Sahakari Spice Farm — Attraction in Goa

Sahakari Spice Farm, located in Ponda, Goa, is a popular destination for travelers interested in exploring the lush spice plantations that Goa is famous for. It offers a unique experience that combines nature, education, and a glimpse into traditional Goan agricultural practices. Here’s what makes Sahakari Spice Farm worth a visit:

Natural Setting and Ambiance

Nestled in a lush, green landscape, Sahakari Spice Farm offers a refreshing escape from the beach-centric sights of Goa. The farm is surrounded by dense tropical greenery, giving it a cool, serene atmosphere that makes for a pleasant day out. Walking through the farm, you’re immersed in nature, with the scent of spices and herbs filling the air. The ambiance is peaceful, and the shade from the tall trees and spice plants keeps the area cool even during warmer months.

Guided Spice Tour

One of the main highlights of Sahakari Spice Farm is the guided spice tour. Knowledgeable guides lead you through the farm, explaining various spices, herbs, and plants, from well-known ones like pepper, cardamom, and vanilla to rarer plants unique to the region. The tour is both informative and interactive, with guides sharing fascinating insights into the medicinal and culinary uses of each spice. They even encourage guests to touch and smell the spices, adding to the sensory experience.

For those who enjoy cooking or are curious about Ayurveda, the tour provides valuable knowledge about how spices are grown, harvested, and used in everyday life. The tour often concludes with a demonstration of how coconut and betel nut trees are climbed to harvest fruits, which is an impressive skill traditionally practiced in Goa.

Traditional Goan Lunch

After the tour, visitors can enjoy a traditional Goan buffet lunch provided by the farm, which typically includes a variety of local vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The food is simple yet delicious, featuring Goan curries, rice, vegetable dishes, and sometimes fried fish. The lunch is served on a banana leaf, adding a traditional touch to the meal, and many of the dishes incorporate spices grown right on the farm, allowing guests to taste the spices they’ve just learned about.

Cashew Feni and Refreshments

Visitors are also often treated to a taste of feni, a traditional Goan spirit made from cashew fruit, which is locally produced. The staff provides an overview of the cashew feni-making process, giving insights into one of Goa’s traditional industries. There are also herbal teas made with farm-grown spices, such as lemongrass and ginger, which provide a refreshing end to the meal.

Hospitality and Staff

The staff at Sahakari Spice Farm are friendly, welcoming, and passionate about their work. They are open to questions and make an effort to ensure that every guest has a memorable experience. From the knowledgeable tour guides to the restaurant staff, everyone is approachable and eager to share their culture and farming knowledge with visitors.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Before leaving, visitors have the chance to purchase spices and other local products from the farm’s gift shop. This shop offers a wide variety of freshly packed spices, herbal oils, teas, and Ayurvedic products. The prices are reasonable, and it’s a great way to bring a bit of Goa’s spice heritage back home.

Overall Experience

Sahakari Spice Farm is an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore the agricultural side of Goa and learn about the spices that are integral to Indian cuisine and Ayurveda. The combination of natural beauty, hands-on learning, and traditional Goan hospitality makes it a unique experience that is both educational and enjoyable.

In Summary: Sahakari Spice Farm is a hidden gem for nature lovers, food enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Goa’s spice heritage. From the engaging spice tours to the authentic Goan meal, it provides a memorable experience and a genuine connection to Goa’s...

Spice plantation visits are one of the many attractions that Goa offers to tourists and the local population. There are several options that are available for the tourists to choose from. I visited the Sahakari Spice Farm located in Ponda. The farm is just next to the national highway and quite easily accessible. This is a private property spread over several acres of land. The visit is on charge at Rs.500 per person. The farm has ample parking but on weekends and especially on long weekends parking space might become a problem. The farm visit starts with a flower shower and a welcome drink. The welcome drink served is made of spices from the farm and is served as warm tea. Kids may not be very excited with the welcome drink but it is certainly refreshing for adults. The place where they serve the welcome drink is also a hold up area to form a group. Once a group of 8-10 persons  is formed they assign a tour guide. They have tour guides who can speak in Hindi, English, Konkani, Marathi and even Russian. The tour guides are quite knowledgeable and have a good understanding about the different spices that they grow in the form. However, they may sound a bit harsh sometimes probably to have control on the group. The farm has a rivulet flowing through it and adds into the uniqueness of the farm. They serve veg and non veg food as a part of the tour, yes, it is included in the cost of entry tickets. The non veg spread included chicken gravy and fish fry. We found the food good. You also get a chance to have feni shots which are also complimentary with the ticket (it is part of explanation of how feni is made). The dining area also has a small counter from where they sell cold drinks and beer. Just next to the dining area is an outlet from where you can buy souvenirs and spices. The smoking area is opposite the outlet. There are toilets which could have been better maintained. The tour will take around 90 to 120 minutes and can be a good picnic outing. For tourists, the tour can be bundled with visits to other tourist attractions of old Goa. If you have been to the spice tours before then it may not be very interesting, however, the tour of the property is still very exciting. Some may find the tour difficult due to the warm weather hence a water bottle may be handy. BTW, they do not have elephant at the farm. If you found the review helpful then please...

I recently had the pleasure of organizing a corporate event for a group of 250 people at Sakahari Spice Farms in Goa, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience. The farm, nestled amidst lush greenery, offered a serene and refreshing atmosphere perfect for a corporate outing.

Highlights:

Spacious and Well-Organized Venue: The farm was well-equipped to handle a large group like ours. The vast, open spaces and well-laid-out facilities ensured everyone had ample room to move around comfortably.

Engaging Activities: The spice plantation tour was informative and engaging, providing insights into various spices and their benefits. The staff was knowledgeable and made the tour interactive, keeping everyone interested.

Delicious Food: One of the standout aspects was the authentic Goan cuisine served at the farm. The food was fresh, flavorful, and catered to diverse dietary preferences, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The buffet setup was well-managed, and there was plenty for everyone.

Warm Hospitality: The team at Sakahari Spice Farms was incredibly hospitable and attentive to our needs. From welcoming us with refreshing drinks to ensuring the event ran smoothly, their dedication was evident.

Seamless Coordination: Coordinating an event for 250 people is no small feat, but the team at the farm handled it effortlessly. They provided ample support for setting up team-building activities and ensured the event went off without a hitch.

Natural Beauty and Cleanliness: The farm’s natural beauty and cleanliness added to the overall experience. It was refreshing to be in such a well-maintained, clean environment surrounded by nature.

Conclusion:

Sakahari Spice Farms in Goa is an excellent choice for a corporate outing, providing a blend of natural beauty, engaging activities, and warm hospitality. Our group had a memorable experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and enjoyable venue in Goa.

Yash was the person who was explaining us the spices and species. He has a unique blend of explaining with humour....