Feni distillery and cashew trail tasting
A culturally rich half-day to full-day experience visiting small, family-run cashew orchards and traditional feni distilleries in southern Goa. Participants learn how cashew apples are harvested and processed, watch toddy tapping and distillation, and enjoy guided tastings of cashew feni (and sometimes coconut feni), paired with roasted cashew nuts and local Goan snacks. Tours are village-based (Cansaulim, Colva, Betalbatim) and can be combined with a seaside lunch or a short beach visit.
Location
Cansaulim, Colva, Betalbatim (various village distilleries and orchards), South Goa (near Margao), India
Duration
2–4 hours (half-day) or 6–8 hours for an extended full-day trail
Best Time to Visit
October to May — cooler, dry months. March–May is peak cashew harvest season (best for fresh cashew apple tastings); feni production and tastings are possible year-round.
Pricing
Typical pricing (indicative):
- INR 800–1,200 per person — shared group tasting (2–3 stops, no transport)
- INR 1,500–2,500 per person — private half-day tour with pick-up/drop-off and lunch
- Custom/full-day experiences with additional activities (cooking class, extended tastings) from INR 2,500+ Prices vary by operator, group size and inclusions (transport, lunch, bottles to take home).
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Visit family-run cashew orchards and small distilleries
See toddy tapping and traditional pot-still distillation
Guided tasting of cashew feni and sometimes coconut feni
Taste fresh cashew apple and roasted cashew nuts (seasonal)
Learn about cashew nut processing (roasting, shelling, grading)
Pairings with local Goan snacks and optional seaside lunch
Opportunity to buy artisanal feni, cashew nuts and preserves
Itinerary
Pickup / Meet at pick-up point (Colva/Cansaulim/Betalbatim)
Start times can be adjusted; private tours offer hotel/airport pick-up.
Visit a cashew orchard
Walk through the orchard, learn about tree cycle and cashew apple harvesting. Fresh cashew apple tasting if in season (March–May). Wear closed shoes.
Cashew nut processing demonstration
See roasting, manual shelling (careful — shells are hot and sharp) and grading; explanation of value chain.
Feni distillery visit and demo
Watch toddy collection and traditional distillation in earthenware or copper pot-stills; discussion on differences between cashew and coconut feni.
Guided tasting session
Sample 2–4 varieties (young vs aged feni, coconut feni where available). Tastings paired with roasted cashew nuts and local snacks. Legal drinking age and ID required.
Optional Goan lunch or beach stop
Enjoy a seafood or vegetarian Goan meal at a local eatery or relax at nearby Colva beach (if included).
Drop-off / Market stop
Opportunity to purchase bottles, packaged cashew nuts, preserves and souvenirs. Tour concludes with drop-off at pickup point or hotel.
Safety Requirements
Carry valid ID (legal drinking age 18+ in India)
Do not drink and drive; use provided transport or arrange a driver
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid alcohol tastings
Allergy warning: cashew nut exposure — inform guides about nut allergies
Wear closed shoes to protect from hot shells and rough terrain
Be cautious around distillery equipment — follow staff instructions
Stay hydrated and use sun protection during orchard visits
Tips
Bring ID to verify age for tastings
Book in advance during peak season (Dec–Jan and March–May)
Carry small cash for purchases — many village stalls prefer cash
Inform the operator of nut allergies or dietary preferences
Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing; bring a hat and sunscreen
Buy small sealed bottles if you want to take feni home and check airline/customs rules for carrying alcohol
Try both cashew feni (strong, fruity) and coconut feni (smoother) — aged feni is mellower and good for sipping
Combine the tour with a beach visit to Colva or a seafood lunch for a fuller day
