Jugati Nature farm, Goa

It was a few weeks since we have stepped out of the city. Both J and I were feeling restless. We decided to head out on a sunday and look at some greenery and water. J wanted to go to the hills. Something about the rise and the fall of the mountains and valleys seem to give him a high!?! He looked up the map of Goa, and decided we are going in the north - east direction. It is surely Valpoi, and he found this name 'Jugati Nature farm', somewhere in it. 

Got up at a reasonable hour on a sunday morning, got ready with the caps, walking sticks, breakfast (J's responsibility), fruit, plenty of drinking water and a change of clothes.... 

It feels so good to get out of the house and on to the country roads, looking at the lazy scenery and enjoying the breeze, sun and the sound of birds!!! We never take the highway.

 

On missing a couple of turns and finding our way, we finally spotted the small board nailed to the tree. The Jugati Nature Farm run by Pilar Fathers is situated in Bhirondem village, in Valpoi in Sattari taluka for Goa. 

On entering through a gate, one can see the natural and organic way of farming here.

 

  

There is a small building here, used to store the farm produce and an attached pavilion for presentations and demonstration. When we were there, several people were consulting Fr.Santiago on natural cures for Diabetics etc.

A large part of the farm is covered with the Palm oil trees. For the first time in my life, I saw the palm fruit on the tree. There were jack fruit trees, Cheeku trees, and rows of Pine apple shrubs.

  

 

 

 At the end of the farm, the path goes down a few steps. There are a few places where you can have your picnic and sit and relax. From here the river Mhadei can be seen and traversed. Since it is the beginning of april, the depth of the river was only knee deep. There was family of 8, frolicking in the warm waters. Plenty of small fish can be seen.

 

 

The scenery was tranquil and breathtaking at the same time. One can either sit on the shore and gaze at the water, or get into the water and enjoy the beautiful feel of the water on the skin. In the monsoons, the river can be full and ferocious.

An old fisherman was busy collecting mussels. He was one industrious person, covered a large area in a short time!

It is an eco friendly farm, drinking and littering is not allowed. They allow people to go to the river, but with permission. If you are in Goa, and like this type of outing, hire a car and head out to Valpoi.