Hey there! I am saideep Naik, A local Goan born and brought up in Ponda, I have watched the Sahakari Spice Plantation grow from a family treasure into one of Goa’s most cherished experiences. Growing up here, the aroma of spices was as much a part of my life as the salty sea breeze. Spices weren’t just ingredients—they were stories of our land, knitted into every meal and ritual.
Today, I’m taking you on a journey through this 130-acre spice haven, including some hidden spots that most visitors never see!
First Impressions at Sahakari Spice Plantation
The moment you enter the spice farm, you are treated like family. They welcome every guest with a beautiful garland and a special home-made drink – a refreshing blend of ginger and lemongrass that instantly connects you to the plantation’s essence. This welcome ritual has been our tradition for generations, and it’s just the beginning of your sensory journey that instantly transports you to another world.
How to Reach Sahakari Spice Plantation
Let me start with the basics, Sahakari Spice Plantation is about 30 kilometers from Panaji, near my hometown of Ponda. Trust me, the journey itself is worth it! While most tourists stick to the main entrance, here’s a local secret: the backside of the plantation offers a less crowded entry point and some of the most photogenic views of the spice gardens.
Seven Generations of Spice Magic
What makes Sahakari Spice Plantation unique is not just its impressive size – it’s the story behind it. This isn’t your typical tourist spot; it’s a living, breathing piece of Goan heritage that’s been nurtured by the same family for seven generations. As someone who grew up watching this plantation evolve, I can tell you that every corner has a story to tell.
Spice Trail Tour at Sahakari Spice Plantation
Remember how your grandmother’s kitchen had that magical aroma? That’s what walking through Sahakari feels like, but multiplied by a hundred! Here’s what you’ll discover:
- Cinnamon: Watch how the harvesters skillfully peel the bark without damaging the tree (a technique that’s been passed down through generations). As a local, I grew up learning about its incredible medicinal properties – from controlling diabetes to providing natural pain relief.
- Cardamom: Or as we locals call it, the queen of spices – essential in our traditional Goan desserts. You’ll see how these precious pods are carefully harvested by hand to maintain its quality.
- Pepper: The “black gold” that still grows exactly as it did when spice traders first landed on our shores. They show you the fascinating process of how the same peppercorn transforms into both black and white pepper.
- Nutmeg and Mace: Two treasures from one fruit – The tour guides love showing visitors this little miracle. The crimson mace wrapped around the nutmeg seed is a sight that never gets old!
- Cloves: Used in our traditional medicine and famous fish curry masalas. The harvest timing is crucial – we pick them just before the buds bloom to capture their intense flavor.
Local Secrets: What Most Guides Won’t Tell You
Best Seasons to Visit Sahakari Spice Plantation
- Monsoon Magic (June-September): The plantation transforms into an emerald paradise
- Winter Wonderland (October-February): Perfect weather for exploring every corner
Hidden Spots at the Plantation’s Backside
- The “spice tree” at the backside of the plantation – a unique spot where multiple spice aromas blend together
- Try the plantation’s special red rice with fresh coconut syrup (my personal favorite!)
Plan Your Visit Like a Pro
Entry Fee & Timings
- Entry Fee: ₹500 per person (includes a guided tour and traditional Goan buffet)
- Timing: Early mornings or late afternoons are best to avoid crowds
- What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat and mosquito repellent
- Camera (trust me, you’ll need it!)
What to Pack
The plantation offers ample parking, but I recommend hiring a scooter for the most authentic Goan experience. The backside entrance is accessible via a scenic route that most tourists miss – just ask any local for directions to “Sahakari spice plantation backside.”
Beyond the Regular Tour
Workshop Experiences
While the regular tour is wonderful, the real magic happens when you venture deeper. The plantation hosts occasional spice workshops and cooking demonstrations that aren’t widely advertised. If you’re lucky, you might catch one of these sessions where local experts share centuries-old secrets about spice blending and traditional Goan cooking.
Eco-Friendly Initiatives
What makes me proudest is how the plantation maintains eco-friendly practices. Every spice is grown sustainably, ensuring that future generations can enjoy this treasure just as we do today.
Shopping Guide: Take Home a Piece of Sahakari
plantation shop is a treasure trove of organic goodness. Beyond the freshly harvested spices (which are worlds apart from what you’ll find in supermarkets), They offer:
- Organic spice-infused soaps
- Natural essential oils
- Traditional spice blends
- Eco-friendly handicrafts made by local artisans
- Pure spice powders with no additives
- Medicinal spice mixtures based on traditional recipes
My tip? The cardamom and cinnamon make perfect gifts for folks back home, and don’t miss special spice tea blends – they’re a local favorite!
Extend Your Adventure
If you’re exploring the area, combine your visit with trips to nearby temples like Mangueshi Temple. The backside of Sahakari spice plantation connects to some lovely village roads that lead to these cultural landmarks.
Remember, Sahakari isn’t just a tourist spot – it’s a living piece of Goan heritage where agriculture, tradition, and sustainability come together. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast, a curious traveler, or someone seeking to understand Goa beyond its beaches, this plantation offers a glimpse into our true culture.
Also If you have some spare time you could also visit some of the nearby places in south goa
Viva Goa,
Dev Bare Karu
Some Pictures of spices at Sahakari Spice farms
