Club Mahindra Assonora’s eco-trail lets you experience the essence of biodiversity through its unique beekeeping initiative

With a focus to showcase the other side of Goa, Club Mahindra Assonora, Goa is offering its guests a chance to ‘experience the unexplored’ as they like to call it.

Tailormade unique experiences such as an eco-trail that includes, honey harvesting, beekeeping, and walking among the different types of plants on the property. The trail outlines explanations of the various plants, any medicinal features the plant has, and other cultural or local significance.

The resort recently introduced a unique eco-trail that includes a fascinating focus on beekeeping. This initiative aims to showcase the intricate world of bees and their crucial role in the ecosystem, enhancing guests’ understanding and appreciation of these vital pollinators.

The beekeeping project at Assonora began with a pilot phase in February 2023. Inspired by a training programme offered by the Goa Agriculture Department, Dattatray Pradip Athalekar and his associate Vinayak embarked on this journey with the support of Raika Honey Apiary, a partner of the Department of Agriculture, which provided a subsidy on training and bee boxes. This collaboration was pivotal in setting up the initial two bee boxes at the resort.

The primary aim of this initiative is not to harvest honey for guests but to educate them about the significance of bees. During guided eco-trail tours, guests learn about bee behaviour, colony dynamics, their environmental impact and the best time to observe them. The goal is to demystify bees and dispel common fears associated with them and highlighting their role in biodiversity.

Guest interest in the beekeeping aspect has varied with the seasons and the feedback has been largely positive. They appreciate the educational value of the initiative, which provides a deeper connection to the local ecosystem.
- Ryna Mahajan

The beekeeping project, still in its nascent stage, plans for gradual expansion based on pilot results and favourable conditions. Challenges such as maintaining bee health and addressing small threats to the colonies are being actively managed.

Watch this fascinating video to know more about the beekeeping initiative!