Dudhsagar Falls

दूधसागर धबधबा

A four-tiered “sea of milk” waterfall, 310 metres high, in the Western Ghats. Trains pass across its face, and visitors can reach its pool by jeep up the riverbed and swim there.

Dudhsagar (“sea of milk”) Falls lies in Mollem National Park in the Western Ghats, on the border between Goa and Karnataka. Here the Mandovi River drops about 310 metres, making it one of India's tallest waterfalls. During the monsoon, the white water pours down like milk, and the falls became widely known through the Bollywood film 3 Idiots, which features a train passing them. There are two classic ways to visit. The first is to take a forestry-permitted jeep from Kulem (Collem) village (about ₹3,000–3,500 per jeep, seating 7 people, plus entry and life jacket fees of about ₹300 per person). The bumpy dirt track along the stream takes about 45 minutes to reach the foot of the falls, followed by a 10-minute walk to the pool, where swimming is allowed in designated areas for about an hour. The full trip takes about 3 hours. The route is open in peak season (October to May), so arrive early to queue. The second is to take a train from Kulem toward Castle Rock. The train slows on the railway bridge that crosses the falls, and you can view the waterfall from the window (getting off is not permitted). Getting there: about 1.5 hours by car or taxi from Panaji to Kulem. You can also join a day tour with transfers and lunch at a spice garden (about ₹1,500–2,500). Notes: During the monsoon the jeep route is closed, and only the train view is available. Monkeys at the pool may steal food. Bring a change of clothes and a waterproof bag. Walking along the railway line is prohibited, so do not attempt it.

Dudhsagar Falls

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