Dudhsagar Waterfall, Goa

One of the most scenic waterfalls in India, Dudhsagar means ‘Sea of Milk’. Though perennial, the beauty of the waterfall increases multi-fold during the rainy season. Dudhsagar Waterfall is situated inside the Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary in the Sanguem district of Goa close to the border with Karnataka. It is about 60 km from the state capital Panaji. The water plummets from a height of over 1,000 ft to form one of the most amazing natural phenomena in Goa. The waterfall is called Vajra Sakala Falls by the locals but most people know it as Tambdi Surla falls based on the popular trekking tale to the waterfall which starts from Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple. The waterfall is four-tiered and is about 1015 ft high and 100 ft wide.

The best time to visit Dudhsagar waterfalls depends on what you want to encounter at these magical streams or the club of streams. October to June will give you pleasant weather and gushing, tamed water in the waterfall. Monsoon months from July to September see furious, yet exquisite water flow.

The three-streamed, four-tiered waterfall is the fifth highest waterfall in India with a staggering 600-meter height to its attribute. Accessible only by train or on foot, Dudhsagar is one of the finest and most pristine pieces from nature’s collection. The first sight of the milky white waterfalls can spell-bind even the direst of people. It is as surreal as an oasis of water, right in the middle of the Thar Desert. Dotted with rich vegetation on every side, here, only the excited and enthusiastic eco-tourists will be your companions. Other times, the local villagers will engross you with their acumen and warmth. More often than not, Indian macaques try to befriend you.

The railway track is the perfect vantage point to appreciate this magnificence. And the view is splendid as the vapor arising from the exuberantly gushing water forms a painting of clouds descending to witness the awe-inspiring falls. You can look at a good 200 m up to the fall and down to the green lake in the luscious Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a decent 100 m downwards from the track. The foam of water at the base of waterfalls gives it an ethereal aura. The green puddle is a good picnic spot where you can take a swim and have a fun day with your family and friends.