Dudhsagar Falls Railway track trekking

Not all those who wander are lost.

– J. R. R. Tolkien

Dudhsagar Falls (literally means Sea of Milk ) is a four-tiered waterfall is situated along the Western Ghats in the state of Goa in Sanguem taluka. This waterfall go it's name because of the white cascading water. Its exactly on the border between Karnataka and Goa on the Konkan Railway. It basically comes tumbling down a mountainside crossed over by an arched bridge supporting the South Central rail line with a plunge pool.

Dudhsagar is one of the world's most exquisite falls that lies in India.Dudhsagar Falls is listed as India's 5^th tallest waterfall and 227^th in the world, with the height of 310 meters (1017 feet) and an average width of 30 metres (100 feet).

The falls is in the border of Karnataka and Goa and the roads leading to it are maintained by the Goa Forest Department, and are closed in the rainy season. The roads are again opened from the month of October. At its base, there is a small pond. One can bath but in their own risk. There are also fishes in the pond and the water is very cold, even in the afternoon. The Waterfall is located inside the Bhagwan Mahavir Wild Life Sanctuary at Collem in South Goa along the western Ghats.

Perched on the lofty peaks of the Western Ghats, the Dudh Sagar waterfalls offer unrivalled beauty, and amazing scenery full of exquisite charms when in full flux after the monsoon showers. Like an idyllic Eden cradled luxuriously in the mountains, the Dudh Sagar waterfalls, which from a distance appear like milky streams, gradually climax into a gushing cascade as they come into full view of the onlookers. The surrounding area is surrounded by a deciduous forest and there are many species of birds, insects, plants and animal abound here.

The water plummets hundreds of feet in large volumes during the monsoon season, forming one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in Goa. It is a major part of the Goa ecosystem. A popular destination for hikers and trekkers, the waterfall is also accessible by jeep through the sanctuary. However, one needs to obtain permission in advance from the Department of Forests at Junta House, Panaji.

ETYMOLOGY:

There is a myth associated with Dudh sager waterfalls. Years ago there lived a beautiful princess lived in the forest (near present day, Dudhsagar Falls) where there was then a palace. She loved and enjoyed bathing in a lake nearby and used to drink "sweetened milk" from her "Golden Jug" after finishing with her bath. One day while enjoying her jug of milk she found herself being watched by a prince, who was standing amongst the trees. Red with embarrassment at her inadequate bathing attire, she poured the jug of milk in front of him to form an improvised curtain to hide her body, while the maids rushed to cover her with her dress. And it is said that, it is that sweetened milk that cascades down the mountain slope to this day as tribute to the virtue and modesty of the Princess, as the "Dudhsagar Falls".

LOCATION OF DUDHSAGAR FALLS:

These majestic falls are accessible by train. This waterfalls lies on the Londa-Madgaon railway route. Dudhsagar waterfalls is located 10 kms from Colem Railway Station. The waterfall is 60 kms from Panaji.

TREKKING NEAR DUDHSAGAR FALLS:

Trekking in Dudhsagar is a famous tourist attraction. For those people who are interested in trekking don't need much introduction about the Doodhsagar waterfall trek, and will have this as one of their dream treks.

There are 4 possible routes to reach Dudhsagar Falls, of which only two are accessible in monsoon.

Route 1 (Castle Rock Route):

This is the most famous route during the monsoon, Reach Castle Rock station and start a Scenic 14 km hike to Dudhsagar Water falls along the railway track, it normally takes 5–6 hours for a normal person to reach. In this route trekkers will be passing through a number of tunnels, a board reading "Welcome to Goa" and also great views of the Valley.

Route 2 (Kulem Route):

This is equally scenic but less popular as compared to Route 1, one has to get down at Kuhlem/Collem Railway station and walk towards the falls which is about 11 km away. It normally takes 4–5 hours for a normal person to reach. The famous photograph of Trains passing through before the waterfalls can be seen in this route, and also the complete strecth of the falls will be visible while you hike towards the waterfalls.

Route 3 (Transport and Hike):

In Kulhem one can hire a 4X4 to reach the foot of the Dudhsagar waterfalls, There is a taxi stand called 'Dudhsagar Taxi stand' where one can hire a vehicle and get dropped near the falls which is 1 km hike from the dropping point. This is used in the post-pre monsoon season and is suitable for large groups with kids and ladies.

