Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Dudhsagar Falls (literally Sea of Milk) is a four-tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River in the Indian state of Goa. It is 60 km from Panaji by road and is located on the Madgaon-Belagavi rail route about 46 km east of Madgaon and 80 km south of Belgaum. Dudhsagar Falls is amongst India's tallest waterfalls with a height of 310 m (1017 feet) and an average width of 30 metres (100 feet).

The falls is located in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park among the Western Ghats. The waterfall forms the border between Karnataka and Goa states. The area is surrounded by deciduous forests with rich biodiversity. The falls are not particularly spectacular during the dry season but during the monsoon season, however, the falls are fed by rains and form a huge force of water. Dudhsagar falls is a four tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River in Goa. This waterfall is amongst India's tallest waterfalls with a height of 310 m (1017 feet) and an average width of 30 m (100 feet) at it's peak. This falls is located inside the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary, at the border between Karnataka and Goa states.

Dudhsagar literally means a Sea of Milk in the local Konkani language and gets its name as it appears like an overflowing sea of milk. It is a four tiered waterfall with different ways to reach each level. The bottom of the waterfall is accessible through the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. The waterfall is also called Vajra Sakala Falls by the locals but most people know it as Tambdi Surla falls based on the popular trekking trail to the waterfall which starts from Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple.

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. Own vehicles are not allowed into the sanctuary to reach the waterfall. The most common and easiest way to reach the waterfall is to take a forest department (or licensed private) jeep from the forest entrance (private jeeps are available near Kulem (Collem) Railway Station) and hike 1 km distance from the dropping point. This service is closed during monsoon (June - mid October).

Trekking to the waterfall is also a popular activity. The most adventurous route is to trek from Kuveshi village. It is not allowed during monsoon as it requires crossing 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 Kulem railway station is about 11 km long. Another, more popular approach is to reach the middle of the Dudhsagar waterfalls through the railway tracks. One can travel in a passenger train from Margao to Kulem to reach the tracks in middle of the waterfall (there is no route to trek to the bottom of the falls from here).

There are no shops near the waterfalls so carry food and water with you. The waterfall is at its peak flow during the monsoon months from June to September and wanes out towards the summers from March to June. The best time to visit is during October / November.