Experience the spice of life at Goa's Abyss Spice Farm

Experience the spice of life at Goa's Abyss Spice Farm

When travelers think of Goa, images of sun-drenched beaches, endless coastlines, delicious seafood and a city with a proud colonial heritage immediately come to mind. But we would be wrong to assume that this is all the stunning, lush landscapes of Goa have to offer as the region near Ponda attracts visitors from far and wide to experience a completely different kind of attraction. Scattered across the verdant state's cool slopes are Goa's countless spice plantations, where these aromatic bags of multicolored spices grow in endless lines that stretch to the horizon.

Due to its fertile soil and humid climate, the Western Ghat region of Goa has long been considered a perfect place for spice cultivation. Everything from cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, cardamom, coriander and sweet-smelling vanilla is grown here, while cloves, cashews, chillies, palms and betel nuts are also grown. The spice farm tours are ideal for those who want to discover Goa's rural and natural splendor. They form the foundation of the state's ecotourism industry, as the spice gardens provide guests with a scenic tour that is both informative and unique to the region. Tours offer visitors a rare opportunity to witness the collection of ingredients used to make spice blends, while trained guides patiently explain and identify the various fruits, plants, nuts and flowers that go into making the spices we use every day.

Organic farming is also a specialty of Goa and Abyss Spice Farm is one of the crowning achievements in this regard. Located in a mountainous region literally in the sky, Abyss Spice Farm is one of the state's leading organic farmers. Also known as a large-scale cultivation of medicinal herbs, the farm not only offers guests the opportunity to explore a spice plantation, but also branches out into the mystical world of local plants with healing powers. The farm offers literally hundreds of medicinal plant varieties for every ailment imaginable on its sprawling property, creating biological fame on a grand scale. Visitors can explore the intricate processes of organic farming, with an emphasis on the unique organic farming practices of Goa, and learn about the medicinal properties of various plants. You can also buy farm-fresh spices from the place where the world's best species are cultivated with the utmost care.