Dudhsagar Falls, one of India’s tallest waterfalls, is located in Mollem National Park. The beautiful falls lie around 60 km inland from Panaji, near the Goa-Karnataka border. The 310-meter-high waterfall on the Mandovi River, which literally means “Sea of Milk,” is separated into four tiers and resembles a heavy flood of milk pouring effortlessly down the hill.
While most people get at the Dudhsagar falls by jeep or private vehicle from Panaji and surrounding areas, others choose to visit the falls via train or trekking. The famed Dudhsagar Railway excursion is now closed to the public, while the trek to the lower falls remains available.
Dudhsagar Falls should be visited during the monsoon season, when the surrounding deciduous forests are lush and green. However, reaching the falls during the monsoon season is difficult, and it is closed if the water level rises too high.
Legend of Dudhsagar FallsÂ
According to a long-held legend, the daughter of the strong King of the Western Ghats adored bathing in the waterfalls. Her daily regimen included drinking milk from a gold and diamond-studded mug after a relaxing waterfall shower.
However, on one such wonderful day, she discovered that she was being watched by a prince. The princess immediately spilt milk all over herself to cover her nakedness in front of the prince. She then put on the clothing her servants had brought with them. As a result, the name “Dudhsagar Waterfalls” is derived from the phrase “Sea of Milk”.
Dudhsagar Falls TrekÂ
One of the most interesting trek tracks begins in the town of Kuveshi. The difficulty is modest, and the scenery more than compensates for the lengthy path. However, it is not recommended to undertake this walk during the monsoon season since the Mandovi river, which the trail passes, can become very harsh and swollen.
Another 11-kilometer-long trip begins at the Kulhem/Collem railway station. This reasonably easy walk would take around 6 hours to complete. After commencing a walk along several railway tracks, the path would pass past some of the most noteworthy places, including the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary.
However, the most popular trek begins at the Castle Rock Station in Karnataka. This difficult terrain spans approximately 14 kilometres and follows railway tracks as well as subterranean tunnels. As one approaches the fall, a burst of foliage and the tint of the cascade become visible. This healthy walk, regardless of the route, would pass by some gorgeous sights such as streams and, of course, plenty of vegetation. Before beginning on this trail, ensure that you are physically fit.
