HOW
TO GET THERE
On the border of
Karnataka and
Goa, the Dudhsagar Falls drop to a spectacular 600m.
Believed to be amongst the highest falls in the country, these magnificent
falls are located in a blissful tropical jungle with crisscrossing
streams.
After pouring across the Deccan plateau, the headwaters of the Mandovi
River form a foaming torrent that fans into three streams, then cascades
down a near-vertical cliff face into a deep green pool.
Jewel Of Konkan
The Konkani name for the falls, which literally translated means "sea
of milk", derives from clouds of foam kicked up at the bottom when
the water levels are at their highest. Overlooking a steep,
crescent-shaped head of a valley carpeted with pristine tropical forest,
Dudhsagar is set amid breath taking scenery that is only accessible on
foot or by jeep. The old Vasco Castle Rock Railway actually passes over
the falls on an old stone viaduct, but has been closed for the past three
years while track conversion work is carried out.
Water Sports
The falls drop down to form a few pools, which are absolutely delightful
for a swim. Take care to ensure that the pool one is going into is
relatively calm. The sure-footed adventurers could try and climb up to the
head of the falls through bushes, boulders and water. It's a tough climb,
which takes at least a couple of hours, but the mind-blowing view from the
top is well worth the effort.
The best time to visit Dudhsagar is immediately after the monsoons, from
October until mid-December, although the falls flow well into April.
HOW
TO GET THERE Rail: Take a train to the quaint Dudhsagar railway
station, and then walk on the path that takes one to the viewing point of
the falls overlooking the nicest pool made by them.
Road: The only way to get over the waterfall site is by four-wheel
drive jeep from the railway junction village of Colem. NOTE: It
can be difficult to arrange transport of any kind from Molem crossroads,
where regular taxis are in short supply. 