There was a time when Goa had peak and low seasons – quiet pockets of sunshine and palm trees – shacks to spend lazy days at and by-lanes to spend hours and hours at. However, after a fair share of visiting Goa a number of times, these experiences can become repetitive. But that doesn’t mean you cannot escape the crowds and find something more off-beat to do. Here’s a way to explore Goa in a unique manner – down to its roots and plantations – what better way than to find where their spice comes from!
With major spice plantations that guests can visit and understand the spice plantation growth in a natural environment, Goa is a haven to experience the Indian Land of Spices! Here are a few spice plantations worth visiting (or even just one, if you are only getting a taste of the concept):
This 200-year old plantation is run by a family and offers an authentic Goan experience while touring their spice plantations. Offering a 10-course lunch (you must call in beforehand to arrange a tour) after a spice plantation tour, this is the ideal place to discover the spices that Goa is famous for – nutmeg, cumin, curry, cinnamon, pepper, vanilla, coriander & turmeric. Fruits, apart from spices, are also a favourite product to grow in this land – bananas, coconut, pineapple, mangos, jackfruit, guava, cashews & papayas.
Distance from Casa Philomena: 37KM / 1 hour’s drive
Commercial, yet worth a visit, the Sahakar Spice Farms offer you an experience that is cooperative and yet informative. Expansive over 130 acres with two small streams running through the property, one of the unique spices you will find here is vanilla. The USP of this farm is that you can bathe with their homely elephants. Spices here include cardamom, turmeric & ginger.
Distance from Casa Philomena: 43KM / 1 hour & 10 minutes’ drive
A large tract of grassy greens and healthy soil, this is an utterly unforgettable ambiance – chirping of birds, peaceful streams around and green vegetation all around. serving also as a bird sanctuary contributing to the conservation of wildlife, this spice farm is proud of its coffee plants that are a rarity in India.
There is the option of enjoying lunch in an open-air restaurant on the plantation.
Distance from Casa Philomena: 40KM / 1 hour’s drive
Pascoal Spice Village
50 acres of coconut groves, cashew orchards, arica plantations and various spices and fruit trees make up the Pascoal Spice Village – more local, more regional and more intimate in its experience. The plantation offers more than 2500 species of plants and flowers and is also home to 65 bird species. Call them to arrange a guided walk and luscious lunch right after in the spice village – open air shacks and regional food – what more can we want? You can choose to spend the day exploring the plantation or experience an overnight stay in the wilderness!
Distance from Casa Philomena: 49KM / 1 hour & 20 minutes’ drive
When there are beaches and water sports to keep you entertained, why should you visit a spice plantation? This is a question on the minds of many that visit Goa – why do something that Goa is not known for – however, when people mention India – the Land of Spices – it is imperative to experience them in their natural habitat.
- A raw and regional experience of India’s hospitality – special care is taken for visitors to the spice plantations in Goa.
- Spices are explored in their natural habitat – not the packaging we purchase! It is not grown as a powder – you get to see the real fruit and understand the process that brings it into powder form.
- Animals and Birds? Are you an interested “species”? What better way than to see where they really hide? Many of Goa’s spice plantations house unique bird species and animal experiences (bathing with an elephant is not something you can experience anywhere else in Goa).
- Are you a camera whiz? This is the perfect activity to harness your skills. Nature serves as the best scenery for your cameras!
While you stay in Goa the next time, make sure to visit a spice plantation. Ask the team at Casa Philomena (ever helpful in every service!) to guide you for tour arrangements. You will not be disappointed!
Written By Taryn Rodriques
Week 6, February ’21
