Carnivale Goa Day 4: Spice Garden Tour

Aarti, Vermillion on forehead & flowers

From Bom Jesus the Mech'71 ers and their charming wives boarded the coach once again and proceeded to the lush green Sahakari Spice farms located in Curti,Ponda for an incredible once in a lifetime tour lasting around two hours & a half. Occupying an enormous area of 130 acres, 60 acres of this area is exclusively devoted to the cultivation of Spices, Fruits, Medicinal trees and Herbs. This Organic Spice Farm is reputed for the various types of Spices grown in a systematic and scientific manner. Some of these spices include: Vanila,nutmeg,cinnamon,cardamom,pepper,cloves,chilli,curry leaves,turmeric & ginger.

We were welcomed into the spice farm by traditional Aarti,Kumkum & a shower of flower petals by dainty young Goan damsels with dazzling smiles.We were then taken to a thatched restaurant, seated in round formation and served refreshing aromatic herbal drinks.

A young attractive girl was appointed to take us on a guided tour of the plantation.She explained the importance and provenance of the spices, their growing procedures and climatic requirements. The spice garden was truly enchanting place and the young energetic guide had everyone transfixed by her deep knowledge and incisive and impressive presentation. After the truly enlightening tour we were back to the starting point.Each one of us had a unique experience of having chilled herbal water being poured down the nape of our neck for a spine tingling sensation - pure ecstasy.Next we were served a largely vegetarian lunch all cooked in typical Konkani style, fish & chicken for the non vegetarians, and seasonal fruits. After lunch visitors are allowed to go on a shopping spree - variety of spices, ointments and oils & handicrafts.

We witnessed a superb tree climbing demo by a young dare devil local and the video clip (courtesy Bhav Dutt) is posted here.

Carnivale Goa - Day 4 - Bom Jesus

23-01-2018: The relaxing & rejuvenating stay at O-Resorts was over and it was time to bid good bye and continue with our peregrinations elsewhere in Goa.The best news of the morning was that Pimp up and about and looking active,cheerful and in good spirits.The ladies turned out in stylish mind blowing ensembles while men sported shorts and colorful flowery shirts. Packing & check out followed by another round of awesome breakfast, comprehensive round of exceptional snaps & selfies, baggage loading completed and Mech'71ers were off in a semi-luxury coach.The bridge players congregated at the rear of the coach in an attempt to continue their game of bridge.The air conditioning was disastrous (the regulator suffered a breakdown) resulting in extreme unbearable temperatures - super cool or super hot ! Ramu was given the onerous privilege of ensuring that the a/c is switched on-off at regular intervals. 

The first destination was Basilica of Bom Jesus at Bainguinim (19 Kms) The Basilica is a magnificent memorial and a World heritage site and holds the mortal remains of St.Francis Xavier. The stop served conveniently as a wash room break - the church mercifully provides clean and hygienic wash room facility for visitors. Some decided to quench their thirst sipping on sparkling cool tender coconut water while others slurped on choco sticks. Large scale purchases of the famous Goa cashew nuts were made at reputed Zantyes outlet strategically located at Bom Jesus.

Mosaic Monday - Indias Best Car for 55 Years

The Ambassador has been Indias best selling car for 56 Years. It was in production from 1958 to 2014

For more detailed information log onto: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindustan_Ambassador