Goan culture is distinct. It is the result of centuries of amalgamation and fusion of various kinds of people coming to inhabit its lands. In terms of industry, Goa is dominated by tourism and the fishery industry. The state has some of India’s best beaches and scenic exposures. Undoubtedly then, the state has a strong economy backed by massive plantations and flourishing hotels.
Before the advent of the modern economics, Goa was primarily a community that relied on fishing and farming. The coastal lands are ideal for cultivating some highly valuable indigenous fruits and spices. This is the reason that the Europeans were so interested in the land. As time went by, these cultivations increased in scale and occupied a chunk of all exports going out of Goa. On the other hand, the tropical coasts of the Arabian Sea are rich in marine life. These provide ample scope for the fishermen of Goa.
The earliest traders who arrived via sea were drawn to India due to the diversity of spices that could be found here. Many of these spices were grown in plantations of different sizes.
Today, these plantations still sustain hundreds of Goan citizens. Cashew is the major product of these. Other spices such as cardamom, pepper and saffron are also grown in these plantations. Many a time, fruit orchards and spice plantations occur on alternate patches of land. Spice plantations today double up by functioning as tourist resorts. Tourists embarking on a journey through Goa would be missing a great deal if a visit to the spice plantations is not undertaken. There are several such resorts in the entire state that allows visitors a closer access to the natural system of a plantation. Visitors enjoy the close connection with nature on these resorts and relive the local way of life. Most of the resorts are created to preserve a holistic environment. The portion of the farm not under plantation is covered by tropical trees characteristic of the region. At times, a pond or a water body completes the scenic view. Even the accommodation facilities are created in sync with the environment, ensuring an ideal getaway.
The spice plantation resorts offer a variety of rejuvenation packages for visitors. These include traditional therapy sessions and greenery tour. The former includes ancient messages and rejuvenation packages that have been excellent in relieving stress. Visitors can try out the traditional healing practices performed by experts. These make use of ancient formulations and practices that can have a remarkable effect on the body. These can typically be excellent remedial option for those suffering from chronic ailments.
The plantations of Goa are aided greatly by the fact that it lies on the Western coast of India. This region receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon months beginning in June. The coastal landscape and fertile soil play an important role in the development of tropical plantations. If Goa is on your agenda, then a visit to these spice plantations is a highly recommendable venture.
Various Spice Estates and Plantations in Goa
Goa has many spice plantations in the state, most of which can be visited by the tourists through guided tours. Tourists can get an insight about how the spices are grown, cultivated and processed. There are many special informative and entertaining tours to visit the plantations in Goa. Here are some famous spice plantations in Goa:
Savoi Plantations
Savoi spice plantation is one of the oldest spice plantations in the state, over two centuries old. It is famous for growing different types of spices and fruits including nutmeg, cloves, cumin, cinnamon, curry, vanilla, coriander, pepper, banana, coconut, mango, jackfruit, bimbli, papaya, guava, citrus and cashew nuts. The best way to fully explore this plantation is through a guided tour. Tourists are shown throughout the property and introduced to the traditional methods of manufacturing products from coconut and other eco-friendly materials. A special Goan meal on a banana leaf is also served over here. One can also visit the cashew nut factory and partially flooded Ananta temple on the way to this plantation.
Tropical Spice Plantation
Tropical Spice Plantation is located in Keri about six kilometers from Ponda, a small village clean from pollution. Tourists are welcomed with a warm cup of herbal tea followed by an exciting guided tour. A special lunch buffet is also served on a banana leaf. Activities such as riding and bathing with the elephants, listening to birds, lazing through the river or just strolling along the beetle nut plantations are really popular here. Catch some beautiful sights of endangered species of birds. Stroll through tropical trees like Areca Nut, Cashew, palm trees and fruit bearing trees like star fruit, custard apple, bananas and pineapple. You can also view the coffee plants over here, which is a rare sight in Goa. The excellent guided tour will refresh your minds and make you fall in love with nature all over again.
Pascoal Spice Village
Located near the small village of Khandepar, which is about 8 kilometers from Ponda National Highway. Pascoal Spice Village grows a number of spices including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, vanilla, turmeric, ginger, hing, black cardamom, curry leaves and mango ginger. Pascoal spice village uses no pesticides at all and is completely organic. Visitors can enjoy a nice relaxing lunch at their restaurant along with boating for recreation.
Rustic Plantation
Located 48 kilometers from Panaji, Rustic Plantation is situated on the Northeastern end of Goa at Dongruli village. Nestled amidst luxuriant foliage and precious fruit bearing trees, a tour of the Rustic Farms will be completely a rejuvenating and an exciting experience. This outstanding countryside sanctuary with almost 100 acres of plantation is home to cashew nut trees, coconut trees and teak wood with excellent food and service also available here.
Sahakari Spice Farm
One of the most popular spice plantations in Goa, located about 35 kilometers from Panaji, Sahakari Spice Farm is visited by hundreds of tourist every year. Surrounded by immense greenery and a delicious aroma of spices all over the plantation, Sahakari Spice farms are popular for their rich cultural legacy and outstanding workshops inside the plantation. Many types of spices, medicinal plants, fruits and herbs are grown here including vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, cloves, chilli, curry leaves, turmeric and ginger. A day filled with various attractions like bathing with elephants, sumptuous buffet lunch, traditional welcome, treatment for various diseases and relaxing under the dense forests will definitely revitalize your mind, body and soul.
Abyss Spice Farm
Located in Savoi Verem near Ponda, Abyss Spice Farms are surrounded by picturesque mountains. Famous for its medicinal plants and herbs that are cultivated on a large scale over here, this plantation is visited by many tourists every year. The tour includes a fully guided tour of the all the medicinal plants, betel nut gardens and fruit trees in the plantation. Along with delicious lunch served everyday, soothing Ayurvedic massages are also offered over here.
Sai Herbarium
Located about 30 kilometers from Panaji, Sai Herbarium is yet another popular spice plantation in Goa. It is known for its marvelous eco-tourism methods with beautiful herbal gardens that include many aromatic and medicinal plants. The spices over here are cultivated using pure organic farming techniques. Situated amidst lush greenery and a peaceful and relaxing environment, Sai Herbarium is the perfect place to get away from the noisy city life. Tourists can also enjoy scrumptious Goan and North Indian cuisine over here.
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Goan culture is distinct. It is the result of centuries of amalgamation and fusion of various kinds of people coming to inhabit its lands. In terms of industry, Goa is dominated by tourism and the fishery industry. The state has some of India’s best beaches and scenic exposures. Undoubtedly then, the state has a strong economy backed by massive plantations and flourishing hotels.
