There are some waterfalls to see at least once in a lifetime. One such, Dudhsagar Waterfall. Sanguem Taluka in the state of Goa, and falls into the jurisdiction of the Goa Forest departments since it is a part of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.
This beautiful waterfall is an attraction for everyone. Then I am not different person. I also had it in my mind for a long time but something will come up and the trip will be cancelled. Finally that day came July, 2013. The trip is very old but still new to me. Looks like we left yesterday.
The word ‘Dudhsagar’ means ‘Sea of Milk,’ which many believe is a reference to the white spray and foam created by the great waterfall as it cascades into the lake’s waters. The falls are at their most spectacular during the monsoon season, but they are a popular tourist destination all year.
The Dudhsagar Falls in Goa are a magnificent waterfall with cascading white water gushing down the steep and vertical face of the mountain. With a height of 310 metres, it is certain to rank among India’s tallest waterfalls.
The Planning & Journey
Now the planning of this trip did not happen immediately. Planned and changes in the plan happened lots of time. Dudhsagar is a very remote place so I had to think about everything. I finally decided to go in July, 2013. Since it was rainy season on the trip, it was mandatory to carry the essentials. After making all these preparations, I left my home at round 6.30 am in the morning.
The journey to Dudhsagar was wonderful and unforgettable. I chose the road trip option just to enjoy nature on the go. In the morning I chose Ichalkaranji-Kolhapur-Belgaum-Khanapur-Castlerock a straight but slightly winding and jungle road. Dense forest on both sides of the road and morning time, this double coincidence matched.
Nowhere in the full road trip did I get bored or tired. And the important thing is that this was the first time I was doing such a long road trip and at the same time I decided that the first option for the trip would be just a road trip.
After a cool journey of 3-4 hours, I reached Castel Rock railway station. I knew that a train leaves at 11.00 am and it stops at Dudhsagar but I decided to trek from Castlerock to Dudhsagar. It was not easy but it was not impossible. My trekking route is 14 km and was 5-6 hours. But I was going to do it and I did.
The serenity of the surroundings is worth all the efforts that you are going to invest in here. There are several tunnels and railway crossings that you would have to traverse during your trek. Usually a trek of easy to moderate density, it is one of the most scenic.
I want to clear that much things to carry when you trek Castlerock to Dudhsagar:
1. Haversack
2. Sufficient water
3. Extra clothing
4. Trekking shoes
5. Plate, spoon, mug etc.
6. Personal medical kit, compulsory
The most important thing, Alcohol or intoxicant consumption is strictly prohibited on account of personal and group safety.
Finally, after crossing the 11th tunnel, I made it to the Dudhsagar Waterfall. There were literally tears in my eyes. Tear of watching something that magical. Due to ongoing heavy rains, the Dudhsagar fall was gushing with a full flow and everything seemed foggy.
Although I can’t describe in words what I saw after all these journeys, I can tell the grandeur of Dudhsagar waterfall. It is actually just the spray from the waterfalls. Its momentum is so strong, it actually crosses over to the other side of the railway tracks. I had to put my camera and other essentials away to prevent it from being sprayed over.
I had hypnotised after seeing this waterfall. In my life, I had never seen such a huge and beautiful waterfall ever. At that moment, I couldn’t care about me, my essentials, the viewpoint or anything else. I was in love with this waterfall. Suddenly, I remove my basic cloths and enter into safe zone of waterfall to enjoy little things. I had spent so much time in the waterfall, taken some pictures & videos, store lots of memories in my head etc.etc.
The Journey Ends…
But after that, no matter how much you want to, you have to step out of some place. Also, something happened to me during Dudhsagar. The grandeur of Dudhsagar waterfall, the same white water, fog etc. Seeing all this and keeping it in mind, I set off on my way back. At 6.00 in the evening a freight train arrived and I reached Castle Rock standing at the engine.
My condition was useless during the full train journey, it was black smoke, train noise, and tunnels. Reached Castlerock and freshened up and got in the car to return home. Throughout the journey, I was thinking of the Dudhsagar trek and the waterfall. Finally, I said that everyone should take a trip to Dudhsagar at least once in their life.
With all the delightful memories of the trek to Dudhsagar Waterfall in 2013, I will definitely go back in next few years…..