The Legend of Dudhsagar: Myths and Majesty

One of the oldest Dudhsagar falls going as old as millions of years. Waterfall, in a way, or any form for that matter, is merely the process of rock erosion from flowing water sourced from the River Mandovi. It happens so since it has carved a hard-western-ghats region to make a flow through waterfalls like Dudhsagar Falls through millions of years of passing time. Falls is located in Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, aged 1955, making one part of Mollem National Park in the state of Goa. This is one of the most bio-diversified geological places where the Deccan Plateau meets the coastal plains of the Western Ghats. Continuous flowing water from the Mandovi River, mainly during the monsoon season, keeps the waterfall active and in full glory. In addition to being a marvel of nature, Falls is a rich fable site. Such is a story that said a princess had bathed by the pond but accidentally dropped one jug of milk, and the drop went on flowing with the edge of the cliff. Said its froth and color that is like white because it's compared with milk giving this name of Dudhsagar.

Here, the waterfalls also have religious importance, and they have flora and fauna around the falls. A place is mainly identified with peace and serenity. Most locals like it as a serene sacred location. Falls has gained popularity very quickly as one of the tourist hotspots of its kind at the tail-end of the 20th century, as it is slowly developing as one of the less complicated sites. It has been more evident owing to the Konkan Railway that crosses its face. The railway line skirts through close to the fall; many passengers pass on it travelling by train who have witnessed the wonderful site that presents itself, especially when water is flowing fully as at the time of the rains. With the introduction of eco-tourism and adventure tourism in India, the Dudhsagar waterfall trek is proving to be an easy destination. This place is a trekker's paradise for trekking routes. The most prominent one starts from Kulem, which is a small village at the bottom of the falls.

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Places Near Dudhsagara

1. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats, and Falls is located there. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for any wildlife enthusiast and nature-lover. The sanctuary covers an area of more than 240 square kilometres of land hosting gigantic types of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, bison, elephants, etc., and many species of birds. One can take a tour of nature trails and go on a wildlife safari to see the beautiful biodiversity of the region. This national park and a great destination for trekking, birding, and photography due to the lush green landscapes.

2. Mollem National Park: This national park is one of the prime protected regions of Goa, while Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary borders it. It is a national park and an ultimate destination for activities that are linked to eco-tourism, adventure activities, dense forests, streams, and waterfalls with leopards, deer, and wild boars. It also has numerous trekking trails inside the park. So, it has emerged as heaven for both nature lovers and trekkers. In terms of species diversity, there is a treasure trove in the park for wildlife photographers, experts, and enthusiasts since it attracts visitors from all over the globe.

3. Kulem: Kulem is a small village near Falls. It is one of the favourite destinations of trekkers because it serves as a base. The village itself houses the scintillating beauty of tea gardens and forested hills. Kulem is the base location of the trek towards Falls and is the premier point for those who wish for an even more soothingly rural experience. The view, the serenity, and the air that surrounds Kulem manage all of the din of busy city lives without carrying any of it back to their patrons and bringing only nature in full bloom.

4. Old Goa: Old Goa is perhaps one of the places that hold high cultural values in Goa. It contains historical churches and cathedrals, besides the rich Portuguese colonial architecture. Some of the well-known places in Old Goa are the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which holds the remains of St Francis Xavier, and Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia. This place is a perfect blend of history, culture, and religion, and for this reason, it's the best place to be visited for all the history lovers and people in love with the culture.

5. Cabo de Rama Fort: Cabo de Rama Fort, in southern Goa, has one fantastic view of the Arabian Sea apart from the stretch of its coastline. Said to have been built way back in the 17th century by the Portuguese, the present-day monument, however, still manages to look pretty. The ruins that have the watchtowers and ramparts carry, apart from these, a visual chapel as well. It is lovely in the environs and, therefore, a place to retire to.

6. Mollem Village: Mollem Village is a small, glittering village right next to the Falls in Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. It is part of the role of scenic beauty that covers heavy forests, plantations, and rivers. This place becomes ideal for nature enthusiasts to spend a good time in peace and disengage from crowds while experiencing rural life in Goa. The village also forms the take-off point for many trekking trails, one of which is the trek to the Falls.

