Butterfly Conservatory of Goa


This small butterfly sanctuary, 5km north of Ponda, is home to more than 100 species of free-flying butterflies (it’s not enclosed) in a small patch of jungle. It’s a labour of love for the owners and worth a look if you’re visiting nearby spice plantations.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Tropical Spice Plantation

1.46 MILES

Around 5km north of Ponda, this is one of the most popular farms with tour groups, so is often busy and probably best avoided by independent travellers on…

2. Sahakari Spice Farm

1.7 MILES

This well-touristed farm, just 2km from Ponda near the village of Curti, also has elephant rides and elephant bathing in the small river, but these…

3. Safa Shahouri Masjid

1.75 MILES

The Safa Shahouri Masjid, Goa’s oldest remaining mosque, is on Ponda’s northern outskirts. Built by Bijapuri ruler Ali Adil Shah in 1560, it was…

4. Shri Naguesh Temple

2.45 MILES

In the village of Bandode is the small and peaceful Naguesh Temple. The most striking part of the temple is the ancient water tank, with its overhanging…

5. Pascoal Spice Farm

2.51 MILES

About 7km east of Ponda, Pascoal offers bamboo river-rafting and cultural shows, along with farm tours and lunch.

6. Shri Laxmi Narasimha Temple

2.62 MILES

Almost immediately after leaving the village of Mardol on the main road, a side road to the right takes you up a hill towards the little village of…

7. Shri Mahalaxmi Temple

2.71 MILES

Only 4km outside Ponda, and a stone’s throw from Naguesh Temple, is the relatively uninspiring Mahalaxmi Temple. The goddess Mahalaxmi, looked upon as the…

8. Shri Mahalsa Temple

2.75 MILES

The Mahalsa Temple, 1km down the road from the Shri Manguesh Temple, is in the tiny village of Mardol. This temple’s deity originally resided in an…