I had been contemplating a trip to some waterfall in the country’s interiors for quite some time. India is home to umpteen number of waterfalls, mostly in the state of Karnataka. The gushing, overpowering water falling from some point on the hills, the gurgling sounds, the chirping of birds, lush green carpets of meadows have always ignited my curiosity and passion for life. After all, water is is one of the reason of our existence! I decided impulsively to trek to Dudhsagar Waterfalls, close to Kulem, a small unexplored hamlet of Goa, tucked away from the bustling beach life. I was aching to experience this other side of Goa, up in the hills, clouds hovering above us, raindrops soothing our cheeks, jumping in the mud puddles- all this side of Goa was divine.  When I decided to take this plunge, with my cousins, we decided to join the Mumbai Travellers, a Mumbai-based outdoor experiential travel company. We were told that we would be trekking from Kulem to Dudhsagar and then back. However, due to delay in reaching Kulem, our one side of trek was reduced to mere 1 KM away from the falls. In all, we trekked 15 KMs, instead of the regular 28 KMs! But what fun it was!

I will let the pictures tell you our story.

1. THE ONE AND ONLY TRAIN- GOA EXPRESS

that runs twice a day, in between tracks, just before the Dudhsagar waterfalls. Given the amount of trekkers and visitors, railway authorities have been forced to take a 30 second stop, just a KM away from the falls.

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 2.THE TRAIL

the route to Dudhsagar falls, is a track trail. One has to get down on the rail tracks from the train and walk for long 3-4 hours from Kulem, unless you decide to take advantage of those mere 30 seconds, just before the fall

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3. THE FIRST GLIMPSE OF DUDHSAGAR FALLS

Just minutes away from the falls, we got a glimpse of what we were to expect. The waters of Dudhsagar or the milk sea, as it is popularly known, in its full form.

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4. UP, CLOSE AND PERSONAL

The pristine gushing waters, the coolness of the air, the breezy wind all transport you to into another world.

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5. HANGING OUT BY THE FALLS 

is great fun if behaved responsibly. A small brick hut has been built, just around the waterfalls, for the visitors to soak in the sheer intensity and graciousness of the walls. The water originating from some point in the Mandovi river in Goa, runs through the hills. It’s water is turned towards 2 dams, one each in Karnataka and Goa. However, the waterfall remains victim to some of the nuisance by visitors, causing garbage and littering around the falls. Plastic bags, bottles being thrown in the falls and people getting drunk under the garb of fun and picnic shames the falls.

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6. INTERACTING WITH THE LOCALS

The falls, springing from a lofty height of 600 meters, also houses some of the weirdest, nicest and beautiful flora and fauna. Lots of butterflies, birds and tiny insects sprung during our trek from nowhere. While we couldn’t capture the dynamic birds and colourful butterflies, we managed to capture this Mister, while walking in the tracks. Unfortunately, the name of this local remains unknown.

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7.GREEN AND WHITE CANVAS. LET’S GET SOME INSPIRATION;

where you find yourself as a tiny drop in nature’s magnificent ocean of beauty.

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8. TRAIN SPOTTING AT DUDHSAGAR

Dudhsagar is a perfect spot to reminisce, the good olden days of childhood. Remember the time, when train spotting was a bigger joy, than the monthly salary cheque?

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A note on Dudhsagar Falls: 

Dudhsagar Falls (literally Sea of Milk ) is a four  tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River in the Indian state of Goa on Goa’s border with Karnataka state. Some 60 km from Panaji city by road and 46 km from Madgaon railway junction by train, it’s can be visited over a weekend. Legend has it that, that a beautiful princess lived in the forest (near present day Dudhsagar Falls) in a palace. She loved and enjoyed bathing in a lake nearby and used to drink “sweetened milk” from her “golden jug” after finishing with her bath. One day while enjoying her jug of milk she found herself being watched by a prince, who was standing amongst the trees. Red with embarrassment at her inadequate bathing attire, she poured the jug of milk in front of him to form an improvised curtain to hide her body. The cascading waters, appearing like white milk stand testimony to her modesty till date.

Have you visited them yet? If not, would Dudhsagar make it to your bucket list? 🙂