Dudhsagar Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls of Goa, situated west of India on the Goa-Karnataka border, and is a stunning wonder of nature. The waterfall falls from a height of 310 meters, and the milky-white waters create an eye-catching performance, hence Dudhsagar (Sea of Milk). This four-tiered waterfall lies in the lush Western Ghats and is a place for any nature lover or adventure enthusiast to visit. Unlike Goa, which is primarily for beaches and Fort Aguada, Dudhsagar allows people a chance to reinstate their wild side!
Entry Fee and Timings for Dudhsagar Waterfall
To visit Dudhsagar Waterfall, travelers need to pay a nominal entry fee ranging from ₹20-50 for Indians and ₹100-200 for foreigners. Dudhsagar Waterfall opens from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM year-round. The best time to visit is from October to March when there is enough water flow to see the waterfall in its full glory, yet not so much water flow that visitors and locals are unsafe. Unless you are hiking in, visitors will need to take a Jeep safari (₹300-500 per person) through the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. Be aware that during the monsoon (June-September), heavy currents may limit access.
The Fascinating History of Dudhsagar Waterfall
There is a legend that Dudhsagar came to be when a princess bathing in the river poured milk from a golden jug to cover her modesty, thus relenting some “milk” as a vivid waterfall. In the past, the falls were an important feature for trade or exploration at the time, as the Western Ghats were traversed. Today, Dudhsagar Railway Bridge, which featured in movies such as Chennai Express, continues to contribute to its mystique. It is a place steeped in mythology and prettiness, as opposed to historical colonial fortresses such as Fort Aguada.
Best Time to Visit & Nearby Attractions
The best time to visit Dudhsagar is post-monsoon (October-February) – when the waterfall is in full swing. Other attractions nearby include the Tambdi Surla Temple and Devil’s Canyon. If you are exploring Goa’s heritage, you can also combine Dudhsagar with Fort Aguada and other beaches – a perfect plan!
How to Reach Dudhsagar Waterfall: Location & Transport
Dudhsagar is located within Mollem National Park, approximately 60 km from Panaji. If you plan to visit Dudhsagar by train, you’ll need to get off at Castle Rock (Karnataka) or Kulem (Goa), from where you can book a jeep tour to take you to the falls or walk (4-5 km).
If you are traveling from North Goa, you will get the opportunity to pass by some sites like Fort Aguada and then head east and into the forests. It is important to note that public transport to Dudhsagar is quite limited, so it is preferable to hire a bike or book a guided tour.