So last night we decided to visit s spice plantation and so I checked all the reviews and saw that some people were calling the plantation cheats and also that the food was not so good 😲 but I saw the pics of the food plates and felt something was not connecting here. So we came and just ignored the negative reviews. As we crossed the bridge to the plantation from the parking lot, we were welcomed with a shower of petals and then we were offered a hot lemongrass herbal drink, which because I have a Goan Mother in law, I got to know is a conviction that is a traditional drink that Goans used to drink for health benefits half hour before a meal, what other states would call a kadha it's therapeutic. Second is people said that they were cheated because they got a short tour of a small area and not of the whole plantation which is ridiculous, but then if they keep the entire place open to people then they would need to spend much more to maintain a standard that visitors would require, which again would mean more criticism.
The Food:- every state has their own cuisine and it's important to appreciate the food and not expect personal preferences here, imagine a French man expecting to be getting a meal that has Baguette & Croissants, cheese and wine etc 😵💫, that's silly and very disrespectful, so all the complaints about food is false and absolutely ridiculous because maybe the person did not find food that they are used to eating in their home town. Because here the cuisine is totally authentic, traditional and completely Goan,the chappatis might not be their strong point but they do have amazing Goan rice, masala rice and sliced bread so go figure. I'm not a Goan so I used to love spicy food where you never will get the taste of the original main ingredients, but Goan food is lightly spiced, totally balanced and cooked in earthen pots which they offered us and the variety was enough to satisfy anyone. Someone complained that they should offer gulab jamuns etc which was so hilarious because come on traditional Goans generally have very light food and their sweet too is very subtle and therapeutic, now we tend to favour super sweet stuff that's making us fat and unhealthy. But the food they offered us was light, yet had enough protein, good variety of vegetables and carbs, lovely salad and the nonveg was very thoughtfully kept seperately, so trust me on the food, you are getting the best of a Goan village life meal that locals enjoy daily and every dish was totally authentic, please keep this big detail in mind and be respectful of this states culture, heritage and uniqueness. As for staff, each of them were very courteous and thoughtful, silent, yet attentive. Pooja was our tour guide and she was really engaging and informative and respectful. The main thing that struck me was that the moment we stepped into the property the temperature seemed lower and it was super cool and pleasant, the plants really keep the environment cool, I wish people would stop cutting down trees because that's what is making the atmosphere so unbearable, here it felt so cool and comfortable.
Our appreciation is towards the people who keep these tours going daily, I'm sure it costs a lot to maintain this standard and so the 500 rs per head charge is a very reasonable fee for the service provided.
In all this was a super amazing experience and I'm sure we will be doing...
Read moreMust visit place in GOA.The ticket of a single person is 500 rupees in which they provide lemon grass tea as a welcome drink after that they give you a tour of their spice garden.At end they serve lip smacking veg and non veg food which you can enjoy with a view. Tropical Spice Plantation in Goa is a captivating haven that immerses visitors in a sensory journey of lush greenery and aromatic spices. The moment you step onto the property, the vibrant colors and fragrant air transport you to a world of natural beauty. The guided tour is a delightful exploration, providing fascinating insights into the cultivation and processing of an array of spices.
The well-informed and engaging guides make the experience truly enriching, unraveling the secrets behind each spice with passion. The lush surroundings, accompanied by the soothing sounds of nature, create a serene atmosphere that lingers in memory. The hands-on activities, from spice grinding to traditional Goan cooking demonstrations, add an interactive dimension, allowing visitors to connect with the region's cultural essence.
The authentic Goan lunch served amidst the plantation's scenic backdrop is a culinary delight, featuring flavorsome dishes infused with the very spices encountered during the tour. Tropical Spice Plantation encapsulates the essence of Goa's rich agricultural heritage, leaving visitors with not only a heightened appreciation for spices but also a lasting impression of the region's natural splendor and warm...
Read moreIf you enjoy nature, a visit to the Tropical Spice Plantation (500 rupees) will be the highlight of your trip!
Located in Keri Village, six kilometers from Ponda, Tropical Spice Plantation is one of the most beautiful and least polluted areas in Goa. For nature lovers, especially birding enthusiasts, the plantation is home to over 75 species of resident and migratory birds.
Upon arrival, visitors are showered with flowers and provided some lemongrass tea to drink while you wait until the next 30 minute guided tour starts. On the tour, you'll learn about the plantation and what it is all about. The guided walk through the spice ‘forest’ will bring you to the world of spices and their medicinal values.
Everyone knows about spices such as black pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, chillies, coriander and more. But here, visitors get to see these spices in their plant form. Did you know that there is one particular spice plant that produces a spice that has the aroma and taste of five spices? That’s the All Spice plant for you!
During the tour, you will see coconut trees that are more than hundred years old, tropical trees like cashew, betel nut, palm trees, star fruit, jackfruit, bananas, papayas, pineapple, a great variety of citrus fruits and more.
After the incredibly informative guided tour, you are then led to an open-air restaurant and served the best of...
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