Experience the Other Side of Goa
– An itinerary for your stay in the region –
Are you a nature enthusiast? Or a history buff?
Do you enjoy trekking? Or just want to get away from the madness of the city?
The Dudhsagar Region opens up a new side of Goa, where you can experience a refreshing mix of nature and heritage, paired with warm Goan hospitality. Think a few villages scattered along the fringe of the wildlife sanctuary, with the rolling Western Ghats as a backdrop, and endless lush tropical forests crossed by the odd river. Morning walks in nature to the sound of birds, or a lazy afternoon by the pool with hornbills flying overhead.
If this sounds good to you, I recommend you spend at least three nights in the area. I’ve put together a sample itinerary for you below (it can be customised). In case you’re short on time or just looking to visit Dudhsagar Falls only, continue reading here for a daytrip itinerary and some recommendations for places to stay along the coast.
The Other Side of Goa in Five Days
Explore Dudhsagar Falls, Tambdi Falls, Goa’s oldest Temple, a prehistoric rock carving site, Salaulim Dam and Botanical Garden, Portuguese era heritage mansions while staying at an Organic Plantation
Highlights
- stay on an Organic Plantation and savour home cooked Goan Food
- jeep ride or trek through Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary to Dudhsagar Waterfall
- visit ancient Mahaveer Temple at Tambdi Surla, trek to Tambdi falls
- explore the nature trail at the Plantation
- guided Plantation Tour (“know your spices”) incl Heritage Brewery
- in the rains: trek to secret waterfall, swim and natural fish spa at the stream
- in summer: swim at the local river, go hiking along fields, villages and the scenic river
Additional day:
- visit Saveri Waterfall and Netravli Wildlife Sanctuary
- see pre historic Rock Carvings at Rivona
- visit Salaulim Dam and Botanical Garden
- visit a Portuguese era Heritage Mansion
The Full Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at the plantation post lunch. Take a rest. Enjoy afternoon tea before we take you on a tour of the plantation and the Brewery (about 45 min).
Day 2
After breakfast, drive to Kulem (15 min) to visit Dudhsagar Waterfall. Jeep ride or trek through Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary to the base of the Waterfall (Jeeps are operated by the Dudhsagar Waterfalls Tour Operators Association, usually from October to May). Cool down in the mountain waters and enjoy lush green forest around you. In case you trek, lunch can be arranged along the way.
Day 3
Breakfast at the plantation.
In summer: Explore the area on a trek that will take you across the Dudhsagar river, along paddy fields and sleepy villages. You can also swim at one of the river crossings.
In the rains: Go on a trek to the secret waterfall. You will definitely get wet on this one.
Return to the plantation in time for lunch. Enjoy your siesta. Post tea, there is time for a walk along the nature trail to the Sunset Point.
Day 4
Breakfast at the plantation.
Head to Tambdi Surla for a trek to the waterfall. Enjoy the forest, and take a refreshing dip in the midst of lush greenery of Mollem National Park. On the way back, visit Goa’s oldest Temple at Tambdi Surla. Reach the plantation in time for tea (or a sundowner by the pool). We can arrange for a guide or provide you with a map.
Day 5
Breakfast at the plantation
Check-out
Additional Day
Drive to Netravli. A short walk takes you to the scenic Saveri Waterfall. You can visit the Bubble Lake before continuing to the rock carving site at Usgalimal near Rivona. You can end your day out with a visit to Salaulim Dam and Botanical Garden (recommended during the rains or in May, when a submerged village becomes accessible) OR you could opt to visit one of the Portuguese era Heritage Mansions at Chandor (The Braganza House or the Fernandez Mansion). Packing in both Salaulim and Chandor might get a little hectic.
Your Stay
Excellent trip for nature lovers and adventurers. Can be booked as private all-inclusive tour with driver or as self-driven budget trip. It will always be a memorable off-the-beaten-track experience on the wild side of Goa. Hurry, availability is limited.