Route 4 (Kuveshi-Dudhsagar):

This is the most adventurous route and cannot be attempted in monsoon since we have to cross Mondovi river during the hike. The hike starts from a village called Kuveshi around 10 km from Castle Rock railway station. The hike is through thick jungle and is difficult to complete without experience. By this we can reach Dudhsagar Railway station which is 1 km from the falls.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

There are not much accommodation options near Dudhsagar waterfalls. For trekkers there are two small shelter built on side of river (left to the falls and right side beside the railway track) where one can set up tent. However they are available on the first come first serve basis. Medical and pure drinking water facilities are not available around Dudhsagar but one can approch the station guard at Dudhsagar railway station in emergency. Else visitors can stay at Margoa and plan a one day trip to Dudhsagar Falls.

BEST TIME TO VISIT DUDHSAGAR FALL:

The fall is generally calm during summers. But during monsoon due to incessant downpour, the falls become active and attract a huge chunk of tourists. The best time to see the spectacular waterfall is during the monsoon season. By this season, the falls are transformed into one of the most powerful falls in India.

HOW TO REACH DUDHSAGAR WATER FALLS?

The falls is border for Karnataka and Goa states. The only accessible connectivity is Train from Karnataka. Dudhsagar is even accessible through buses and taxis which can be taken from Panaji city.

MY TRAVEL ITINERARY:

• First of all, I should thank organizers of Great Hyderabad Adventure Club (GHAC) for organizing this trek and made that two days of trek most memorable to me.
• Our two-day journey through the railway track trek from Castle rock railway station to Doodh Sagar Water falls has truly become the most memorable journey in our lives. The trip was made successful with help and support from each and everyone who were a part of the trek.

• We began our journey from Kachiguda Railway Station here from Hyderabad. There were some forty people in number including my cousins: Naresh, Rajesh and my friend Ramesh.
• Next day, we had breakfast at Hospet railway station and take parcels for lunch at Hubli station.
• As our train got delayed by 2 hours, we decided to complete our lunch in train itself.
• We were in Castle Rock railway station around at 1:30 p.m. Castle Rock is a small town in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state. For many years the town marked the frontier between Portuguese-held Goa and British-held India.
• As soon as we came out of the station and walked a few steps on the railway track, the rain falling there quietly drenched us, gestured at the presence of the beauty we were going to view and cage in our heart and mind. A beautifully built British house, covered with the green grass looked much more stunning.

• The track finally led us into the dark tunnel which seemed to frighten us. After crossing the first tunnel, we felt more pleasant as the rain water-droplets falling on us like the flowers being showered.
• There are many beautiful landscapes on the way and the rain added more beauty to them.
• Eventually, after crossing few tunnels, we reached Karangol (Caranzol) station which is half the way.

• Finally after walking for almost 13 km, we reached Dudhsagar railway station and the waterfalls is around 1km from the station. Reaching there near to the water fall, we had to locate the best place for camping. We camped right in front of the water fall. Throughout the night, it was drizzling and we could hear the sound of the waterfall and moving trains. The sound of the dripping water didn't let us sleep but we were all delightful to have been closer to the nature-place.
• We walked through 11 tunnels from Castle rock railway station to Doodh Sagar Water falls. The longest tunnel being 409.95 m and shortest being 150 m. The tunnels are very dark and it was a very different experience for us walking through those tunnels. Even though we have good torches, they didn't help us much inside the tunnels.
• It was raining heavily as we went deeper in to the Ghats.

• Next day, we all woke up very earlier in the morning. After few photo session near the waterfalls, we started back to Hyderabad. Local train is available at 8:40 AM from Dudhsagar raiway station that leaves at Londa junction, from their we have train to Hyderabad at 1:20 PM.
• After reached Londa Station, we have waited for some time there. We had lunch at Londa station and board the train to Hyderabad.

• Unfortunatley, I am not able to view the giant waterfalls from the bottom because of heavy water flow.
• This is awesome trip, I enjoyed each and every moment of trek.

CAUTION:

If train comes while walking through the tunnels turn towards the wall, remove your bag and bent down, because some goods trains have the doors open and there are chances of hitting you (very rare).

For more pictures follow this link

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