Is Dudhsagar waterfall safe to visit?

There are three main ways to travel to Dudhsagar Waterfall:by road, by train and by air.

1.By Road

1. Dudhsagar Waterfall is located on the Mollem-Belagavi road in Goa.
2. If you are coming from North Goa, you can take the NH748 highway to Collem.
3. From Collem, you can take a taxi or rickshaw to the waterfall.
4. If you are coming from South Goa, you can take the MDR41 road to Kulem. From Kulem, you can take a taxi or rickshaw to the waterfall, or you can hike to the waterfall (see the Trekking section below).
5. If you are traveling to Dudhsagar Falls by road and using your own vehicle, you will need to park your car at one of the designated parking areas before reaching the falls themselves. Here’s a breakdown of the options:

Parking:

There are two main parking areas to choose from depending on your route:

1.Kulem Parking: This is the most common parking spot for Dudhsagar Falls. It’s a public parking lot situated near the Kulem railway station and the Goa Forest Department office where you can book jeep safaris to the falls.

2.Mollem Check Post: This is another option, particularly if you are coming from South Goa. It’s a government check post where you can find parking spaces and some shops selling refreshments. From here, you can hire jeeps to take you to the starting point of the Dudhsagar Falls trek.
Both these parking areas are operational from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. It’s advisable to arrive early during peak season to avoid a full parking lot.

Reaching the Falls:

Once you’ve parked your car, you have two options for reaching Dudhsagar Falls:

1.Trekking: This is the adventurous option and the only way to reach the base of the falls directly. The trek from Kulem parking is around 11 kilometers and can take 3-4 hours. The trail can be challenging, so be sure to wear proper shoes and clothing and carry enough water.

2.Jeep Hiring: This is the more relaxed option, especially if you’re traveling with family or not up for a long trek. You can hire jeeps from the Goa Forest Department office near Kulem parking or from local vendors around the parking areas. The jeeps will take you to a point close to the falls, where you can then walk a short distance to the base.

2.By Train

The most adventurous way to get to Dudhsagar Waterfall is by train.

1. Board the train from your starting point and travel to Castle Rock Railway Station because Dudhsagar Waterfall is not a station on the Konkan Railway line, so you will need to get off at Castle Rock Station.
2. Castle Rock Railway Station is also commonly referred to as Kulem Railway Station.
3. From Castle Rock Railway Station to Dudhsagar waterfall, the distance is approximately 14 kilometers.
4. This distance is often covered by either trekking or taking a jeep ride through the forested terrain. Trekking takes around 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and the trail conditions. Jeep rides are faster and can usually cover the dist 30-45 minutes. However, availability and conditions may vary depending on local regulations and weather conditions.
5. Important Note: During the monsoon season (June to September), the railway tracks are submerged underwater, and trekking to the waterfall is not possible. Also, be aware that swimming is not allowed in Dudhsagar Waterfall.

3.By Air

• The nearest airport to Dudhsagar Waterfall is Dabolim Airport (GOI) in Goa, which is about 80 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi, take a bus, or rent a car to reach Dudhsagar. This is the fastest way to get to the waterfall, but it is also the most expensive.

3.Points you should known before going to Dudhsagar waterfall.

1. You should keep liquid money(cash) on hand, they may use Google Pay, Phone Pay etc, but they don’t.. Given its remote and natural location, there are no ATMs directly near Dudhsagar waterfall. The closest place where you might find ATMs or banking facilities would likely be in the nearby towns or villages such as Colem, which is about 10-15 kilometers away. However, it’s essential to plan ahead and carry sufficient cash with you before visiting remote natural attractions like Dudhsagar waterfall.

2.There is no petrol station in the area so keep enough fuel in your vehicle.

3.Food and water are not available near the falls. So it is better to have a snack near the registration area before starting the journey. If you take the food, the monkeys will steal it from you. Otherwise they become aggressive.

4.Do not go without an online booking.Book your slot online on https://dudhsagarjeep.com.

5.From the parking the waterfall is around 1-1.5 kms through a rocky way and around 20 minutes walk to the falls. You can also see the trains cross the waterfall.

6.Every jeep is permitted to take 7 people. Kids beyond the age of 4 need a ticket. Life jackets are mandatory and arranged by the jeep drivers.

Overall the trip takes around 3 hours (45 minutes up-down and 1.5 hours in the waterfall).
The driver says that once the jeep reaches its destination, it should return in 45 minutes. Then you will have to pay 300 rupees more for every hour. Remember one thing. You can’t go there and enjoy it and come back within 45 minutes. It will take at least 2 hours. (Then the jeep fees will be 500 + extra hour charge)

7.costing of Dudhsagar waterfall.

Cost per person-

• Registration online -₹10
  Jeep cost -₹560
  Life jackets- ₹30
  Forest entry – ₹100
• Please note that the exact cost may vary depending on factors such as time of year, ticket options, and additional services.

4.How much time it will take to visiting?

The visiting time at Dudhsagar waterfall can vary depending on several factors such as your mode of transportation, the activities you plan to do there, and how much time you want to spend enjoying the waterfall and its surroundings. Here’s a general guideline:

1.Trekking Time:

• If you’re trekking to Dudhsagar waterfall from Castle Rock Railway Station or Mollem village, the trek can take approximately 2-3 hours one way, depending on your pace and the trail conditions.
  Therefore, if you plan to trek both ways, you should allocate at least 4-6 hours for the trek alone.

2.Jeep Ride Time:

• If you’re taking a jeep ride from Castle Rock Railway Station or Mollem village to Dudhsagar waterfall, the journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes one way.
  Therefore, if you’re only considering the journey to and from the waterfall, you would need around 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the round trip.

