The scenery within the Spice Plantation in Ponda, Goa

by  Andy Paolacci,

There are loads of tours in Goa that any given traveller can partake in; but to enjoy a true Goan experience, visit the Sahakari Spice Plantation in Ponda.

If you’re travelling to Goa and are searching for a genuine insight into Goan culture, then dedicating a day to visiting the Sahakari Spice Plantation is the perfect way to experience and embrace the provincial passion of spice production in India.

Sahakari Spice Plantation Tours

Travelers can also take pleasure in the experience of an elephant ride throughout the outskirts of the spice plantation. There are three elephants (a male, a female and a baby) that are trained to amuse you in uniquely entertaining ways. While the male predominantly engages in most of the elephant rides, the baby elephant provides photography enthusiasts with some gorgeous photo opportunities as it receives its education in elephant riding.

Another view of the surroundings of the Goa Spice Plantation

The female elephant can also be ridden, but she instead offers travelers the chance to get to bathe her. Your guide will take you and the elephant down to the shallow river where you will be supplied with scrubbing brushes in which you will literally give the elephant a good old-fashioned cleaning. The elephant itself will lie down and roll around as you bathe her back, legs and even behind her ears, allowing your guide or taxi driver to take some truly unforgettable pictures of the experience.

The best part comes next, however! Once you’ve finished giving the elephant a bath, she will sit up, requesting you (and a friend if you wish) to sit on her back. Once you’re safely secured on top of the elephant, the guide will ask you to face the other way. Why, you ask?!

Well, unexpectedly and without notice, the elephant will return the favor by showering you, as she flamboyantly saturates you with her trunk. Unexpected, indeed! What you can expect, however, is that you will be left utterly drenched. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a bond or connection with the elephant, and one that will unquestionably live long in the memory of your trip to Goa.

Sahakari Spice Plantation Prices

Entrance into the Sahakari Spice Plantation will cost you 400 Indian rupees (exclusive of transport to and from the spice plantation). Included in the entry price is an hour-long tour of the spice plantation, opportunities to purchase produce from the plantation itself and a free lunch where many of the spices have been used in preparing the Indian banquet.

If you’re interested in riding the elephant, you can do so for 600 Indian rupees (circa 2011) and for another 600 Indian rupees, you can take part in the bathing session with the female elephant. For more information regarding tours to the Sahakari Spice Farm, contact your travel agent, speak to your hotel concierge or visit the website.