panaji by hiring a taxi or an auto or by bus. You can also hire a private van or motorcycle to reach Sahakari Spice Farm of Goa.
Timing to visit Sahakari Spice Farm Goa
Timings of entry are from 09:00 am to 4:30 pm daily.
Entry Fee at Sahakari Spice Farm Goa
Entry Fee: Adult Rs.400.00, Child Rs. 200.00,
Child 5 years and below no charge. Above 5 years and below 7 years Rs 200
Lunch: Included (Choice of Veg & Non-Veg. Menu available at the venue counter).
Identity Proof: Please carry any of your identity, address proof documents for verification purposes. Example: Aadhaar card, passport, driving license, etc.
Also read :
Goa Travel Tips – Must Read Before Visit Goa
10 Best Place to visit in Old Goa in Half Day
3. Savoi Spice Plantations
Savoi Plantation is another well-executed and done up plantation in Goa. This plantation is about 200 years old now and is spread across an area of 100 acres. The Shetye family manages the “Savoi Plantation” in Goa.
The plantation is located in the village of Savoi. It is almost 25 km from Panjim and about 40 km from Calangute. Although not a part of typical Goa holidays, Savoi Plantation promises a few memorable tours to all its visitors.
What to see at Savoi Spice Plantations
The “Savoi Plantation” is known for exhibiting some mesmerizing scenic beauty and an organic environment. It is a perfect place for bird watchers as well. There is also a pond over here that attracts different varieties of birds from everywhere around.
The evenings are especially pleasant here. Going for a walk amidst the refreshing greenery of spices, medicinal herbs, and fruits, fill us with a wonderful aroma.
The nights here at the Savoi Plantations are full of activity. Guests are entertained with a range of dances forms and folklore.
After a fun evening at the plantation, you are presented with an exciting range of traditional dishes. Dining here is a wonderful experience, and one can find Saraswat cuisine along with traditional Goan cuisine.
What makes dining here even more exciting is that the food is served in earthen pots and banana leaves, giving it a completely organic feel. Guests are also offered with fresh fruits and veggies which are grown organically in the plantation.
For accommodation within the plantation, there are two traditionally constructed houses, equipped with all the necessary modern facilities.
Timing of Savoi Spice Plantation
The Savoi platations are open from 10:30 am to 17:00 pm daily
Entry Fee at Savoi Spice Plantation
Entry Fee: Adult Rs.600.00, Child Rs. 300.00,
Child – 4 years and below no charge. Above four years and below nine years Rs 300
Identity Proof: Please carry any of your identity, address proof documents for verification purposes. Example: Aadhaar card, passport, driving license, etc.
How to reach Savoi Spice Plantations in Goa
Savoi Plantation is about 10 km from Ponda. You can travel to Ponda by bus and from there catch a cab or hire a motorcycle and ride down to the plantation.
Address of the Savoi Spice Plantations in Goa
50, Savoi, Marcel Ponda Road, Ponda, Goa, 403401
Contact : 096378 38389
Conclusion
These spice farms and plantations offer visitors into a very distinct part of Goa. Visitors will learn a lot about how spices are grown and grounded into a powder. Among the spices, you will see a unique set up of flora and fauna at these plantations along with fun and informative tour guides.
The Spice plantations in Goa are a relaxing and refreshing place to be at, along with a bit of fun as you can hop on an elephant for a thrilling ride. We do hope you enjoyed this article, and after reading about these plantations, plan on coming here to experience something different. As you move deeper into this site, you will discover the health, wealth and wonders of nature that this farm is endowed with!
Frequently Asked Questions on Spice Plantations in Goa
What to do at Tropical Spice Plantation Goa?
The Tropical Spice Plantation site offers amazing guided tours that will guarantee freshness to your life and will refresh your senses and make you feel a part of nature. There is a butterfly garden within the plantation that allows you to spend a lot of time with the countless variety of butterflies here. The plantation also has over 75 species of birds within the plantation. The “Tropical Spice Plantation” is a unique place that also has coffee plants that are a rare phenomenon in India.
What is the Entry Fee at Tropical Spice Plantation in Goa?
It will cost you Rs. 400/- per person.
When is Tropical Spice Plantation Open?
Tropical Spice Plantation is open all days from Sunday to Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
When is Sahakari Spice Farm Open?
Sahakari Spice Farm is open all days from Sunday to Saturday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
What to see at Sahakari Spice Farm in Goa?
Sahakari Spice Farm offers a guided tour of the spice plantation as well as a visit to the cashew nut processing unit. There are also a small dairy unit and the bio-gas unit located on the farm. The visitors can also get to experience colorful folk dance performances by local villagers here at Sahakari. This is a wonderful place to be free and relaxed under the dense forest cover, an experience an aroma of a variety of genuine spices coming from the trees grown around the farm. The tour will provide you with lots of knowledge, guidance on the types of species, and treatment for various diseases using spices.
What is the Entry Fee at Sahakari Spice Farm Goa?
Entry Fee: Adult Rs.400.00, Child Rs. 200.00, Child 5 years and below no charge. Above 5 years and below 7 years Rs 200 Lunch: Included (Choice of Veg & Non-Veg. Menu available at the venue counter).
What to see at Savoi Spice Plantations?
The “Savoi Plantation” is known for exhibiting some mesmerizing scenic beauty and an organic environment. It is a perfect place for bird watchers as well. There is also a pond over here that attracts different varieties of birds from everywhere around. The evenings are especially pleasant here. Going for a walk amidst the refreshing greenery of spices, medicinal herbs, and fruits, fill us with a wonderful aroma.
What is the Entry Fee at Savoi Spice Plantation?
Entry Fee: Adult Rs.600.00, Child Rs. 300.00, Child - 4 years and below no charge. Above four years and below nine years Rs 300
