Indian Retreat - Goa, April 2005.

Overnight excursion staying in cottages

"Experience the beauty of the Goan countryside rich with birds, flora and fauna and ride on elephants. The resort has a plunge pool and an excellent restaurant"

Elephant ride

We went to meet the bus for 0715 on the main road. The bus was a little late, but hey this is Goa! The journey took us a couple of hours, but this included a long wait to pick-up other passengers.

When we arrived at Salem, the home of the 'Indian retreat', two elephants stood abreast of the entrance raising their trunks as we drove past. When we departed the coach we were taken to the communal centre where we had a belated breakfast, this was very good although I have no idea what it was, but it did have potato in it. We also had a locally concocted tea which was delicious, the only ingredient I am sure of was it had a hint of ginger.

Next we were shown to our rooms, it was a basic en-suite affair but it met our needs. We quickly unpacked, and 10 minutes later we were upon an elephant taking a quick trip around the site.

Elephant washing

After a quick refreshment break we boarded the coach to head down to the river, next to a dam. The elephants were already waiting us as we slowly waded through the river. The elephants were lying on their side in the river, here we could scrub the elephants using a specially shaped coconut as a brush. We all took turns cleaning the elephants which by now must be the cleanest in all of Goa.

Next people took it in turn to have an elephant shower. This involved a person sitting on the elephants back and the elephants tossing water over his head with their trunk to drench the person in question after a few soakings the keepers would ask you to turn around so you could get a back and front soaking.

Soon after we headed back to the retreat by coach thereafter we enjoyed a lovely lunch. After lunch we had an hour to kill which we spent relaxing by the pool.

Posing with the elephants

About 1520 we were called over to get changed into traditional Indian dress. For me it proved how difficult it must be for a man to walk in this attire. Évi looked wonderful as usual. Next we posed with the elephants, although this cost us an extra RS200.

After a quick drink in the bar we headed out again to see the elephants performing 'Timber working', which involved the elephant dragging and carrying timber. Next we paid RS100 to feed the elephants potatoes. I managed to get a few decent photographs.

At work

We retired next to the pool to relax for a while before going for a swim, thereafter getting changed for the evening events. The first event of the evening was 'elephant commands', here we got to stroke the elephants and pose for more photographs.

Roasting
Cashew nuts

Fire dance

Next we had our dinner in the restaurant, the food was simply excellent. Well recommended. Shortly after the meal the fire was lit to roast cashew nuts. We tried the nuts whilst they were hot and tasted very good. A little later we rounded off the night with the 'Fire dance' which comprised of everyone dancing in a floodlit procession out of the camp to the sound of the two drums. When we got outside the gates we danced around in a circle for a while. Then a couple of the guests had to take over the drums, Évi and I were chosen and we led the procession around again whilst beating the rhythm. Two more couples led the group before we retired back to the bar/restaurant. We went to bed around 2300.

The next morning we arose at seven, had a quick shower and walked up to the restaurant area. Here we had our breakfast; this consisted of an omelette and a couple of slices of bread.

After breakfast we were shown around the herbal farm, thereafter we boarded the bus having said our goodbyes to the elephants and the staff. We soon stopped en-route on the outskirts of the local village to see the remains of a C16th shrine, which was found whilst building the road. Next we were driven back to our hotel.

For more photographs, click here