A milky white waterfall roaring and gushing down a rocky surface with lush greenery around and a passenger train of the Indian Railways passing in the foreground, the first time I saw the picture of this amazing waterfall was a year back in an email forward. It was love and astonishment at first sight! The sight was enough to entice and the place was instantly on my must visit list. The wait had finally got over when a monsoon trek was being discussed and within no time the plan was ready – A trek to Dudhsagar was chalked.
Old railway station building – Castle Rock
We alighted at Castle Rock, a beautiful railway station nestled in the Western Ghats along the Karnataka-Goa border. Braganza Ghats, one of the well known ghat sections on the Indian rail network, began here at Castle rock. Hence most of the trains that cross over this small station make a stop here for the brake check and attachment/detachment of additional engines. The new station, though very rustic, stands opposite the old one which is completely abandoned and wears an undomesticated look with all the moss from the incessant rains adding to it. The old board along the loco shed and the tracks welcomes to the Braganza Ghats. The names here are very much Portuguese probably because this rail head was once part of the Portuguese-Indian railway and the erstwhile Portuguese settlement, Goa is just a stone’s throw away.
A forest stream along the trek way.
We began our trek at around 10.30AM and made our way along the track towards Dudhsagar waterfalls. The walk on the crossbars that lay under the railway track was not easy if not difficult. It was cloudy and made it easy for our lazy stroll. Within no time we crossed one tunnel and were at the entrance of another. The entrance of tunnel had evident Portuguese influence on it with a castle like structure and the cross symbol on it. The gang-man working his way along the tracks tightening the locks told us that it was the longest tunnel on the Braganza stretch. The tunnel of 400m plus length was not very dark since it was on a straight stretch rather another tunnel that we came across later; a much smaller one was more darker probably since it was on a curve.
A goods loco rushes up the Braganza ghats.
The monsoon not only brings the bigger falls to life but also gives birth to a number of beautiful smaller falls. Along with intermittent rains, the lovely seasonal streams on the left side of the track and the vast landscapes on the right side kept us company all along the way and were making our lazy stroll more and more lazier. The waterfall just at the exit of the second tunnel was the first hot spot. Though not visible from the tracks, the buzz it created was sure to make its presence known. A couple of steps into the bushes and what you witness would be one of the best sights of water gushing down, if you happen to be there during the core monsoon. Most of these small waterfalls along this stretch are all rain fed and bustles with life during the monsoon months.
View inside the tunnel
The next sight was of the waterfall inside a vault! Yes, the arch shaped vaults in the wall built to prevent the land slide looked like doors into the woods and at the first arch came down a silky beautiful stream that makes a ravishing sight. The moss covered arches on the wall made the perfect green frame rising up the ante.
The waterfall inside the vault!
While the left is dotted with waterfalls coming down in several tiers and beauty, the right boasts of an extravagant landscape with the huge rock being the first sight. A gigantic rock formation that looks like a hood on the green carpet of forest below looks like the dome of a castle.
Castle of Rock?
Well, it wouldn’t be surprising if this rock was the reason for place to be named as Castle Rock. There are even some ruins of an old structure beside this rock that could be spotted from the tracks. This rock should definitely have had some importance during the good old days.
Breaking the monotony of the greenery on the vast landscape are the two sleek, but really long waterfalls that flow down the hill into the valley. Two waterfalls, probably seasonal are adjacent to each other and come down along the slopes of the hill amidst the forest. Its milky white waters make it distinctly visible even from a distance.
Super moon? No, just how I saw out of the tunnel!
As we move ahead, we cross couple of tunnels and arrive at the scarpment viaduct, a small but high bridge built to connect the gap in the valley. The view from this point is something to cherish for some time to come and aptly makes for a pit stop. High raising rock mountain with green patches on it and a tunnel drilled right through the rock at the bottom and at the mouth of the tunnel was this bridge facing the valley. Time flies by in such company.
Scarpement Viaduct – tracks through the mountain!