7. Agonda Beach: Agonda Beach is approximately 40 kilometres from the Falls and is also one of the most serene and less crowded beaches in Goa. It is one of the secluded, quiet beaches for visitors seeking serene, quiet time on the beach. The best features include soft golden sands and crystal-clear waters, which make it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and walking on the beach. Beautiful sunsets can also be watched there while offering an unruffled experience far away from the commercialisation of beaches, which have lately become usual in Goa.

8. Anmod: The village Anmod is 50 km away from the waterfalls, a small bordering Karnataka village with beautiful Goan flanks on both sides of the lavish woods of Western Ghats, and has scenery of valleys and hills. Anmod is not very tourist-friendly, so a rather untouched location. The place itself holds very rich biodiversity; one can trek or go on nature walks to see very rich flora and fauna. Other than that, Anmod contains Ghat, known for its zig-zag road and the view also

9. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: This is one of the best-known birding places in Goa and is located at the mouth of the Mandovi River on Chorao Island. With its robust spread of species of birds that are mostly migratory, the habitat of this location attracts the interest of ornithologists as well as bird watchers. Its habitats include saltwater and freshwater marshes, mangroves, and mudflats. So it goes well with any habitat, thereby being very diverse in habitats. The sanctuary can be sighted on foot as well as in a boat, by which one experiences peace unlike ever before.

10. Benaulim Beach: Benaulim Beach: The beautiful silence of this beach has its silent glory, with less commercialisation on the beach. It is nearby, within a distance of about 45km, and Falls along virgin coastlines and silky-soft white sands with clear crystal water. This one would be ideal for swimming alone and lying down. This place is considered to be one of the very few perfect locations if anybody wants to avoid the crowd of the beach and the hustle and bustle of the people at beaches for a quiet, tranquil, motionless experience of beaches. Along the stretch of the beach, there are different small huts with fresh seafood. This is exactly a very real Goan coastal village.

11. Palolem Beach: Palolem Beach is one of the beautiful beaches of Goa and lies at a distance of 35 kilometres from Dudhsagar. The Palolem Beach is crescent-shaped with golden sand, crystal-clear water, and a palm-lined shoreline. All kinds of travellers visit Palolem since this combination of leisure and amusement offers everything for all kinds of visitors. There are various water games to participate in, boat tours along yoga centres for reformation, and even various types of travellers get fascinated with these activities and indulge in them; several other categories of tourists can have fun with this. Along with further added tastes to its taste, one of the main tempting reasons to visit Palolem is a great night, along with fresh seafood.

12. Tambdi Surla Waterfall: Another great secret treasure that people hardly know about Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is the Tambdi Surla Waterfall, which lies 35 kilometres away from falls. It's quieter there than in Dudhsagar, so it's much more tranquil and peaceful. The whole cascade is under thick wood cover, and the trekking of long scenic trails must have somebody cross these breathtaking beauties created as a part of this sanctuary to reach the falls. Tambdi Surla has been well designed for walks in nature, spotting the birds, and spotting the Ghat majesties.

13. Chorla Ghat: Chorla Ghat is one of the most beautiful hill stations, 50 km from Dudhsagar, in the Western Ghats. Chorla Ghat has beautiful scenery, dense forests, and rich wildlife. It is an abode for nature lovers as well as those who love adventure. In this region, waterfalls, trekking, and wildlife sanctuaries are more numerous, so it is excellent for hiking, bird-watching, and camping. People want many places to stay and enjoy and experience the stillness of the Western Ghats. One among them is Chorla Ghat.

14. Terekhol Fort: Terekhol Fort is located at the northern end of Goa, 90km from Dudhsagar. Terekhol Fort offers a wonderful view of the seaside along with the Arabian Sea. The construction was done in the 17th century; thus, Terekhol Fort talks volumes of history, and its architecture stands amazingly in excellent condition. One would witness the views of the architecture of the fort, the chapel, and the bastions. Panoramic views also prevail to make this place worthy for those who want to obtain an aspect of Goan history concerning its being a colony.

15. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary: Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is 60 km from Dudhsagar. It is one of the secret beauties of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary contains much flora and fauna and hosts an endangered black panther. More than enough scope for trekking, bird watching, and nature walks exist at the site. The other attraction is Waterfall Netravali, where water plunges to the ground. It is an excellent spot for beating the summer sun and laziness with a picnic. Netravali is located in a very serene environment for an off-beat experience to discover the treasure of nature in Goa.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the Dudhsagar Falls trek is between October and March, the cooler months of the year. It is the season with amicable temperatures for trekking and viewing things, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The sky is mostly clear, and the lush green surroundings provide a refreshing atmosphere ideal for all forms of outdoor activities like hiking and photography.

During monsoons between June and September, it rains quite heavily, and that is again an ideal time to visit and watch the falls in full splendour. However, this becomes rather unsafe to walk since the trail gets slippery, and swollen streams make it more risky to walk in the monsoon season. Months of monsoons do provide a good view; however, it is not too advisable to be taken as a trek or outdoor adventure place due to the risk.

Winter is from October to February. In these months, the falls are nicely visible apart from being pleasing. Simultaneously, there is a lush green period surrounding the area. It is an excellent place for tourism, and people will love it as a place for picnics. It would make the surroundings much friendlier for roaming around. They have a wildlife sanctuary along with beaches around the area.

How To Reach

1. By Bus: The best way to reach the Falls is through buses. They are easily available from all the major cities of Goa and Karnataka. Bus services directly leave from Panaji, Margao, and Mangalore to this place.

• From Goa: If you live within reach of Goa, you can catch a bus from Panaji or Margao to the town of Kulem or Mollem, near where the waterfalls are. It is a 2 to 3 hours ride by bus from Panaji, depending on the road conditions.

• By bus: it can go up to Kulem from Mangalore and Hubli, and is around 4 to 5 hours from Mangalore to the Falls, depending on the traffic conditions

• By jeep: from Kulem or Mollem, one needs to hire a jeep or trek and then go up to the falls

2. By Train: It can almost reach the location of the Waterfall by train. That is a picture train route and very convenient as most of the close stations to the waterfall have a railway passing right through them, and most of the passes happen during the monsoons on the route of the Konkan Railway placed between.

• Dudhsagar Falls Station: There is one other station nearer to the Falls railway station, and the distance is near as it goes around 10 km. It’s Kulem station connects it with all the principal towns: Panaji, Margao, Mangalore, and Hubli.

• Train Travel: Almost all the trains on the Konkan Railway pass through this dense forest beside the Western Ghats. Here, a picture of scenery would strike our minds. A glimpse of the falls can be viewed through some trains, especially on rainy days, when the water comes fully into the falls, it will be on the bottom falls or even trekking from Kulem.

3. By Air: Although no airport is accessible near Falls, Goa, and Mangalore, airports are close to Dudhsagar, which offers adequate connectivity to all the cities in India and international cities.

• From Goa: Dabolim Airport, locally referred to as Goa International Airport. Falls is at a distance of 60 kilometres from there. Taxis or cars can be hired from the airport and taken to the towns surrounding Kulem or Mollem. The distance by road from Dabolim to Kulem would be around 1.5 to 2 hours.

• From Mangalore: Mangalore International Airport is 180 km from the Falls. The road distance between the airport and the falls will take almost 4 to 5 hours by car. You may hire a taxi or rent a car to reach Kulem or Mollem and go ahead to the falls.

4. By Car: There can be no flexibility greater than driving your car to Falls. On the way, you will marvel at how beautiful the Western Ghats are. You could hire a car or car according to the size and group preference of your tour members.

• Goa: It should start from either Panaji or Margao. It may take 2-2.5 hours and a distance of up to 60 km. Then reach Kulem and will further take a jeep or do a trek from there to reach the falls.

• Karnataka: Mangalore is about 180 km from here. It would take almost 4 to 5 hours by road. Hubli is about 150 kilometres, and it will take almost 3.5 to 4 hours.

• Road Conditions: The ride is highly scenic, having passed through dense forests and hilly roads, almost throughout from Goa to Kulem and from Mangalore to the falls. The road is quite slippery during rainy weather conditions. Take care.

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