Dudhsagar: An exciting journey to the paradise of waterfalls

The story behind Dudhsagar Falls being famous

Dudhsagar equals a sea of milk. It looks white as milk and is the 4th highest waterfall, situated in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. There are two ways to access this waterfall: Castle Rock in Karnataka or Kulem in Goa. However, the former was closed during my two trips to this waterfall, so I went with Kulem in Goa. Do you know the fall even has an intriguing story behind it? Yes, it goes like this.

The legend says that once upon a time, the waterfall was a beautiful princess who drank sweetened milk from a stunning golden jug after taking a bath. One day, she saw a prince staring at her as she was drinking the milk. So she poured the milk from the jug to create a curtain, hiding her modesty. 

The best time to visit 

I visited the falls once in the summer and a second time just after the rainy season. I was mesmerized by the multifold beauty of this waterfall in the rainy season. If you ask the locals and other experienced trekkers, they will emphasize coming to witness this fall after the monsoon season, as the fall is full of water and there is much luscious greenery around. The curtain created by the celestial princess is now the waterfall we all see and love.

The route I took... 

I started my trek from the Goa side both times, as the Karnataka government had banned the same. The roads to the waterfall from Goa opened in October. The first time I went to the trek, I did not research and went without booking the trek with any company or having little knowledge about the routes and more. However, the second time, I planned well. I knew that trekkers could also take a jeep safari or a bike ride toward the trek, and it would be an ethereal experience. However, I opted for the old-fashioned hike!

There are four routes that you can take to reach the fall. Kuveshi is the best route; however, if you cannot go through this during the monsoon season, you need to cross the Mandovi River, which requires you to pass through dense jungle.

Castle Rock is the second and most popular route. The third route is from Kulem railway station, which I took and was 11 km long. The last route is taking a jeep safari and reaching the waterfall from the Dudhsagar taxi stand. If you are into jeep safaris, this is a great option; however, you should book from a reputable agency, as I saw many people struggling with high prices and the unavailability of jeeps. 

Story Time and Advice

I have completed the Dudhsagar trek twice in my life, and this is the mistake I made during my first trek. After watching the movie, I was so stunned by the waterfall that I thought my kids should experience this beautiful natural phenomenon with me too. The kids were 6 and 8 years old, and we went on the trek without planning or getting help from a travel agency. However, it was a mistake!

The train that took us to Dudhsagar had no platform for disembarkation. We had to get down on the mettle tracks, which was not as safe with kids. Moreover, the route that I took with several other people included crossing rivers and walking on tracks with feces, which is not suitable for small kids. So, I will recommend that you not take the kids or elders with you on this trek. 

Why do I recommend booking your trek online?

It is safe and hygienic.

When you book a trip through a reputable online company, you can be assured of quality and safety. You know you are working with guides and experts who have been vetted by the company and will have all the safety measures to ensure your safety. Other benefits of booking with a travel agency with a good reputation include:

• If you need rescue or other medical assistance, your expert guides will have the knowledge to help you out.
• The company will provide you with time to relax and will help you with timely meals, which are necessary for a good hike.
• You know about the rules and regulations that you have to follow. Also, the dos and don'ts like ‘not bringing kids for the Dudhsagar trek’ are probably the best idea. 

The price

Travel agencies offer you a competitive but affordable price, and the packages include several things. If you book the things yourself, like getting a bike or Jeep there at the trek, you will pay more than you should. 

Authentic information

Another benefit of booking from a travel agency is all the updated information necessary for enjoying the best trekking experience of your life. 

Plan as per your preferences.

When you book the trek with a travel agency, you know you can customize it or choose a slot, as per your preferences. That makes things easier for you, even for a solo traveler. 

Quick information about this trek

• Location: Goa-Karnataka border, Western Ghats
• Difficulty: Easy
• Expenses: approximately INR 4,500.

Tips for a great trek

• Ensure you book the trek with a reputable agency that knows which side is open and which is not. The Karnataka government has banned the trek, so no one can go beyond Castle Rock on foot. The same is not true for the Goa government.
• The distance between Kulem and Dudhsagat is 5–6 hours. So, you must leave early to reach the trek by 5 p.m.
• Be a responsible trekker, and do not litter. Ensure you keep the plastic and other things with you and dispose of them only when you find a dustbin.
• Do not go swimming or dip your feet into the pool formed near the Dudhsagar waterfalls.
• Carry nutritious snacks and food with you or get them in Kulem, as you will not find anything afterward. 

Conclusion: The journey back 

It was time to pack our stuff up and return to our home. The end of our beautiful trekking journey to Dudhsagar was full of mixed emotions. We were happy to head back to our home but were also feeling a little bit sad about leaving behind such beautiful views. The memories of the trek will stay with us forever. This trek is full of adventures and fairy tales as you dodge monkeys and walk on splendid railway treks while enjoying blood-rushing moments in a tunnel. I am appreciative of everyone who made this trek memorable for me. Going here for the second time and choosing a different route gave me a better perspective and more memories.