Dudh Sagar Waterfall is one of the highest water falls in India, and among the hundred highest waterfalls in the world. It lies in the southern part of Goa at Mollem, towards the border with Karnataka state. Dudh Sagar, literally means a Sea of Milk in the local Konkanni language, and gets its name as it appears like an overflowing sea of milk. It has a total height of 306 meters and a width of 30 meters. The water fall is at its peak flow during the monsoon months from June to September and decreases in strength towards the summers from March to june. The entrance to the waterfall is from Collem through the forest department gate. Ticket sales are stopped at 3:00 p.m.
(Dudh Sagar Waterfall - Sea of Milk )
History
Legend has it that a beautiful princess lived in the forest on the edge of the King's palace grounds and she enjoyed bathing in a lake nearby and ritually drank sweetened milk from a Golden Jug upon finishing with her bath. One day while enjoying her jug of milk she found herself being watched by a handsome prince standing amongst the trees. Red with embarrassment at her inadequate bathing attire, the Princess poured the jug of milk in front of her to form an improvised curtain to hide her body, while one of the maids rushed to cover her with a dress. The sweetened milk cascades down the mountain slope to this day as tribute to the virtue and modesty of the Princess.
(Dudh Sagar Waterfall)
Landscape
The Waterfall is located in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wild Life Sanctuary at Collem in South Goa along the western Ghats, bordering the neighbouring State of Karnataka.
(Braganza Ghats and Dudh Sagar Waterfall)
Flora and fauna
The ambience is a wild and scenic deciduous forest and an expressive Bird watchers paradise. Many species of birds, insects, plants and animal exist here.
(Monkeys in fun mood)
The fauna found in the sanctuary are such as Gaur, Panther, Spotted Deer, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Porcupine, Wild Dog, Leopard Cat, Sambar, Bonnet Macaque, Common Langur, Jungle Cat, Civet, Flying Squirrel, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Pangolin, Slender Loris, etc. Occasionally, Tigers have also been seen, but the area is famous for King cobras though other snakes found are Python, Krait, Viper etc. as well as non-poisonous snakes. About 200 species of birds are found in the sanctuary of which the better known ones are Indian Black Woodpecker, the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Paradise Fly Catcher, Fairy Blue Bird, Drongo, Wag tails, Barbets, Great Indian Horn Bill, Kingfishers, Shrikes, Emerald Dove, Grey Jungle Fowl etc. By and large sightings of wild animals on the trails leading to the Waterfalls are poor due to human activity, nevertheless what we will see plenty of are monkeys of various types, who run playfully down the steep slopes to greet visitors. Fact-fully, feeding of monkeys is prohibited and will incur a fine if found guilty.
Climate
The most pleasant weather is to be exerienced between November and February. March to May can be warm and uncomfortably humid while the Monsoon months of June to September, are the most scenic when the entire area is lush and green, nevertheless during these months the access to the waterfalls could be cut off due to flooded rivers and huge quantities of water descending down the falls.
(On the way to Dudh Sagar Waterfall)
How to reach?
By Road: The Water Fall can be reached by road , from Collem which is off National Highway (NH-4A). All Interstate Buses halt at Mollem where the Park office is located. You can take a local bus to Collem from the highway or from Ponda, which is the nearest city. Route: Panaji-Old Goa-Ponda-Tiska-Mollem. (57 kms) Margao-Ponda-Tiska-Mollem (42 kms)
By Rail: Nearest Station: Collem (South Central Railway); Route: Collem-Mollem - 6 km
Carambolim (Karmali Railway Station - Konkan Railways), Route: Carambolim-Old Goa-Ponda-Tiska-Mollem-50 km, by Road.
Take the turn off at Collem near the Hindustan Petroleum Petrol pump. Drive 9 kms down the road. Entering the park is not advisable in a normal car, and may only be accessible to SUV's and 4WD jeeps, as the road comprises of a boulder scattered on the jungle track that has rivers criss crossing it at several points. Hired taxi 4 wheel drive Jeeps, and Tata Sumo's pick up carry individual passengers for Rs. 30/-for the return trip from Collem to the falls. One can also hire the entire vehicle for Rs 1800/-. The driver will drop you off near the falls and wait for one and a half hour before taking you back to Collem.
