Tropical Spice Plantation: Exploring one of Goa’s oldest spice plantations

Tropical Spice Plantation, located in Keri (Ponda), is an offbeat and unique experience you need to add to your Goa itinerary. Located a short distance (6 km) away from Ponda, Tropical Spice Plantation is a quick and fun getaway from the busy Panjim. The plantation is also one of Goa’s oldest spice plantations.

Keri village enjoys a refreshingly unadulterated environment and that’s exactly what you also get while visiting this famous spice plantation. From the verdant greenery, for as far as the eyes can see, to the several bird calls, if you are nature lover, a visit to the Tropical Spice Plantation is something you will remember for a long time.

The plantation experience

Upon arrival, visitors are handed out an informative leaflet that helps visitors understand the plantation and what it is all about. When at the plantation, one needs to go on a guided tour (not compulsory, but advised) so that one can get the best of the experiences. The guided walk through the spice ‘forest’ will bring you to the world of spices and their medicinal values.

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We know 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? Yes, that’s the All Spices plant for you. It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that the All Spice plant is one of the famous stars of this plantation.


Walk around some more and you will see coconut trees that are more than hundred years old, tropical trees like cashew, areca nut palm trees and star fruit, jackfruit, custard apple, bananas, papayas, pineapple and more. For me, the best parts of the guided walk was the feni-making demonstration and one on how to climb a coconut tree in a matter of a few seconds. That is definitely something I would personally never do, but it sure gives content for a good storytelling session.

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After the incredibly informative guided tour, there’s an exquisite Goan lunch waiting for the visitors. Some of the finest traditional Goan meals are served. After the hearty lunch one should definitely browse the spice shops that are around. From whole spice to essential oils and the traditional feni and urraq are some of the items you can bring back with you.


For nature lovers, especially birding enthusiasts, the plantation is home to over 75 species of resident as well the migratory birds. For a wholesome experience of the plantation and the wildlife it offers, one can ride a paddle or a row-boat around the plantation to see the birds in their natural habitat and without disturbing them.