A day long itinerary from Goa to Dudhsagar Falls
Dudhsagar falls, popularly known as the "Chennai Express falls" is the nature's majestic creation at the Goa Karnataka border, approximately 3 hours from Goa. It is accessible from both Goa and Karnataka. The water is milky white (hence, Dudhsagar) the beauty of which is beyond apprehension, and is one of the highest waterfalls in India. It is a must visit for people looking for something offbeat and are done with the same old places in Goa.
I got a chance to visit the falls last monsoon. We decided to board the train from Vasco as the road to Dudhsagar Falls was inaccessible at that time. There's a train that runs on that route, which leaves at 7:00 am from Goa and also, the same train returns at 17:00 hours from Kulem, the nearest station to Dudhsagar. After about 2 hours, we got off at Kulem. From there, started a trek of approximately 12 kms. It's better to take a guide as they know the proper routes through the forest. One can also get off at Dudhsagar station, and start trekking from there or hire a bike with a professional rider who would drop you near the falls. After that, starts the most adventurous part of crossing the river multiple times to reach the base of the falls, with the body half submerged in water.
We booked a guide we met at the station, and started trekking. The terrain was uneven and the rains made it all the more difficult to walk. The dense evergreen forests with monsoon showers and the sound of a river flowing by, was a cherry on top. After about 4 hours, we reached the base of the falls. The magnificent beauty was within our reach and I couldn't help but admire it incessantly. The rain started pouring and the glory of the falls was increased a hundred times. After spending about an hour or two in its lap, it was time for us to head back, as we had to board the 5:00pm train back to Goa. Tired from all the walking, and low on energy, we tried convincing one of the bike riders to drop us to the station, and he agreed to drop us half way. We hopped on the bike and then started the scariest 20 mins of our lives. He was going faster than an airplane that's about to take off. The terrain was all muddy from the rain, but he was unstoppable. It was a 1.5metre wide track with Mandovi river by its side. My hands were squeezing the hoop of the motorcycle, my body began to stiffen and I felt like a frightened bird in a cage. But we had no choice. We heaved a sigh of relief when he dropped us safe and sound. We started walking again alongside the railway track. After walking for about 2 hours, completely drenched, we reached Kulem and boarded the train at 17:00, still not ready to say goodbye. I settled myself in, and sooner than I'd realise, we were back in Goa again.
Protips-
1. Carry a water bottle and munchies with you.
2. Always carry a raincoat if you plan on going in monsoon, which is the best time to visit anyway.
3. Hiring a guide is better if you are going for the first time.
4. Time coordination is very important if you are going by train and want to come back the same day.
5. Always carry a torch and a first aid kit.
6. Keep you friends and family well informed as there is no connectivity in the nearby areas.
I got a chance to visit the falls last monsoon. We decided to board the train from Vasco as the road to Dudhsagar Falls was inaccessible at that time. There's a train that runs on that route, which leaves at 7:00 am from Goa and also, the same train returns at 17:00 hours from Kulem, the nearest station to Dudhsagar. After about 2 hours, we got off at Kulem. From there, started a trek of approximately 12 kms. It's better to take a guide as they know the proper routes through the forest. One can also get off at Dudhsagar station, and start trekking from there or hire a bike with a professional rider who would drop you near the falls. After that, starts the most adventurous part of crossing the river multiple times to reach the base of the falls, with the body half submerged in water.
We booked a guide we met at the station, and started trekking. The terrain was uneven and the rains made it all the more difficult to walk. The dense evergreen forests with monsoon showers and the sound of a river flowing by, was a cherry on top. After about 4 hours, we reached the base of the falls. The magnificent beauty was within our reach and I couldn't help but admire it incessantly. The rain started pouring and the glory of the falls was increased a hundred times. After spending about an hour or two in its lap, it was time for us to head back, as we had to board the 5:00pm train back to Goa. Tired from all the walking, and low on energy, we tried convincing one of the bike riders to drop us to the station, and he agreed to drop us half way. We hopped on the bike and then started the scariest 20 mins of our lives. He was going faster than an airplane that's about to take off. The terrain was all muddy from the rain, but he was unstoppable. It was a 1.5metre wide track with Mandovi river by its side. My hands were squeezing the hoop of the motorcycle, my body began to stiffen and I felt like a frightened bird in a cage. But we had no choice. We heaved a sigh of relief when he dropped us safe and sound. We started walking again alongside the railway track. After walking for about 2 hours, completely drenched, we reached Kulem and boarded the train at 17:00, still not ready to say goodbye. I settled myself in, and sooner than I'd realise, we were back in Goa again.
1. Carry a water bottle and munchies with you.
2. Always carry a raincoat if you plan on going in monsoon, which is the best time to visit anyway.
3. Hiring a guide is better if you are going for the first time.
4. Time coordination is very important if you are going by train and want to come back the same day.
5. Always carry a torch and a first aid kit.
6. Keep you friends and family well informed as there is no connectivity in the nearby areas.
7. You can visit the falls under 1500 INR/ person, including the train fare, and a guide/ bike.
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