Tropical spice plantation

wooden bridge leading to the spice plantation - Goa.

The tropical spice plantation at arla-keri ponda is a lesser known entity.

The plantation is a very big area which grows spices and exotic herbs and fragrances vanilla pods etc, a small part of it has been promoted for eco tourism.

It offers packages of 300 rupees per person including lunch served with mild hoorack or the fiery feni (local liquor from cashew nuts)

The lunch has a very basic earthern flavor to it and is unlike the cosmetic food u end up eating at most restaurants.

On arrival u get a welcome softdrink/coconut water. thereafter a guide/educator takes you through the plantation which is very dense, but shields you from the heat.

Various local produces like fruits of all types canning, betelnuts,  jackfruit and feni distillation by traditional method is shown to you including some scientific information.

The entrance has a very good wooden bridge which seems to have been taken straight out of the sets of indiana jones. if you visit the plantation in october you may have water under the bridge with buffaloes lazing around underneath. in summer the estuary dries up.

The plantation is closed during months of rain viz june to oct.

I would recommend a half day trip beginning in the morning. by the time you finish the tour and lunch the heat has started abating and you can easily proceed to your next destination of interest.

Address: tropical spice plantation arla-keri ponda
Phone: 91-0832-340329