As the trek progresses, the welcome board at entrance of another tunnel signifies that we are crossing over the Karnataka – Goa border. Caranzol is another small station along the Braganza Ghats and marks almost half of the trek way. The entire trek way from Castle Rock to Dudhsagar is of 15kms and can be covered in 4-5 hrs by an average person unless you wait and adore all those beautiful sights along the stretch like it happened with us. It took us 4hrs only to reach Caranzol and we further had to cover the same distance to Dudhsagar. Dusk was soon approaching and we had to be quicker if it was to be made before night fell. The second leg from Caranzol to Dudhsagar of approx 9kms was done in 1 hour 45 minutes and we were at Dudhsagar railway station to watch the Nizamudhdhin express arrive at 5pm!
Destination attained!
There were plenty of tourists awaiting the train after their visit to Dudhsagar and we walked past them into the tunnel ahead that had a ruined structure beside it. It probably was the old Dudhsagar station abandoned now, but it made an appreciable sight with the arch shaped windows of different sizes and high ceilings with bright green moss all over it.
As we walk out of the 9th tunnel from Castle Rock and walk by the curvy track, a sound could be heard that resembles a very heavy rainfall and as we cross the curve, the first view of the destination is at sight. The left segment of Dudhsagar gushing down in milky white!
First view!
Few hundreds of meters ahead and there was the famed bridge that is built across the waterfall and with it, the sight to behold! Adjectives fail to describe the amazement and awe that was running through my veins as I stood watching the Mondovi River gushing down as Dudhsagar falls. It was high, it was mighty, it was voluminous and it was taking the plunge at an incredible force while creating a view that matches no other. I admired and adored the mightiness of nature for I had never witnessed one such sight and it took time for me to sulk into the aura it created.
Mission accomplished
As it was late evening and since the last train for the day had left, the place had only very few people apart from us! We pitched our tents on the cement floor opposite to the waterfalls, right beside the railway track and made arrangements for the night. It had rained for most parts of the day and it wasn’t easy to light the fire due to the moist floor but we managed with some flames. We gorged on the food that we had carried and there were few other tents of others around. Night arrived soon and came along the rains as well. A mild drizzle as it began finally forced us to get into the confines of our tents. As the night became more darker all that we were left with were the lights from our torches and the thundering gush of river Mondovi coming down as the ocean of milk. Did I mention that she glittered even in the darkness of that night?
A night to remember!
The night went on peacefully with the rains pouring down on our tents in huge drops making loud sounds but what woke me up was the shrill horn of the goods loco that passed by in the early hours of next day. The blaze of horn was so loud and shrill that for a moment it gave a feeling that our tent was probably on the tracks or may be the train is coming at us. Two more such locos passed by around 5AM and there was no point cuddling back into the tents after that.
Morning Mist! – The full view of Dudhsagar.
I got up and took a stroll around the bridge. The visibility was not great but I could spot the white blankets of mist rising up from the valley. As the dawn broke, thin layers of mist passed in front of the waterfall making a chilly sight. There is a small shop serving tea, biscuits and light breakfast and we fed on the idly-chutney combo. There were a number of waterfalls around, small and big and since it was a Sunday, tourists had already started pouring in. We finished our morning chores and walked towards the view point.
Light ahead!
The railway track takes a long U-turn just after Dudhsagar tunnel and almost after a kilometer it lay exactly opposite to the falls across the valley. I am not aware if it was engineered such that the view point falls at that place or if it just happened due to the geology. But what resulted was one of the best view points anyone could have asked for! The walk towards the view point takes us through few more waterfalls and as we walk ahead, the panoramic view of the majestic waterfalls opens up.
The sight that enticed me to visit Dudhsagar, finally through my lens!
The view from the much talked about point is nothing but wonder! I have not known of any other waterfall that can be viewed in its entirety from one single point, from top to bottom, at least not this kind of a sight! River Mondovi gushing down the hills from a height of 300 plus meters into the gorge in several tiers fizzing up and churning milky mist! To add charm is the railway bridge! And the view when a train passes over that is probably unique only to Dudhsagar, trust me, there cannot be one such view anywhere in the world!
Dudhsagar – The ocean of milk!
Finally, I was here witnessing the same view that I had relished and fallen for a year back! The view that cannot be matched with any other! Dudhsagar will continue to mesmerize forever!
WHERE:
Dudhsagar is located at the border of Karnataka and Goa. The viewpoint is another one km walk on the railway tracks from the falls.
HOW TO REACH:
By Rail: Dudhsagar has a small railway station listed as DDS in the rail network with all passing trains stopping over. The waterfall is less than a kilometer from here. Other major rail heads nearby are Castle Rock (CLR), Kulem (QLM) and Londa (LD).
