Dudh Sagar Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in India, and among the hundred highest waterfalls in the world. It lies in the southern part of Goa at Mollem, near the border with Karnataka state.

Dudh Sagar, literally means a Sea of Milk in the local Konkanni language, and gets its name as it appears like an overflowing sea of milk. It has a height of 306 m and a width of 30 m.

The water fall is at its peak flow during the monsoon months from June to September and wanes out towards the summers from March to June.

The entrance to the waterfall is from Collem through the forest department gate. Ticket sales are stopped at 3PM.

History

Legend has it that a beautiful princess lived in the forest on the edge of the King's palace grounds. She enjoyed bathing in a lake nearby and ritually drank sweetened milk from a Golden Jug upon finishing with her bath.

One day while enjoying her jug of milk she found herself being watched by a handsome prince standing amongst the trees. Red with embarrassment at her inadequate bathing attire, the Princess poured the jug of milk in front of her to form an improvised curtain to hide her body, while one of the maids rushed to cover her with a dress.

The sweetened milk cascades down the mountain slope to this day as tribute to the virtue and modesty of the Princess.

Landscape

The waterfall is in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary at Collem in South Goa along the western Ghats, bordering the neighbouring state of Karnataka.

Flora and fauna

The area is a wild and scenic deciduous forest and an ardent bird-watchers paradise. Many species of birds, insects, plants and animal abound here.

The fauna found in the sanctuary is as follows: Gaur, Panther, Spotted Deer, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Porcupine, Wild Dog, Leopard Cat, Sambar, Bonnet Macaque, Common Langur, Jungle Cat, Civet, Flying Squirrel, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Pangolin, Slender Loris, etc. Occasionally, Tigers have also been seen, but the area is famous for King cobras though other snakes found are Python, Krait, Viper, and non-poisonous snakes. About 200 species of birds are found in the sanctuary of which the better known ones are Indian Black Woodpecker, the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Paradise Fly Catcher, Fairy Blue Bird, Drongo, Wag tails, Barbets, Great Indian Horn Bill, Kingfishers, Shrikes, Emerald Dove, and Grey Jungle Fowl.

By and large sightings of wild animals on the trails leading to the Waterfalls are poor due to human activity, however what you will see plenty of are monkeys of various types, who scamper down the steep slopes to greet visitors. Feeding of monkeys is prohibited and will incur a fine if found guilty.

Climate

Dudh Sagar Waterfall in the month of August

The most pleasant weather is to be experienced between November and February. March to May can be warm and uncomfortably humid. The monsoon months of June to September, are the most scenic when the entire area is lush and green. However, during these months the access to the waterfalls could be cut off due to flooded rivers and huge quantities of water cascading down the falls.

Get in

By road

The waterfall can be reached by road, from Collem which is off National Highway (NH-4A). All interstate buses halt at Mollem where the park office is located. You can take a local bus to Collem from the highway or from Ponda, which is the nearest city.

• Panaji-Old Goa-Ponda-Tiska-Mollem. (57 km)
• Margao-Ponda-Tiska-Mollem (42 km)

By rail

Nearest station: Collem (South Central Railway):

• Collem-Mollem - 6 km

Carambolim (Karmali Railway Station - Konkan Railways):

• Carambolim-Old Goa-Ponda-Tiska-Mollem-50 km, by road.

Take the turn off at Collem near the Hindustan Petroleum Petrol pump. Drive 9 km down the road. Entering the park is not advisable in a normal car, and may only be accessible to SUVs and 4WD jeeps, as the road is a boulder-strewn jungle track that has rivers criss-crossing it at several points.

One can also hire the vehicle from the union operated taxi stand at ₹2800 for maximum 7 persons. The driver will drop you off near the falls and wait for one and a half hours before taking you back to Collem.

Fees and permits

The Forest Department charges an entrance fee of ₹20 per person. A still camera permit costs ₹30, and a professional camera could cost ₹250. You also need a life Jacket that can be taken from Collem at ₹30 (rent).

See

Dudh Sagar Waterfall

• Elephant camp.
• Tambdi Surla Temple, a 13th-century temple that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is 25 km from National Highway 4-A towards Satpal.
• Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary.

Do

Take a dip in the refreshing cool, sweet waters at the waterfall. However diving is forbidden, as the bottom could be rocky with unpredictable depths. A signboard acts as a grim reminder of people that have lost their lives swimming or diving at the falls. Bring a pair of binoculars and watch an array of birds, insects and animals. Or watch the hordes of monkeys perform their antics.

Trekking through the forest trails is an interesting activity for the avid trekker. Adventurous rock climbers could attempt climbing the steep rocks up to the source of the falls.

Take an elephant ride through the forest, at the forest eco camp.

Visit Devil’s Canyon: this is known as “Devcharacho kond” which when translated from Konkani means ‘Devil’s Canyon’. It is a splendid geological rock formation, wherein the river Khandepar passes through the sanctuary and has cut across the basalt rock formation thus earning its name. The depth of the water here is supposed to be fathomless and is very dangerous for swimming.

Eat

Karibu Restaurant is the closest place for food and drink to the waterfall. Located on the way to Collem from NH-4A. They serve a wide variety of snacks, Goan and Chinese meals and have a bar attached.

Sleep

Splurge

• Dudh Sagar Eco and Wildlife Resort (Azuska Retreat) (in the forest just off NH-4A), ☏ +91 832 2612319. Air-conditioned tents, equipped with lounge and bedroom, and toilets, with running hot water, refrigerator, cable TV, mini bar (chargeable), safes and telephones available in all tents. Tea and coffee makers are available with daily replenishments. The resort has a small swimming pool, steam sauna, gymnasium,. A health club offers a variety of Swedish and Ayurvedic massages. Also available is a 4-day massage course for couples. ₹2750 for the Deluxe Rooom Mar-Oct, and ₹3750 from Nov-Feb. Bed & Breakfast are ₹6000 per night Mar-Oct and ₹7500 from Nov-Feb. All room rates include breakfast. (updated Feb 2016)

Another option that is easily reached from Dudh Sagar Waterfalls are the cozy cottages on the Malkarnekar Family's organic farm. The farm is about 18 km or a 20-minute drive from Kollem (towards Sanvordem). Besides a relaxing stay in a family run environment, the place provides an opportunity to see a wide variety of local spices being grown on a traditional farm, a biogas plant and a feni distillery during the cashew season. The goan-style guesthouses are situated in a coconut grove, in the midst of exotic plants. It is advisable to call before visiting (+91 9420 766 782 or +91 9769 048 726). Information on accommodation and tariffs can be found under www.dudhsagarplantation.com

Stay safe

Use of an insect repellent is recommended during the monsoon months. Beware of wild snakes when exploring the nearby jungles.

Do not dive into the waterfalls, as the bottom is strewn with huge boulders and has widely varying depths.

Do not venture to swim in the Devil's Canyon. The canyon is like a bottomless pit with strong underground currents likely to suck you into the rocks.