Spice Plantation

Since one of the main reasons for taking Goa was to control the spice trade from the east, the Portuguese must have been pleased to find that not only were several spices native to the territory, but that many others could be grown here too. Today spice plantations are still very much in operation and it's possible to spend an enjoyable and informative couple of hours visiting one. It is interesting to see cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom growing alongside pineapples and papaya, and to learn how they are harvested and prepared for consumption.

In the tiny village of Savoi Verem, 10km to the north east of Ponda, is the Spice Plantation (0834) 340243) a setup geared towards the tourists but nonetheless an interesting place. There is a guided, preset tour: drinks and local dishes are provided in the shaded restaurant area. At Rs 300 per head it's hardly a snip, but all food and drinks when you arrive are included.