Witness glittering symphony of nature at this butterfly conservatory in Goa

GT Digital

BOTANICAL BLISS

Situated around 6 km from Ponda city, the ‘Mystic Woods’ and ‘sloping roof garden’ form a unique butterfly conservation park, a 15-year collective effort of Jyoti and Yashodan Heblekar that has transformed this place into a nature’s paradise.

Goa|Mystic Woods|Butterfly conservatory|Heblekars | Photo: Nandini Das Gupta

EXOTIC REALM

Exotic plants, including ferns, bonsai, shrubs and flowering creepers surround the residence. Find the best collection of carnivorous plants, including 8 varieties of Nepenthes.

Goa|Mystic Woods|Ponda|Butterfly conservatory|Nature's abundance | Photo: Nandini Das Gupta

SKY HIGH

A walk up the stairs, adorned with vibrant shrubs, one discovers a garden nestled above the slanting roof, meticulously sustained by underground rainwater harvesting.

Goa|Mystic Woods|Ponda|Garden|Green world | Photo: Nandini Das Gupta

FLORA FIESTA

The plumeria trees and their sweet fragrance not only attract pollinators but also captivate visitors.

Goa|Mystic Woods|Ponda|Conservation | Photo: Nandini Das Gupta

FLYING JEWELS

One can encounter numerous butterflies which are preserved in their native habitat. The entire patch of land is graced with plants and trees that serve as hosts to the pollinators. 

Goa|Mystic Woods|Ponda|Green planet | Photo: Nandini Das Gupta

MYSTIC WOODS

The conservation project by the Heblekar couple is a place where one encounters the opulence of nature, both, visually appealing and tinged with a sense of bliss.

Goa|Mystic Woods|Ponda|Conservation|Pathway | Photo: Nandini Das Gupta

NATURE'S EMBRACE

Embark on a journey of forest experience within this park, where every tree and plant are treasured.

Goa|Mystic Woods|Ponda|Conservation|Forest experience | Photo: Nandini Das Gupta

PRISTINE POND

This pond offers a tranquil setting where one can relax while indulging in a fish pedicure. The gentle flow adds to the serene ambiance, creating soothing sounds.

Goa|Mystic Woods|Ponda|Conservation|Gentle flow | Photo: Nandini Das Gupta

STONE SYMPHONY

In addition to botanical displays and the site of butterflies, visitors can explore one of the best fossil collections on display from all over the world.

Goa|Mystic Woods|Ponda|Conservation|Stone age | Photo: Nandini Das Gupta

CAREFULLY CURATED

One can examine semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, a blue metamorphic rock with golden streaks, sourced from Afghanistan.

Goa|Mystic Woods|Ponda|Conservation|Stone gems | Photo: Nandini Das Gupta

TAKE A SOUVENIR

An array of semi-precious stones such as quartz and coloured pebbles are available here. In addition, one can also purchase saplings and dried specimen of plants. 

Goa|Mystic Woods|Ponda|Conservation|Souvenir | Photo: Nandini Das Gupta

NEXT: IFFI 2023: Glimpses of Day 5

SEE MORE