Dudsagar water falls are a great place to go and cool down in the fresh mountain waters. After spending some time in the heat of the Goan summer, it's great to have a dip in the cool waters that cascade down the cliffs. The water collects in a large pool at the base of this impressive waterfall. Probably the best time to go would be between October and Christmas when the falls are at their most active due to the heavy rain in the monsoon. If you prefer a more sedate pace, then coming later on in the year is just as satisfying, when you can dive into the cool water and relax with a satisfying constant flow of water into the largest of the pools. When you arrive at the gates to this national park, the journey isn't over.
Dudsagar water falls are a great. You will see that the park is a plastic free zone, any plastic water bottles will need to be left at the gate, there is also a charge for taking photographic equipment into the park. Rs 50\- for a still cameras, and Rs 250\- for a video camera which is payable at the gate. The jeep takes you 12km through the jungle of the western ghats, driving through rivers and over rocks adds to the enjoyment of this trip. After the journey through the jungle you arrive around 350 meters from the base of the falls.The last part has to be completed on foot, so sensible footware is a must. Along the way you might get a glimpse of some of the monkeys that live around the pool, taking a banana or too will guarantee a great photo of these mischevous animals. Once there you are free to dangle your feet in the cool waters, or even swim in the large pools. The waters are so inviting after the long trip through the jungle.
Hidden away from the tourist hotspots of Goa are huge spice plantations that produce many of Goa's fantastic aromatic spices. Once at the plantation you will either make your way over the riverway by bridge or by boat depending on the season, once on firm land you will be welcomed with a herbal tea and a leaflet briefing you about the plantation. A guide will then take you on a tour of the plantation which will last about one hour, the guide will explain about all the spices and plants you discover and tell you about their medcicinal properties. Black pepper, cardamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, chillies, coriander and all spice are just some of the spice plants you will find in the plantation. Varieties of Cashew trees, betelnut palm trees and some tropical fruits like Star fruit, Custard apples, Papaya, Bananas, Pineapples and the Citrus fruits are also found in the grounds.
There is the chance to see a kingfisher dive into the water, watch the monkeys playing in the trees, and watch one of the staff climb the trees and swing from tree to tree, as this is how the fruit is collected, the normally cover 60 trees, swingingfrom one to another without going back to earth. After you tur round the plantation, you will be served lunch in an open air restuarnt by the riverside, the lunch is a very tasty local meal served on a banana leaf, accompanied by a sweet dish and a tipple of cashew feni (Goan speciality), or Urraq (a light version of feni). While relaxing with your lunch, you might get glipse of a few of the nearly 80 species of birds that have been sighted within the plantation, birds of paradise, cuckoos, koel, cousals, owls, maina, horn bills, pittas, parrots and large eagles are just a few of the birds living around the grounds.
Depending on season, there's the chance of a paddle boat or row boat down the river to look more closely at the beautiful birds in their natual environment.
Old Goa is known as the spiritual heart of Portuguese Goa. It receives a stead flow of tourists, but not too many to spoil this beautiful peaceful churchlined town.
Occassionally you might be lucky enough to see a great pilgrimage to the tomb of St Francis Xavier in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The Se Cathedral, the largest of the churches here, was built in the first quarter of the 17th century. Inside it has richly guilded panels in the main altar showing the maryrdom of the saint. The buildings in the centre of Old Goa are surrounded by oddly shaped trees that curve their way up to the sky, they make great pictures with the clear blue skies of India as a backdrop.It's a great place to unwind and view the beauty of these magnificent buildings. From here we drive to the spice plantation and visit a Hindu temple along the way for pictures and a chance to sample some of the foods, sold by locals along the way.