Time at the Waterfall:

• Once you reach Dudhsagar waterfall, you’ll likely want to spend some time enjoying the scenery, taking photographs, swimming (if permitted and safe), or having a picnic.
  Plan to spend at least 1-2 hours at the waterfall to fully appreciate its beauty and surroundings.

Total Visiting Time:

• Taking into account transportation time and time spent at the waterfall, a typical visit to Dudhsagar waterfall could range from 4-8 hours or more, depending on your preferences and activities.
• Remember to consider factors such as weather conditions, daylight hours, and any specific regulations or restrictions in place for visiting Dudhsagar waterfall.

5.What is the best time to visit Dudhsagar?

The best time to visit Dudhsagar Falls depends on what you prioritize during your visit:

1.For the most impressive waterfall views – June to September (monsoon season):

This is when Dudhsagar Falls is at its most majestic, with the heaviest water flow creating a stunning cascading effect. However, there are some drawbacks to consider:

1. Limited Accessibility: During the monsoon, the surrounding areas can become muddy and slippery, making trekking to the falls difficult and potentially dangerous.
2. Closed Activities: Jeep safaris are also not operational during the monsoon due to safety concerns.
3. Strong Currents: The strong water currents during the monsoon make swimming in the falls extremely dangerous and not recommended.

2.For Overall Enjoyment – October to February(Post-Monsoon):

This is widely considered the best time to visit Dudhsagar Falls. Here’s why:

• Moderate Waterflow: The water levels are still impressive but calmer than the monsoon, making the falls beautiful and the surroundings more accessible.
• Pleasant Weather: The weather is generally dry and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities like trekking.
• Open Activities: Trekking and jeep safaris are both operational during this time, allowing you to choose your preferred way to reach the falls.
• Safer Conditions: The trails are less slippery, and the water currents are calmer, making it a safer time to visit compared to the monsoon.

3.For Fewer Crowds – March to May (Shoulder Season):

• If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting Dudhsagar Falls during the shoulder season (March to May). The weather is still warm, and the water flow is decent, although not as spectacular as the post-monsoon period. However, you might encounter higher temperatures during these months.

In Summary:

• For the most impressive waterfall views: June to September (monsoon season) – Be aware of limitations on accessibility and activities due to safety concerns.
• For the best overall experience: October to February (post-monsoon).
• For fewer crowds: March to May (shoulder season).
• Ultimately, the best time to visit Dudhsagar Falls depends on your priorities. Consider what kind of experience you’re looking for and choose the season that best suits your needs.

6.Best nearby places you should visit after dudhsagar waterfall

1. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park

• Why it is famous: This is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Goa, and it’s home to a variety of animals, including leopards, tigers, elephants, and deer. You can go on a jeep safari, hike through the forest, or visit one of the many waterfalls in the park.
• Distance from Dudhsagar Waterfall: Dudhsagar Falls is located within Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.
• Costing related to Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park:
• Entry Fee:
  Adults: ₹ 50
  Children between 3-12 years: ₹ 25
  Jeep Safari: ₹ 1000 onwards depending on the route and duration
  Forest Guide Charges: ₹ 200 – ₹ 300 depending on the duration of the trek.

2. Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple

• Why it is famous: This 12th-century Shiva temple is a beautiful example of Kadamba architecture. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular spot for picnics and photography.
• Distance from Dudhsagar Waterfall: Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple is 23 kilometers from Dudhsagar Falls.
• Costing related to Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple:
• Entry Fee: Free

3. Sahyadri Spice Farm

• Why it is famous: Learn about the different spices that are grown in Goa on a tour of this spice farm. You can also sample some of the spices and buy them as souvenirs.
• Distance from Dudhsagar Waterfall: Sahyadri Spice Farm is 31 kilometers from Dudhsagar Falls.
• Costing related to Sahyadri Spice Farm:
• Entry Fee: ₹ 100 (includes a welcome drink and a guided tour)

4. Arvalem Waterfalls

• Why it is famous: These waterfalls are smaller than Dudhsagar Falls, but they are just as beautiful. There is a swimming pool at the base of the falls, where you can take a refreshing dip.
• Distance from Dudhsagar Waterfall: Arvalem Waterfalls are 38 kilometers from Dudhsagar Falls.
• Costing related to Arvalem Waterfalls:
• Entry Fee: Free
  Parking Fee: ₹ 20 – ₹ 40 (varies depending on the vehicle)

5. Canacona Beaches

• Why it is famous: If you’re looking for some relaxation after your adventures at Dudhsagar Falls, head to one of the many beaches in Canacona, such as Palolem Beach or Agonda Beach. These beaches are known for their soft sand, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere.
• Distance from Dudhsagar Waterfall: Canacona Beaches are around 60 kilometers from Dudhsagar Falls.
• Costing related to Canacona Beaches:
• Beach Shack Charges: Varies depending on the shack
  Water sport activities: Parasailing – ₹ 500 onwards, Kayaking – ₹ 200 onwards (charges may vary)

General Tips:

• Public transportation options like buses might be available in the area, but they may not have regular schedules and could be less convenient for reaching these specific locations. Hiring a taxi or rickshaw might be more efficient, especially if you have a group.When hiring a taxi or rickshaw, negotiate the fare clearly before setting off on your journey. This will help avoid any misunderstandings later.
• If you’re comfortable riding a two-wheeler, you can rent a motorbike and explore the area at your own pace. However, road conditions can vary, so be cautious and ensure you have a valid license and helmet.

7.Which month is Dudhsagar Falls closed?

• Dudhsagar Falls itself is always open, but monsoon rains (June-Sept) make reaching it difficult. Trekking is risky and jeeps are unavailable due to muddy conditions. Visit from October to February for ideal weather, manageable water flow, and open trails for trekking or jeep rides.