Goa, India - Spice Plantation Options

[Jade13]

We will be in Goa this November and have made arrangements for a private tour to a Spice Plantation, which includes lunch.

 

We have the option of two plantations. It is unlikely anyone here has been to both, but would like to hear comments positive or negative if you have been to either (Note the cruise lines tour goes to a totally different plantation).

 

Tropical was the original one given and has elephants (we have no interest in taking a bath with an elephant, but there may be an option for a ride). I expressed concern that the elephants may be abused. I understand they cut off the male tusks to ward off poachers, but still could be upsetting to see (I don't like the photo on their website which shows a man hanging from the stumps of what is left of this elephants tusks). On the other hand, Tropical Plantation seems to be used more by tour groups, so maybe they are better equipped for tours or lunch.

 

I would like some input.

Savoi Plantation owned and managed by the Shetye family and over 200 years old (no elephants).

 

http://www.savoiplantation.com

 

SAVOI PLANTATION, Ponda GOA - INDIA 403 401

Tel: (091832) 2340272/2340243/9423888899/9823340272 Telefax: 2340561

Email: savaiplantation@rediffmail.com

Tropical Spice Plantation (Seems prefered by many tour companies)

http://www.tropicalspiceplantation.com

H. No. A-14

Arla Bazar Keri

Ponda, GoaPincode - 403 401

 

I asked and was told both are good.

 

Any input would be appreciated.

Edited August 29, 2013 by Jade13

[CRUISEBOY305]

We will be in Goa this November and have made arrangements for a private tour to a Spice Plantation, which includes lunch.

 

We have the option of two plantations. It is unlikely anyone here has been to both, but would like to hear comments positive or negative if you have been to either (Note the cruise lines tour goes to a totally different plantation).

 

Tropical was the original one given and has elephants (we have no interest in taking a bath with an elephant, but there may be an option for a ride). I expressed concern that the elephants may be abused. I understand they cut off the male tusks to ward off poachers, but still could be upsetting to see (I don't like the photo on their website which shows a man hanging from the stumps of what is left of this elephants tusks). On the other hand, Tropical Plantation seems to be used more by tour groups, so maybe they are better equipped for tours or lunch.

 

I would like some input.

Savoi Plantation owned and managed by the Shetye family and over 200 years old (no elephants).

 

http://www.savoiplantation.com

 

SAVOI PLANTATION, Ponda GOA - INDIA 403 401

Tel: (091832) 2340272/2340243/9423888899/9823340272 Telefax: 2340561

Email: savaiplantation@rediffmail.com

Tropical Spice Plantation (Seems prefered by many tour companies)

http://www.tropicalspiceplantation.com

H. No. A-14

Arla Bazar Keri

Ponda, GoaPincode - 403 401

 

I asked and was told both are good.

 

Any input would be appreciated.

 

Following up.

 

How was your experience? What did you end up doing?

 

Just booked an Arabic Sea and India cruise on Celebrity for 2018

[4774Papa]

We did an excellent tour with Lijo jose

http://www.goaprivatedaytours.com

Not sure of the name of the spice plantation.

 

There was an elephant at the plantation, we saw no abuse of the animal.

The plantation was nice and lunch was excellent.

[CRUISEBOY305]

We did an excellent tour with Lijo jose

http://www.goaprivatedaytours.com

Not sure of the name of the spice plantation.

 

There was an elephant at the plantation, we saw no abuse of the animal.

The plantation was nice and lunch was excellent.

 

Thank you so much for the link :D