By Road: Vehicles can reach only until the bottom of the falls from Kulem, Goa. Jeeps are available for hire and it’s advised to try this road only on a SUV.
You can even drive up to Castle rock station and start trekking.
By trek: It is the best and most advised route to reach Dudhsagar. Though there are couple of trek ways, the railway track trek from Castle Rock to Dudhsagar, with all those seasonal waterfalls and landscapes, can be a memorable one.
It is about 15kms and should take about 4-5hrs for an average person. If Castle Rock seems far then Caranzol station at about 8kms from Dudhsagar would be an ideal option.
If you are lucky then a goods loco would stop by when you ask for a lift! But do not risk jumping in front of it or into the running train!
STAY:
If you are carrying your own tents then there is an open cement ground big enough to pitch about 25 8X8″ tents. There is a small roofed shed that can house about 25-30 people and available on first come first serve basis. Apart from these there is an abandoned house which could be used as shelter. There are no other means of stay at Dudhsagar. Kulem (15 kms) or Londa (30kms) are further options.
Two toilets are built behind the canteen and remains the only source available for daily chores.
FOOD:
A small canteen caters to the needs and serves tea and biscuits with limited breakfast and lunch. Early bird gets the worm!
THINGS TO REMEMBER:
Dudhsagar station does not have a ticket booking counter hence any return ticket needs to be booked at Castle Rock itself.
Castle Rock station can book you Tatkal tickets provided you carry all the documents.
TRIPPIN' ON LIFE 
great adventure story and superbly beautiful photos…as always, thanks for taking the time to share with us! 🙂
Thank you very much, Jane! thanks for taking time to visit my blog!
Wow, those photos are absolutely gorgeous!! You’re an amazing photographer. India is so beautiful! I really want to visit it someday. 😀
-Tia
Actually, wait… Is this in India? Either way, it’s still amazing!!
-Tia
Thank u very much, Tia.
Yupp, this is India indeed! 🙂 or if I have to boast about my country, these are just few glimpses of many wonders that India has!
India welcomes you too! 😀
Oh good, I’m glad it’s India. Such a gorgeous country!! You have all the right to boast. 😀
-Tia
😀 thank u very much again, Tia! Do plan a visit here!
beautiful pictures… i actually didn’t know such a place exists near karnataka…!
Thank u, Miss Pseudomonaz! 🙂
not ur mistake, we Indians have grown up seeing the lakes of Switzerland on all media more than our own natural wonders! 🙂
Welcome to the Trippin’ ! 😉 Bon Voyage!
Really appreciate you sharing this post. Really thank you! Want more.
Thanks a lot! Welcome to the Trippin’
We planned for a dudhsagar trip in our college many times but it never materialized somehow. These pics are absolutely gorgeous. It does look like dream-trek.
Thanks, Sapna 🙂 Dudhsagar and nature around it are absolutely like being in a dream! 🙂
Thanks for visting my blog. Welcome to the Trippin’
Awesomest.. Feeling like visiting the place right away… Its just too beautiful…
It’s a must visit! Probably not now, it would be dry during this season! Do not miss the show next monsoon 🙂
I visit the last 2014 wonderful natural seens in the area lovely and happy movements In my life
oh my GOOOOOOOOD, I always wanted to go to India, but now i am CRAVING it :D…amazing photos and posts! A MUST visit it is
that comment made my day, miss 🙂 u r always welcome to the Incredible India! Should you need any help, feel free to ask me! 🙂
Thanks for dropping into my blog! Happy Trippin’
My pleasure…we’ll talk about it during our Masai Mara trip 😉
that’s so sweet of u! 🙂 Hi5!
Beautiful pictures and beautiful words! I would love to do this trek.
Thanks for dropping in, Rosie & Jon! 🙂 Welcome to the Trippin’!
Do let me know when you plan to do this trek!
Woooooooo ho ho ! I tripped on your blog and am I lovin’ it! Those are awesome photos there – so so picturesque and makes-one-crave-for-an-immediate-getaway 🙂
Thank you for the travel tips there. I love travelling and hope to be able to go here someday! 🙂
kismi toffee bar!? 🙂 that is such a chocolaty compliment! I hope u accept thanks as well, apart from toffees!
