Dudhsagar Waterfalls and surroundings: tips to make the most of your visit

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Dudhsagar Waterfalls Jeep Safari (currently unavailable)

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The Dudhsagar Waterfalls Jeep Safari is run by the Dudhsagar Jeep Operators Union. It’s roughly a fourty five minute jeep ride that takes you deep into Mollem National Park. Jeeps normally run from early October to end of May, subject to favourable weather conditions. Since Dudhsagar was featured in several movies including Shah Rukh Khan starrer Chennai Express, the falls have become quite popular. The forest surrounding the falls is spectacular, as is the unique railway bridge running across the falls, with the occassional train passing.

• Book your trip online to avoid disappointment, the online booking charge is nominal
• Book an early trip to beat the crowds (first trip at 8:00 am)
• The ride is bumpy, not suited for people with back issues
• If on a daytrip, the visit to Dudhsagar can be combined with Darshan at one of the temples around Ponda, lunch and a spice tour at a nearby plantation (click here for suggested itineraries).
• Mollem National Park is an eco sensitive area, single use plastics are not allowed. Do not feed monkeys and leave behind only your footprints.
• For a more relaxed visit to the falls, I recommend a stay in the region. You cut down on travel time and can explore other facets of the Dudhsagar Region. This is especially recommended for nature lovers.

Trek to Dudhsagar Waterfalls

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In fact, it’s not one but three treks to Dudhsagar Falls. 1. The trek down from Castle Rock along the railway tracks (located on Karnataka side) to Dudhsagar Falls (about 14 km/5-6hrs), 2. The trek from Kulem Railway Station upto Dudhsagar Falls (about 11km/4-5hrs) 3. The forest trail from Kulem to Dudhsagar Waterfall (10-11 km, 4-5hrs). These treks are most popular during the rains.

• Walking along the railway line is prohibited, and not very comfortable either.
• Some visitors choose to pitch tents near the waterfall, this is not recommended as there is zero infrastructure.
• I recommend the forest trail. There are a few streams to be crossed, the local guides know the terrain, and will also arrange life jackets for safety.
• Guides are available at Kulem, there is no official counter but you can enquire at the tea shop across from the Railway Station.
• It’s recommended to put up near Kulem, so you can start on the trek early and do not need to rush on the way back. There are several other treks to explore in the area, ideal for a two or three night stay.

Tambdi Surla Mahadeva Temple

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The Tambdi Surla Mahadeva Temple dates back to the 13th Century and is the oldest Temple in Goa. It’s uniquely located in a valley deep inside Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, surrounded by pristine forest. Nevertheless, the road to the temple is asphalted, so access is easy if you have a vehicle. Look out for some really nice carvings on the ceiling of the temple. The area around the temple is popular among bird watchers. A visit to the temple is best combined with a trek to the Tambdi Surla Waterfall.

• Best accessed by private vehicle. It’s located about 16 km to the North of Mollem Check Post/NH4A.
• You will be able to locate the temple on google maps. The trek to the waterfall is not marked and there are one or two bifurcations on the first 500m which can be confusing. Best to take a local guide along or get guidance from your local hosts.

Tambdi Surla Waterfall Trek

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The Waterfall at Tambdi Surla and the trek leading upto it are my personal favourites, and highly recommended. It’s an easy trek of about 5,5 km, (about 1,5 hrs one way) gradually ascending with one or two short slightly steeper sections. Anyone who’s reasonably fit can do it. The beauty of this trek is, most of the time you would have the forest to yourself. It’s worth visiting for the sake of the trek itself, but at the end, you’re rewarded with the waterfall. From June to October/November, it’s got a really good flow. But it never fully dries down and it’s even worth a visit in March/April.

• The trek starts at the parking in front of the temple. It’s kind of straightforward but there’s no signage, hence a local guide or some guidance is recommended.
• Start on the trek in the first half of the day; it’s mostly shady but you would want to make sure that you’re back before nightfall. Also, along the way you’ll find several nice spots for resting/bathing in the stream (think little cascades surrounded only by forest), so it’s good to plan for some extra time.
• The Temple closes around 5 pm, but it’s a beautiful place to rest and soak in the serene atmosphere after the trek, so you’d ideally be back at the temple before 4:30 pm

Birding at Mollem National Park/Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

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The area around Mollem National Park/Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is home to more than 300 species of birds. Some of the iconic species are the Hornbills and a plethora of Kingfishers including the elusive Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher. The area around Tambdi Surla Temple, with dense forest and water bodies is popular among bird watchers.

Spice Tour at a Spice Plantation

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Several spice plantations in the area offer spice tours, optionally with local lunch. It’s an opportunity to see how your everyday spices, herbs and fruits grow. I recommend our very own Dudhsagar Plantation, an organic plantation located just 10 km from Kulem, on the fringe of Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary. We also have a heritage brewery on site which you can check out – distillation happens during the cashew season from March to May.

• At Dudhsagar Plantation, pre-booking of Plantation Tours is required. I conduct the tours myself.
• To combine it with a visit to Dudhsagar Falls, best to reach the falls early, then visit the plantation (lunch 13:00-14:00)
• Have a look at the recommended daytrip itineraries for guests coming in from South Goa or North Goa
• A plantation tour is complimentary for our in house guests (more info and to book a stay click here).