Dudhsagar Falls, translating to ‘Sea of Milk’, is a four-tiered waterfall in the state of Goa. A tourists’ paradise, the destination attracts all kinds of travellers due to its breathtaking beauty, serene location, and magnificent surroundings. And today, we’ve curated for you the only guide you’ll ever need to plan a trip to witness these falls in their full glory. By Anushka Goel
With a majestic cascade of water descending down to about 1,017 feet (310 metres) on the vertical face of the mountains, Dudhsagar Falls in Goa are among the most stunning waterfalls in India. The fall, roughly 70 kilometres from the state’s capital, Panaji, is a 30 metre wide four-tiered structure along the Mandovi river and is also one of India’s waterfalls. The rapidly falling water creates the illusion of a milky sea, giving it the name Dudhsagar, or ‘sea of milk’.
All you need to know about the majestic Dudhsagar Falls
Location
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The main river of Goa, Mandovi, originates in the Deccan Plateau and in its course, reaches the Goa-Karnataka border. Here, as it descends down the hills, it transforms into the majestic falls that we know of, before forming a stunning green pool at its base. From here, it moves towards the West to ultimately fall into the Arabian Sea.
The waterfall is located in the Sanguem Taluka in Goa. A part of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Goa Forest Department. The area is surrounded by lush green forests and makes for a great trek as well.
The myth behind the falls
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According to legend, the milky white hue of the waterfalls dates back to the olden days. A popular myth in the region is that the daughter of the King of Ghats used to bathe in the lake near her father’s castle along with her maidens. Here, she used to drink milk from a jug of gold, which was adorned with sparkling diamonds, and relax with her maidens.
Once, it so happened that a young, handsome prince was passing by and heard the laughter of these women, following their sound to see where it was coming from. When he arrived, he saw the princess in her minimal bathing clothes, and to protect her honour, the maidens poured the milk from the gold jug to provide a curtain, allowing her the time to change into her royal attire. And according to myths, it is this curtain that we know as the Dudhsagar Falls today.
How to reach the Dudhsagar Falls
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By Road
The falls are about 70 kilometres from the Kadamba Bus Stand in Panaji. You can board a bus from there, or opt for a cab or a self-driven vehicle to reach the falls.
Trek to the falls
Another great way to reach the Dudhsagar falls is by trekking to the destination. From Castle Rock, opt for a trek that’ll require about six hours to cover a distance of 14 kilometres, taking you through the mountains and lush greenery before you reach your final destination.
By Rail
You can board a train either to the Castle Rock station in Karnataka, or the Dudhsagar Railway Station. However, do check with your train’s timetable to ensure it stops at your preferred destination. From both these places, there are set routes that take you to the waterfall, whether on foot or via a vehicle, and will make for a stunning journey.
By Air
Goa International Airport is about 70 kilometres from the falls. From here, book a taxi or a self-driven car and reach the waterfalls in about two hours.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the falls is in the monsoon season, when the weather will be pleasant and water levels higher than normal, creating a stunning cascading effect.
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of Shutterstock
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