A Must Visit – Dudhsagar Waterfalls, South Goa: Tickets, Timings and How to Reach

This waterfall should undoubtedly be on every adventurer’s bucket list!

Dudhsagar Waterfalls, which translates to a “sea of milk,” are just 60 kilometers away from Panaji. There is no shortage of places to visit in India, and Goa has always attracted people to it. This spectacular waterfall has served as a magnet for tourists. It is listed among India’s tallest waterfalls, with a height of 310 m (1017 feet) and an average width of 30 m (100 feet). 

The best time to see its true beauty is during the monsoon season, when you can experience the cascading effect as the water flows down through the grassy highlands, giving the illusion of a milky white sea and creating a spectacular moment worth capturing. This is how Dudhsagar got its name.

The Legend of the Cascading Falls

The exact meaning of Dudhsagar is a “sea of milk.” Many locals believe that this name comes from the mythic tale of a princess; the tale is about a princess who used to have a bath near the Mandovi River, and she used to drink sweetened milk from a golden jug after taking a bath. It was like any other usual day for her when she noticed a prince gazing at her, so in an attempt to cover her, her maidens poured the milk from the jug in front of her to create a virtual curtain, thus obstructing the view of the prince.  

According to this classic old tale, in honor of the princess, milky water still flows down from the green hills.

How to Reach Dudhsagar Waterfalls?

It is easy to find your way to the four-tiered attraction, regardless of your mode of travel, be it by air, rail, or bus. The falls are situated in the Western Ghats near Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary in South Goa. The different routes that lead to your destination include: 

Via Air

Panaji Airport is just 60 kilometers away from Dudhsagar Falls. You can either opt for a bus or a taxi from the airport to reach the magnificent falls. There are some direct flights leading to Panaji, which include Kochi, Surat, Ahmedabad, and more. Don’t worry if your city isn’t on the list; you can opt for connecting flights available from every major city.

By Rail

The nearest stations leading to the falls are Collem and Castle Rock Stations. The Dudhsagar railway route is another option, though not many trains formally stop here; you’ll have to find the ones that do. 

Jeep

This mode of travel is only allowed when the water level is low between January and May. 

You can hire the jeep from the local Dudhsagar Jeep Association counter at Collem. Moreover, this extremely fun adventure just costs INR 500 per head and will drop you at the base of the waterfalls.

Best Time to Visit the Falls

The magnificent falls should be seen in their full glory during the monsoon season. Yes, the falls look splendid even in summer, but you should visit during the monsoon season because the cascading effect of the water falling through the green highlands can be clearly seen.

However, you need to exercise caution as the monsoon rains can increase the water level, so some of the usual things may get restricted, and always carry a life jacket during trekking.

Timings 

The falls are accessible to all from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. However, the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary’s gates open at 7AM and close around 5 P.M. 

Pricing

Entry fee: INR 20 per head

Jeep from Collem: INR 500 per head

Dudhsagar Waterfalls Trek

The Dudhsagar railway trek has been officially closed by the RPF as the area has witnessed many landslides, but there is no need to worry; you can trek on the alternative routes available; you can start from Collem, following the jeep trail route, and visit the bottom of the magnificent falls. Besides, the stretch from Collem spans 11 kilometers, so gear up and follow the adventurer in you.

Another route for the Dudhsagar trek is from Castle Rock station, which spans about 14 km, to the falls, which generally take about 45 minutes to reach the base of the fall. It will take 6–8 hours, so take your time and embrace nature as you go.

4 Best Places to Visit Near Dudhsagar Waterfalls

The temple constructed in the 12th century is made in the Kadamaba style, lies in the helms of nature, and is just 14 km away from Dudhsagar station. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a place of Hindu worship; moreover, it is a monument of importance protected by ASI.

The largest wildlife preserve in South Goa is just 7 kilometers away from Dudhsagar station. The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

Pricing:

• Children: INR 10 per head
• Adults: INR 20 per head
• Still Camera: INR 30 per unit
• Video Camera: INR 150 per unit

You cannot skip the naturally created pool near Dudhsagar Waterfalls. 

The pool is freezing even in the afternoon and is a popular destination among domestic and foreign tourists. It is to be noted that the pool is deep. With this in mind, you should carry your life jacket with you, and you’ll be safe to swim in the pool that has beautiful fish in it and clear water.

If you feel chills in your eyes on your way to Dudhsagar Falls, it is probably because of the spice farm that falls in the way of Dudhsagar Falls. Just 8–9 km away from Dudhsagar station, this plantation farm is a must-stop on your way to the falls, where you can taste authentic cuisine and a variety of spices. Apart from that, you also get to ride on an elephant as you tour the farm.  

3 Things to Keep in Mind While Traveling to Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Before packing your bags to see the magnificent falls, you need to read through this article so you don’t miss the fun and keep enjoying the view. 

You need to leave a day open to explore this natural marvel and its undying beauty. The journey to the falls is filled with stops that every shutter buzzer should stop by.

Simply put, you’ll be visiting in the monsoon season to see the true beauty of the falls, so it’s best to carry monsoon gear like raincoats, ponchos, a torch, and a supply of food to last for the trek. If you are going to camp, then layering is the thumb rule for trekking; invest in light layers during monsoon season. 

There is no hard-and-fast rule for building muscles for trekking. What you need to keep in mind is to build strength in your muscles and core body by starting slowly and building your pace as you go. Try adding planks and exercises that increase your flexibility, like stretching your hamstrings, lower back muscles, etc. Trust me, this will help you when you go trekking, and there is no harm in getting some exercise done in your daily life. 

All things considered, the cascading falls are a must-visit for all adventurers and tourists, and it is a vacation spot for families too. So go ahead and pack your bags as you leave for your next getaway, and make sure to create a stunning travel video.