Spices are more than just a means of earning income in Goa, which is famed for spices? Spice plantations thrive in Goa due to the tropical climate and the abundance of red soil found here. The plantations can be found in the heart of Central Goa close to the temple town of Ponda. You can also find some towards the eastern Bicholim district of Goa. Some famous plantations include the Savoi Plantation, Sahakari Spice Plantation, Tropical Spice Plantation, Rustic Plantation, Abyss Spice Farms and Pascoal Spice Farms. When you visit these plantations, you will get to know that these herbs and spices are grown organically.
If you are interested in exploring the different plantations over a few days, consider staying in a nearby hotel such as Alila Diwa Goa or others in the vicinity, so that the plantations are within easy reach. Consider familiarising yourself with the fragrance of some spices before your visit to a plantation, so that you will be able to spot the different ones right away by scent during your visit; head to a local market or ask the Goa resort that you are staying at to help you get a sense of the local spices. They will likely be happy to oblige you. You will find spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, black and white pepper, coriander, betel and more here.
On arrival at a plantation, you will be enchanted right from the start as you are welcomed with a traditional greeting along with a herbal drink. The large range of fruit trees will surprise you, and you will also find items such as custard apples and cashew there. You may also see betel nut pickers climbing the trees; this is no easy feat as the trees rise hundred feet above the ground, and the workers move from one tree to another at a great height. If you observe carefully, you will notice that most spice plantations are close to a lake. That means that you can opt for a boat ride, too along with fishing.
When you take a break for lunch, your food will be served outdoors on banana leaves, which is how the locals like to eat. Goans usually consume fish curry and rice flanked with other indigenous vegetables. For desert, you will likely served an assortment of fruit. Another interesting item on the menu will likely be a local drink; either ferni or urrak, prepared from either cashew apples or coconut respectively. Towards sunset, you can also do some bird-watching. There are birds such as owls, cuckoos, hornbills and parrots gathering around trees like a montage.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
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