DUDHSAGAR WATERFALLS
& THE DUDHSAGAR REGION
– Getting here, and getting around –
There’s numerous ways of accessing Dudhsagar Waterfalls and the Dudhsagar Region. The little town of Kulem (I’d rather call it a village) is located at the starting point of the Dudhsagar Waterfalls Trek and boasts it’s own railway station (station code QLM). It’s also just off NH4A, which connects Karnataka (Belgavi) with Goa. The train journey through the highly biodiverse Ghat Section into Goa has the benefit of waterfall sightings (this is especially thrilling in the rainy season). Coming in with your own vehicle gives you more flexibility to explore the region at your leisure, although you would also find plenty of taxi-jeeps at Kulem. From anywhere in Goa, you can use a taxi (pricey) or a self driven car/bike.
How to get to Dudhsagar Waterfall/Kulem?
Getting to Dudhsagar/Kulem by Road
Getting to Kulem from North Goa
To get to Kulem from North Goa, hit the NH4A at Panjim, and head eastwards. At Mollem, look out for the Hindustan Petroleum Gas Station, here, take a right turn towards Kulem (another 6km). Total travel time from Panjim is app 1 hr 30 min.
Tip: The Churches of Old Goa and Temples around Ponda are en route, plan to visit either on your way back.
Getting to Kulem from South Goa
To get to Kulem from the northern part of South Goa (anywhere North of Varca), travel via Margao – Chandor – Sanvordem. At Sanvordem, look out for the Hindustan Petroleum Gas Station, here, take a right turn towards Kulem (another 22km). Normal travel time from Sanvordem to Kulem is app 30 min. This route has mining lorries at some times, in that case travel time would increase.
Tip: Chandor has some Heritage Mansions dating back to the days of the Portuguese, which are open to visitors. You can plan to visit the Braganza House or the Farnandes Mansion on your way back.
Getting to Kulem via Anmod Ghat
The drive into Goa via Anmod Ghat is quite enjoyable, especially in the rains. This is the preferred route when coming into the region from Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad. To get to Kulem via Anmod Ghat, you will enter into Goa via Ramnagar – Anmod Ghat (just under 50 km, or about an hour and a half driving time). The check post on Goa side is Mollem. After the check post, watch out for the Hindustan Petroleum Gas Station on your left. Here, take a leftt turn towards Kulem, from here, it’s another 6km. The highway has largely been widened, but there are chances of some roadworks going on in unfinished sections of the Ghats, so check on current status of the road.
Getting to Dudhsagar/Kulem by Railways
Kulem station is part of South Western Railways with currently 18 unique weekly trains. In addition to several non-daily long distance trains (including a ‘Chennai Express’), there’s a daily local from Vasco da Gama to Kulem, which plies thrice a day (via Margao, which is on the Konkan Railway). Coming in by train makes most sense when spending at least one or two nights in the region. During the day, taxi jeeps are readily available around Kulem Station.
Renting a car/bike in Goa
Rental cars and bikes are available at Margao, Panjim and Vasco, and in most tourist areas along the coast. Roads in Goa, especially the hinterland, are pretty good and exploring Goa’s by-lanes and little villages in your own vehicle is a real pleasure.
- Use approved rental service providers (black and yellow registration)
Check and carry valid documents (RC book, valid PUC, Insurance), driver’s license - Inspect the vehicle (especially breaks and tyres) and record any existing damage (photo/video)
- Agree upon billing beforehand (till day’s end or 24 hours) to avoid extra charges and disputes
- For two wheelers, helmet is compulsory in Goa
