Dudhsagar Waterfall is situated inside the Bhagwan Mahavir
wildlife sanctuary in Sanguem district of Goa close to the border with
Karnataka. It is about 60 km from state capital Panaji. Water plummets from a
height of over 1,000 ft to form one of the most amazing natural phenomena in
Goa.
According to legend, the waterfall was once the abode of a beautiful
princess. The princess used to drink sweetened milk from a golden jug after she
took a bath. One day, she spotted a prince watching her while she drank the
milk. She poured the milk to form a curtain to hide her modesty.
The roads leading to the waterfall, maintained by the Goa
Forest Department, remain closed during the monsoon and open in October.
Trekking to the waterfall is the most popular activity and
passes through steep mountain terrain. Jeep safari is also popular with
tourists. There are four routes to reach the waterfall. The most adventurous
trek starts from Kuveshi village. It is not allowed during monsoon as it
requires cross the Mandovi River. The 10 km long route passes through thick
jungle.
During monsoon, the trek from Castle Rock railway station to
the waterfall is very popular. It is about 14 km long
and offers amazing views of the valley. The third trail starting from
Collem railway station or Kulhem railway station; is about 11 km long. Though
scenic it is not as popular as the trail from Castle Rock.
The easiest way to reach the waterfall is to take a 4×4
vehicle to the Dudhsagar taxi stand and hike the one km distance from the
dropping point. The route is preferred by those who travel in big groups which
also included women and children.
Our Journey starts from
Dudhsagar railway station
From dudhsagar waterfall railway station. it takes around 3
hours of trek to reach the Waterfall
Indian railways
It was fun walking
through this section of the railway tracks in the middle of the forest, through
numerous tunnels. We had to be mindful the whole while of the sound of any
approaching train.
Beautiful view from top
From a distance, it looks like the area around the Dudhsagar
waterfalls is covered in clouds. It is actually just the spray from the
waterfalls, its momentum so strong, it actually crosses over to the other side
of the railway tracks. We had to put our camera away to prevent it from being
sprayed over.
Watching the rainbow after almost a decade.It was great
experience because the
rainbow is just a few steps away.
Group Pic surrounded with the rainbow in background.
Trek to Dudhsagar would undeniably be a dream trekking place
for all the trek freaks and it was on my bucket list since last few months.This One of the most scenic waterfalls in India, Dudhsagar
literally means ‘Sea of Milk’. Though perennial, the beauty of the waterfall
increases multi-fold during the rainy season.
The Waterfall is located in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wild Life
Sanctuary at Collem in South Goa along the western Ghats, bordering the
neighbouring State of Karnataka.
Dudhsagar is one of the world's most exquisite falls.
It lies high up in the Mandovi River's watershed and so are so
spectacular during the monsoon season when the falls are
transformed into one of the most powerful falls in India. Dudhsagar Falls
is listed as India's fifth tallest waterfall and is 227th in the world at
310 m. The water plummets hundreds of meters (over a thousand feet)
in large volumes during the rainy monsoon season, forming one of the most
spectacular natural phenomena in Goa.
The Dudhsagar waterfalls. A picture speaks a thousand words.
But even a thousand pictures fall short of what hit us when we first laid
our eyes on these waterfalls.
Train passing by
dudhsagar waterfall
Enjoying the beautiful view of the waterfall from far
distance.
Tea seller waiting for the customers.
“It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the
journey that matters in the end.”
This was a unique trek for me since I had never trekked on a
railway track dotted with dark tunnels and surrounded by absolute
greenery.
How to reached.
By Road: The Water Fall can be reached by
road , from Kulem which is off National Highway (NH-4A). All Interstate Busses
halt at Mollem where the Park office is located. You can take a local bus to
Kulem from the highway or from Ponda, which is the nearest city. Route:
Panaji-Old Goa-Ponda-Tiska-Mollem. (57 kms) Margao-Ponda-Tiska-Mollem (42 kms)
By Rail: Nearest Station: Kulem(QLM)
(South Central Railway); Route: Kulem-Mollem - 6 km
Carambolim (Karmali Railway Station - Konkan Railways),
Route: Carambolim-Old Goa-Ponda-Tiska-Mollem-50 km, by Road.
Take the turn off at Kulem near the Hindustan Petroleum
Petrol pump. Drive 9 kms down the road. Entering the park is not advisable in a
normal car, and may only be accessible to SUV's and 4WD jeeps, as the road
comprises of a boulder strewn jungle track that has rivers criss crossing it at
several points.
The trip to the falls is well organized by the local Taxi
Union. Jeeps which are allowed to carry only 6 passengers cost Rs 2100/-. The
driver will drop you off near the falls and wait for one and a half hour before
taking you back to Kulem. You can economise by forming a group of 6 and pay Rs:
350 each. However the union does not help you form the group. Life jackets
which can be hired for Rs: 30 per person are made compulsury by the DM before
taking the Jeep to the falls.
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I love Goa and it's beautiful beaches, nature and lovely people.
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