Dudhsagar Falls
AT
SONAULIM, GOA
AND KARNATAKA BORDER
The majestic cascade of white water, gushing over the steep, nearly
vertical face of the mountain from a spectacular height of 1017ft; is both
breath taking and awe inspiring, making one aware that there are many forces in
nature much more powerful that the human mind and body.
The name ‘Dudhsagar’ literally translates to ‘sea of milk’ which many
believe is an allusion to the white spray and foam that the great waterfall
creates as it cascades into the waters of the lake. The falls are at their
zenith during the monsoon season, although they are a popular attraction all
year round.
Myth and Legend
There is an old legend that centres round the name of the falls. The
tale goes that there was once a princess who was the daughter of the King of
the Ghats. This young lady was as modest as she was beautiful and believed in
purity of heart, mind and body. The legend goes on that she used to bathe in
the lake near her father’s castle every day.
After her bath she and her handmaidens would congregate on the shores of
the lake whilst the princess consumed a jug of milk. The jug, it is said was
wrought of pure gold and inlaid with sparkling diamonds.
One day, as the princess was drinking her milk, a young and handsome
prince was making his way through the nearby woods. On hearing the laughter and
chatter of the ladies, he stopped to have a look. The princess was much abashed
by her scanty bathing attire and her handmaidens poured the milk in a cascade
in front of her, thus creating a curtain behind which she could don her
clothes.
This cascade of milk, which preserved the modesty of the princess, is
the namesake of the Dudhsagar falls.
Geographic Description
The river Mandovi, which is the main river of Goa, begins on the Deccan
plateau in the state of Karnataka. Winding its way through the Western Ghats,
this river plummets over the highest peaks on the border of Goa and Karnataka,
thus forming the Dudhsagar falls. The waters form a deep green pool at the base
of the falls, before continuing westward to join the Arabian Sea.
The Dudhsagar waterfall measures an impressive 310m (1017ft) in height
and about 100ft in width. The waterfall splits into three streams as it pours
over the near-vertical cliff face, thus forming a truly magnificent sight. This
water fall is also known as Tambdi Surla to some of the local peoples.
The area around the falls is forested and falls into the Bhagwan Mahavir
Wildlife sanctuary. There are a number of animals and birds that call this
place home; and the keen observer may even be lucky enough to spot some. The
roads to the falls are maintained by the Goa Forest Department, who charge
visitors a nominal fee for entry and higher one for photography (Rs. 300 for a
still camera and upto Rs. 5000* for professional equipment).
Reaching the falls
To reach this wondrous site, one must either go on foot or by rail.
There is also a rather bumpy track that is suitable only for four wheel drive
vehicles, but this track still requires visitors to trek about 1km to reach the
base of the falls. There are jeeps available for hire which cost about Rs.
1200* and can carry 6 people at a time, the driver then waits at the drop off
point for an hour and a half before bringing the visitors back.
The most adventurous trek starts from the village of Kuveshi. However,
this trek is not available during the monsoon season as the trail crosses over
the Mandovi itself, which is too rough and swollen during the monsoon months.
There is also a trek that begins at the Kulhem/Collem railway station which is
11km long and offers tourists a picturesque view of the Ghats and valleys.
One of the preferred tourist treks is the one that begins at Castle Rock
station in Karnataka. This trek spans about 14km of rough terrain and one
should go prepared. There are also no places around the falls where food or
water is available, making it advisable for visitors to carry their own.
From September to May, the tours often suggest making the trip an
all-day affair with a picnic lunch surrounded by the natural beauty of the
falls. There are even some tours which offer a one night stay at the base of
the falls, camping in the open in tents.
During the monsoon season treks are the only way to access the waterfall
since they are burgeoning with run off from the hills and can make the passage
of a vehicle near impassable. Although reaching the falls in the monsoon season
is difficult the sheer majesty and splendour of this natural wonder makes it
worthwhile.
Location
This waterfall is located in the Sanguem Taluka of Goa, and falls into
the jurisdiction of the Goa Forest departments since it is a part of the
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. One can go by road or rail to Kulem railway
station and then trek to the waterfall or hire a jeep with a driver to get
closer in; however, there will still be a walk to reach the base of the falls.
Dudhsagar Special Tour
Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd is starting Dudhsagar Special
tour which will be operated on regular basis from 30/10/2016 till 15/05/2017.
The tour will depart from Calangute/Miramar Residency at 6.30 am.
From Paryatan Bhavan at 7.00 am, collect passengers on the way from Old
Goa Residency at 7.15 am & Farmagudi Residency at 7.30 am.
Day: Daily
Rate: Rs.2000/-per head (Inclusive Snacks/Water bottle, Lunch, Life
jacket & Entry Fee) AC Coach/Innova/Jeep/Wagon R/Ertiga (subject to
passengers)
*Please note, rates are not fixed and may be subject to change without
prior notice.