I would be glad if this scribbling made u visit Dudhsagar. Happy Trippin’ 🙂
wow— wonderfully captured…. just loved each and every word you wrote down
thank u very much, priyanka 🙂 much appreciation!
excellent travelogue… probably the best images of Dudhsagar I have seen… my plans have failed multiple times but probably I will make it this monsoon…
Thank you, Travelling Slacker. Thanks for dropping by, do make a visit to Dudhsagar, its worth visiting every year! 🙂
Happy Trippin’
Definitely roses for the fabulous shots! What a great adventure.
thank u very much 🙂 This place is so beautiful that any shot would be fabulous! thanks again!
Rose bouquets for sure. The pics are beautiful. Thank you for the visual treat.
Thanks for the bouquets! That bunch of flowers goes to Dudhsagar for it sheer beauty! 🙂
Beautiful pix.. And you inspired me to want to check out these amazing waterfalls sometime..
Thanks a lot! Please do plan a visit here during monsoon, its well worth it!
I just discovered your blog. I’ve just newly relocated to India and totally missing my life in the US filled with hikes and nature trips. Your blog is totally inspiring me to find my way around here in India. Your work is absolutely lovely!
thanks for dropping in, Crunch! I believe India would be the last place were you will miss the hikes and nature trips! Especially if you are somewhere around Bangalore then that’s it, I bet you would be confused on choosing and spoilt for choice!
Let me know if you need any help! Happy Trippin’ 🙂
Hi, had a simple query: Is mid-November a great time to visit dudhsagar ? or do the falls ‘trickle down’ by then? Thanks in advance
Hi Saby, Considering the rains are so very good this year and the fact of River Mandovi not having any dams across her before the falls, Dudhsagar should be good at least till October.
But if I had an option then I would rather visit in its full glory! 🙂 mid-monsoon.. Happy Trippin’
Awesome pictures coupled with great write up. Appreciate your efforts in putting this together.
Can’t stop my thoughts about taking this trek ASAP.
Hi Idrish, thanks for ur time & words! I hope you make it to Dudhsagar soon 🙂 Happy Trippin’
Very nice place to visit and nice article. Thank you for sharing.
Hi,
We are planning to Trek on January, 2014. Is it worth to trek at that time mean whether there is any rainfall to enjoy the trek….? and after trekking & all things completed by evening after 7PM… is there any jeep facility available to Kulem from Dudhsagar falls. So that we can proceed with our plans next to goa.. Pls reply ASAP.. so that we can plan accordingly..
Hi Balaji! 🙂 given that we have had good rains this year, there should be enough water in the falls by January, though not like monsoon, but I don’t think there would be any rain.
also, please note that there is no mode of transport available from Dudhsagar apart from the regular passenger trains and odd goods trains, so you have to walk to Kulem.
thanks for your Info..:)
Amazing pictures! Makes me wanna pack my bag and go. Do you join a trekking tour? How much does it cost roughly?
Thank you for such a beautiful post. 🙂
Thanks for your nice words, Hayati! This monsoon you must definetly do this!
You dont have to join a trekking tour, take a train to Castle Rock train station. This station is between Kulem in Goa and Belgaum in Karnataka, get off at Castle Rock and walk on the tracks towards Dudhsagar. Your only expense would be the train tickets if you make it a one day trip. But if you chose to stay over then you will have to carry tents on your own which would roughly be Rs.250 per day from rentals.
Hi i am priyanka joshi from Rail Bandhu magazine. We are doing a story on Dudhsagar. We like your photographs. If you are interested pls let us know.
Thank you very much, Priyanka. 🙂
Gorgeous place and superb photogarphy! Thanks for showing the world what India has in herself to show the world! By the way _ how far it is from Belgaum? What trains pass by this place? Can you share if we want to travel with family from Hyderabad what is the best way and place I need to reach to get to see this panoramic, spell-bounding view of mother nature?
Hi! Thanks for ur comment!
The best way to get here is by train. The destination Station is Dudhsagar (DDS) itself. From Hyderabad you have to reach Londa Station and then change train to DDS at Londa.
The other way is by jeeps from Kulem but then you either have to see the falls from down the stream or walk up the hill to the bridge.
