Dudhsagar Falls, located on the border of Goa and Karnataka in India, translates to Sea of Milk, and it aptly describes the appearance of the waterfall during the monsoon season. With a height of approximately 1,017 feet, Dudhsagar is one of the tallest waterfalls in the country, creating a mesmerising spectacle as water cascades down in multiple tiers.
Nestled within the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Dudhsagar Falls is set amidst the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The falls are surrounded by dense forests, making it a haven for biodiversity. Apart from the gorgeous waterfall, the journey to Dudhsagar Falls is what most thrill seekers love the most.
However, for those who are planning to drive to the falls, it is important to note that the waterfall is off limits in monsoon as the roads are closed during the rainy season. The roads generally open in the month of October.
The trek
Visitors have multiple options to reach the falls, with trekking and train rides being popular choices. The trekking route takes you through thick forests, across streams, and over rocky terrain. If you are trekking, there are some routes that you can take to reach the waterfall.
- Castle Rock Route: It’s a 14 km hike along the railway track and it will take you approximately six hours to complete. You will be walking through several tunnels on this route.
- Collem/Kullem Route: From Collem Railway Station, the waterfall is approximately 11 km away. This one is a road less taken but if you want to take photographs of trains passing through, this route is the best one. This route will require approximately five hours.
If you choose to trek, you’ll embark on a moderate to difficult trek through dense forests and streams.
Via train
You can do the Collem – Mollem – Dudhsagar route. For this route, the nearest railway station would be Collem. You can also try the Carambolim – Old Goa – Ponda – Tiska – Mollem – Dudhsagar route. This one is a longer route.
The train route offers a unique perspective as the tracks wind through tunnels, offering glimpses of the cascading waterfall along the way. During the monsoon season, when the rainfall is abundant, Dudhsagar Falls is at its most magnificent. The water rushes down with great force, creating a thunderous roar that reverberates through the surroundings. The sheer power and beauty of the falls leave visitors in awe, providing a humbling experience of nature’s might.
Source: TOI