Tropical Spice Plantation: Indulge In Homemade Feni, Elephant Baths & More

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Cradled in the heart of Keri, where the air hums with the secrets of the earth, Tropical Spice Plantation is less a destination and more a passage into Goa’s untamed soul. Just 6 kilometres from Ponda, this is where the clichés of Goa dissolve like mist at dawn, leaving only the raw, fragrant poetry of nature.

What Is It?

Here’s what’s in store for you—strolling through spice plantations, watching experts scale towering trees to fetch fresh coconuts, and even getting a playful bath from an elephant. And when you’re nice and refreshed, you’ll sit down to a delicious organic lunch made straight from the plantation’s own produce. The best part? You’ll get to sip on some in-house feni, the perfect little kick to wrap up the experience!

What's So Unique About It?

I loved the hospitality and the professional conduct of the staff. Tropical Spice Plantation is spread over a large tract of verdant land, which offers the perfect setting for you to soak in pure, unadulterated nature. They welcome their guests in a traditional way by offering aarti, kumkum, and a garland of flowers. Then, the guests are served herbal tea. Healthy and nutritious food is also served traditionally on a banana leaf.

The Tropical Spice Plantation guided tour will refresh your senses and make you feel a part of nature. Indulge in a riot of colors in their butterfly garden as the latest additions to our already magnificent ecosystem fly around. Delight in the sight of over 75 species of birds within the plantation. Catch sight of some very rare and endangered species of birds.

Time required to explore: 30-40 minutes approx.

Location: Keri

Time: 10 AM - 4 PM

How Do I Get There?

By air: The nearest airport is Manohar International Airport (GOX), Mopa, about 50 km away, while Dabolim Airport (GOI) is around 40 km from the plantation. From either airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car for a comfortable journey.

By road: The plantation is approximately 30 km from Panaji (45–50 mins), 35 km from Margao (50–55 mins), and 50 km from Calangute/Baga (1.5 hours). You can drive yourself, hire a taxi, or rent a scooter for a scenic ride. Regular buses also run to Ponda Bus Stand, from where a short 6 km taxi or auto-rickshaw ride will get you to the plantation.

By railway: Karmali Railway Station (22 km) and Madgaon Railway Station (35 km) are the closest options, with taxis and buses available for the onward journey.

Traditional Food Servicing at Tropical Spice Plantation

After the tour, get ready for a feast that stays true to Goan tradition. At Tropical Spice Plantation, lunch is served on fresh banana leaves in an open-air setting, surrounded by nature. Vegetarians can enjoy a flavorful spread of Jeera Rice, Veg Dal, Vegetable Curry, Bread, Papad, Pickle, and a sweet dish, while non-vegetarians get to indulge in Chicken, Prawn Curry, Fish, and a sweet treat. And, of course, no Goan meal is complete without a sip of locally brewed Feni.

Cost & Best Time To Visit

The cost of entry is INR 500 per person. It is best to go there when Goa is slightly cooler and less humid.