Let me know you need more info. Happy tripping!
just to mention
, you click good photos of waterfalls
Visited DDS on Sunday (6th). Absolutely brilliant. Got some pix – nowhere near as good as your’s.
Your Pix -> 10/10
Your writing -> 10/10
Even if I hadn’t already visited, reading this blog, with the fabulous pix would have made me want to visit DDS. By the way, we did not make the trek. Caught a freight at Kulem, enjoyed the falls and were lucky enough to get a ride on light locos in the evening. Our vehicle was parked at Margao station and no trains at 7:00 pm so hired a vehicle at Kulem to drop us to Margao (Rs.1500).
After seeing your pix and reading your blog, I would love to make the trek, if I could round up the guys.
Thanks for sharing & keep up the good work.
jazz
wonderfull photography !! i had enjoyed trek in braganza ghats and i just love this heaven..but ur photos made me to remember all the expensive time that i spent…thankew soo much..
OMG! I’ve been here as a kid, but I don’t remember any of this. Time for another trip isn’t it?
What a breath-taking landscape, I had no idea there were parts of India that looked like this!
This reminds me of my Norway Flåmsbana railway experience. …. lovely views
Camping near the waterfall..Sounds amazing! And the train ride sounds pretty epic! Those views from the trains must be really unforgettable to see!
Another place to add on my list! You have amazing shots here!
A beautiful place i didn’t know about…and I love all the pictures of the trains, there’s something magical about rails!
The pictures are amazing. Kudos! I like to know the lens used to take these pics.
Thank you very much, the pics here were taken on Canon EFS 18-55 and 55-200, thanks.
Is it safe for me to camp with my wife . planning to travel this september
Hello Taraka, I last visited there three years back and it doesn’t seem to have changed much. We had to camp in the open n U can expect many people during September, so it should be safe.
Check out this video on DudhSagar Falls Trek.
My visit to Dudhsagar waterfall – Goa – India
http://girishpalkartravel.blogspot.in/2015/02/dudhsagar-waterfalls-goa.html
Awesome!
Thank you for stopping by, lioness!
Hi,
Hats off for your photos and write up. I’m actually planning for a trek to Dudhsagar and was not getting a good explanation from any of the sites. But your blog cleared all my doubts.. A point that you missed is the types of dress that one must carry. Whether raincoats are needed, light woollen is necessary etc. Otherwise, it’s extremely informative
Thanks a lot..
Thank you very much for those tips and compliments, Rishi! Well noted!
Happy Tripping!
@rishi, check out the news before you plan your trek to Dudhsagar.
Due to several accidents & deaths and an incident of travelers throwing stones at the train passing from this dudhsagar station in May or June’15, this path has been closed for trekking. I was highly disheartened when I got to know about it.
Its been more than a year but it has not opened yet.
Also, no train stops at Dudhsagar station.
Thank you for the info, Deepika 🙂
Yeah. But I feel train should stop at Dudhsagar station. everyone wants the same.
How did you guys came back from Dudhsagar? I mean by further trek to kolem? or by road? or by train?
Hi Nabarun! An evening train would stop at Dudhsagar station towards Londa and we got into it! Nevertheless, this was few years back, please check for current rail timings and situation around Dudhsagar Falls before finalizing the plan! Happy tripping!
Loved reading this. Will a trip during this year mid or end of October work? When had you visited the place?
hi, thank you for the comment! The waters certainly depend on the monsoon, so sooner the better! We made this trip in September, so I think that is a good bet!
I had been to dudhsagar recently. Absolutely fantastic journey it was. I will never ever forget this.
I want to go this place for a long time but it didn’t materialize.After reading your post it gives much more interest to explore.Thanks for inspiring us with nice write up and photo
That is very sweet of you! Hope you make it to Dudhsagar this monsoon!
Wow! Nice writeup! Thanks for the info how to reach there and the trekking experience. Was really helpful!
If you also want to get this type of experience in Goa visit http://www.seawatersports.com
Hello! Please be aware of the copyrights before using the contents, thank you.
It’s an amazing place. The must be visited a place of goa is Dudh Sagar. natural waterfalls coming from mountains. water is so clean. an unforgettable trip to Dudhsagar will be remembered throughout my life. Those who are planning to visit Goa. I recommended u to visit Dudhsagar once in a life. It was an excellent experience. Thanks to sea water sports make my trip memorable.