Dudhsagar Trek in Goa

46 km away from Margao and 72 km from the main city of Panaji in the town of Sanguem is the tall-standing 310 meters high and 30 meters wide waterfall known as the Dudhsagar Waterfall. The waterfall is famous for being the fifth tallest waterfall in India and 227th tallest waterfall in the world.

In India, most places have a story – an incident that took place at a specific spot which results in something significant in the history of that place – in this case, the name of the waterfalls itself! Legends have it, there was a princess who lived in a palace on the forest grounds. She enjoyed taking a shower at the lake situated nearby and as a ritual drank sweetened milk from a jug after her shower. One day, while drinking milk from the jug, she found herself being secretively watched by a stately prince. Upon realizing that she was not properly dressed to be watched by anybody, she went red in embarrassment and poured the jug of milk in front of her to create a makeshift curtain to hide her body while one of her maids hurried to cover her. It is believed that till date, the sweetened milk poured by the princess cascades over the mountains and has taken the form of Dudhsagar Falls – Dudhsagar literally meaning “sea of milk”.

Dudhsagar Waterfall is situated within the Bhagwan Mahavir Wild Life Sanctuary in South Goa along the western Ghats, bordering the neighbouring State of Karnataka. The forest department charges about INR20 each person to enter the wildlife sanctuary. A still camera is an additional INR300 and a professional photography gear can cost upto INR5000.

A few suggested trekking routes to Dudhsagar are:

1. Castle Rock to Dudhsagar falls – 14 km (each side) – 6-8 hours (each side) – No Fees
2. Kulem to  Dudhsagar falls on track – 11 km (each side) – 4 to 6 hours (each side) – INR 20 per person to enter the Wildlife sanctuary
3. Kulem to  Dudhsagar falls on mud road – 12 km (each side) – 4 to 6 hours (each side) – INR 20 per person to enter the Wildlife sanctuary

Dushsagar Eco and Wild Life Resort is the best and the nearest accommodation option located within the forest near the Forest Department Check Post in Mollem. A deluxe double room costs approximately INR3000 which may increase or decrease depending upon the season. If you wish to spend more, you can look for the latest luxury AC tents that the resort has recently put up. All tariffs include breakfast but please confirm prior to making bookings.

Don’t forget to visit the Devil’s Canyon during your visit here. The canyon is an interesting rock formation which was originally named “Devcharacho kond” and literally translates to ‘Devil’s Canyon’. The water here is unfathomable and is highly dangerous for swimming.