Fees/Permits
The Forest Department charges an entrance fee of Rs 20/- per person. A Still camera permit costs Rs 300/-, and a professional camera could cost Rs 5000/-
(Elephant ride through the forest)
What to Do?
Take a dip in the refreshing cool, sweet waters at the Water Fall. Nevertheless, diving is forbidden, as the bottom could be rocky with unpredictable depths. A sign board acts as a fiercest reminder of people that have lost their lives swimming or diving at the falls. As a matter of fact, dont venture into the water if you cant swim. Bring a pair of Binoculars and watch an array of Birds, insects and animals. Or just watch the crowd of Monkeys perform their amusing gesture. Trekking through the forest track is an interesting activity for the enthusiastic trekker. Adventurous rock climbers could attempt climbing the steep Rocks up to the source of the falls. Take an Elephant ride through the forest, at the forest eco camp.
(Devils Canyon)
Visit Devil’s Canyon
This is known as “Devcharacho kond” which literally when translated from Konkani means ‘Devil’s Canyon’ and is a splendid piece of geological rock formation, wherein the river Khandepar passes through the sanctuary and has cut across the basalt rock formation thus earning its doubtful name. The depth of the water here is supposed to be bottomless and is highly dangerous for swimming.
What to Eat?
Karibu Restaurant is the closest place for food and drink, to the waterfall. Located on the way to Collem from NH-4A. They serve a wide variety of snacks, Goan and Chinese meals and have a bar attached.
(Dudh Sagar Eco and Wild life Resort - Azuska Retreat)
Drink, Sleep and Lodging
Dudh Sagar Eco and Wild life Resort ( Azuska Retreat), is the nearest and best accomodation available close to Dudh Sagar falls. The resort is situated in the forest just off NH-4A, near the Forest Department Check post at Mollem and it has Air-conditioned Deluxe rooms with Balconies. Rates Rs. 2750/- for the Deluxe Rooom during the March to October months, and Rs. 3750/- from November to February. All room rates include breakfast. The resort has recently put up Luxury Air-conditioned tents, equipped with Living cum bed room, and Wash Rooms, with running Hot water, Referigerator, Cable television(One would prefer the jungle sounds), Mini Bar(chargeable), Safes and Telephones available in all tents. Tea and Coffee makers are available with daily replenishments. Rates for Bed & Breakfast are Rs 6000/- per night from March to October and Rs. 7500/- from November to Feb. Call +91 832 2612319 to make advance bookings and for possible offers. The resort has a small Swimming pool, steam and Sauna and a well equipped Gymnasium, entrance free to all guests. A well appointed health Club offers a variety of Swedish and Ayurvedic massages while also available is a 4 days massage course for couples, to restore their youthful vigor and train them in scientifically massaging one another. Other facilities include a Conference Hall to accomodate 40-50 persons. www.dudhsagarresortgoa.in
(Sussegado Nature Retreat)
(Sussegado Nature Retreat)
Another option that is easily reached from Dudh Sagar Waterfalls are the cozy cottages on the Malkarnekar Family's organic farm (Sussegado Nature Retreat) which is located about 18 km or a twenty-minute drive from Kollem (towards Sanvordem). Besides a relaxing stay in a family run environment, the place provides an opportunity to see a wide variety of local spices being grown on a traditional farm, a biogas plant and a feni distillery during the cashew season. The goan-style guesthouses are situated in a coconut grove, in the midst of exotic plants. It is advisable to call before visiting (+91979 904 8726). Information on accommodation and tariffs can be found under www.sussegado.com
(Un safe -Devils Canyon)
A safe stay
Use of an insect repellant is recommended during the monsoon months. Beware of wild snakes when exploring the nearby jungles. Do not dive into the Waterfalls, as the bottom is extensively spread out with huge boulders and has widely varying depths. Do not venture to swim in the Devils Canyon which is like a bottomless pit with strong underground currents likely to suck anyone into the rocks.
A special Note: There are no shops near the waterfalls so carry food and drinking water with you.
Have a safe and wonderful vacation!
Image sources: Dudhsagar waterfall
(AW:Samrat Biswas)
