7 Things to do Around Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Sahyadri Spice Farm

This one place changed the way I had been viewing Goa all these years. More than being just the party capital of India, Goa has so much more to offer!

Translated as “Sea of Milk”, Dudhsagar at an altitude of 306 meters is a three-tiered spectacle. Not surprisingly, it’s also one of the highest waterfalls in India. The falls are found in the quaint village of Mollem, Goa. A trek or jeep ride to the falls can only be possible after the monsoon periods.

During monsoon, the Dudhsagar falls are a magical sight. One of the ways you could witness it is by taking the train from Madgaon to Castle Rock Railway station, where the rail line passes right through the falls! The number of photos that filled up my memory card just from this one train ride was countless. This is among the few sights you cannot miss out on while you’re visiting Dudhsagar. Dudhsagar Waterfall is one of the best tourist places.

Here’s a list of few things you could do around the falls to enjoy a wholesome experience!

1. Horseshoe Tracks Towards Trekking Trials

Dudhsagar waterfalls

How does a 2-day uphill trek through the four-tiered Dudhsagar waterfalls sound? To me, it was one of the most nerve-wracking exciting experiences! The moderately difficult trek trials are covered in pebbles and gravel. The best time to visit according to the localities in the months of June-August, especially if you’re here for trekking.

I had started from Kulem’s railway tracks, but there are many other base points as well. Based on your convenience and trekking difficulty one can opt for different base points. A common starting point in case you’re traveling from Karnataka, would by the railway tracks at Castle rock. This is roughly a 14-kilometer trek to the waterfalls.

Passing through several tunnels, and to Braganza Ghat, I was left hypnotized by the view of the milky falls. One of the notable features of trekking here is that the tracks are in a horseshoe structure and the very first view of the majestic falls will be seen from an altitude of 1017 across the valleys.

2. Walk Amidst the Aromatic Spice Gardens

Sahyadri Spice Farm,Things to do around Dudhsagar Waterfalls
 

The moment I had stepped in at the Sahyadri farm I was engulfed with the strong scent of natural spices. It reminded me of my home.. and all the homesickness from traveling was knocked out within seconds of being here. Herbal tea and some mouthwatering snacks were brought on a platter to welcome me to the spice farm. The localities take pride in this beautiful farm of theirs. They told me about how the basic materials required for their homes can just be grown in each and everyone’s backyards.

This idea had led to the farming that extends to more than 130 acres of land today. I walked my way along the plantations, reading the names they had posted on many plants. One entire day could be invested here trying to understand the variety of spices and resources of the country. Try having your lunch from the spice farm before leaving for your next destination. The freshly crushed spices along with the authentic cuisine would sure leave you mindblown.

3. Jeep Safari Guiding Through the Rich Forest Lines

Bhagwan Mahavir National Park
 

Bhagwan Mahavir National Park, which was earlier known as the Mollem game sanctuary, is a wildlife-rich region surrounded by the Eastern Ghats. The state of Karnataka lies to the south of it which facilitated some patches of Savannah grasslands here. With numerous exotic and native species, Bhagwan Mahavir was declared as a National park during the late 1970s. 

Jungle Safari is the main attraction at this park, and personal vehicles are also permitted around the park. This makes it convenient for the tourists to sit in the comfort of their vehicles while witnessing the amusing eco life. I preferred to go for the park authority assisted safari, as they would know better where to spot the animals and could also guide me through the park. Starting from the common Tiger, Elephants, Indian Bison to the varieties of golden oriole, hump-nosed pit viper, and fairy bluebirds, I got to see the park in all its rawness. Tamba Surla temple, Devil’s Canyon, Sunset Point, and Tambadi Waterfalls are among the many attractions of the park. This also creates the facilities of trekking and jeep trails for a good time around the park.

4. Hike the way up to Devil’s Canyon

Devil's Canyon, Things to do around Dudhsagar Waterfall
 

Devcharacho Kond, or infamously known as the Devil’s Canyon is an intriguing work of nature. It’s a river gorge not farther than a kilometer from the falls. Flowing right between beautiful patches of jungle, one of the common activities observed here is hiking! Hiking here was a breathtaking experience for me and I was lucky enough to have spotted the rare black panther here while at it.

With slippery mold-covered rocks, strong hitting undercurrents, and the depth of it, the canyon sure lives up to its name of being the Devil’s canyon. Swimming is prohibited because of the force with which the water flows here, it was quite intimidating to me.

5. Exploring the Historical Legacy

Tambadi surla, Things to do around Dudhsagar Waterfalls
 

Tambadi Surla is an old fashioned, three stepped, intricately designed place dedicated to Lord Shiva, in between the dense forest. I was told that this temple was among the oldest in Goa, and was simply made by materials such as grey-black talc chlorite soapstone. This gives the structure a fascinating pearl-like luster.

The small temple has been around even during the Portuguese and is the only existing structure of the lesser-known Kadamba Yadava dynasty. Trekking up to here is an experience that I would not exchange for anything else! The architecture was distinctively antique. On entering, just like every Shiva temple, there’s an idol of the bull Nandi. Interior decorations of the small structure were even more exciting. With intricate stone works, lotus-shaped engravements, and so much more!

6. Ferrying to the aerial view of pristine churches

Our lady of Piety Church, Dudhsagar Waterfall
 

Piedade of Divar Island, home to one among the beautiful churches in Goa, can only be reached by ferry services. Watching the night lights reflect on the water is one mesmerizing experience. Taking a ferry back to Old goa at 8 pm gave me all the magical Disney feels!

There’s a reason why I chose this island and the Old Lady of Piety church out of so many beautiful churches around Goa. Situated in Piedade of Divar Island, the church dates back to the early 18th century. It was rebuilt with a touch of baroque art to it. Standing from this point of the island I got the aerial view of many other beautiful churches around.

The silk white building with heavenly stucco work and glass paintings is adorned with a park for tourists as well! A stroll here on the dewy grass felt like hours long of meditation. Our Lady of piety church managed to leave a lasting image on my mind because of the views from here.

7. Stroll through the Portuguese era of Goa

Portuguese Era Heritage Mansion,Things to do around Dudhsagar Waterfalls
 
Too bored of the usual museum visits? How about a walk around several beautiful picturesque mansions? A nice authentic meal? And some stories about the unseen side of Goa? Goa’s distinctive culture has a lot to do with the Portuguese influence. A walk back through those times is what the Portuguese Era Heritage Mansions provide.
 
Not so far away from the Dudhsagar plantations, I spotted these beautiful mansions. Access to these houses requires certain permissions and appointments from the tourist offices. Houses dating back to the 1700s, and still very much inhabited by the descendants of those who had made the houses. Warmly welcoming the visitors who want to get a peek into the world of the goans.

The legacy of the colonizers still lives through these houses. Even though most of the architectural style is that of Europeans, the materials used for the building have stories from around the world. Terracotta from Mangalore, Porcelain from China, Tapestries from Portugal, Cut glass and mirror works from Venice and so much more to see in the numerous mansions around. All of this added with our very skilled native craftsmanship is beyond words for me to put through. Dudhsagar and the places around it is the perfect getaway destination.

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