Popular Trekking Packages with Transport Included
Popular Trekking Packages with Transport Included
Quick Facts About Dudhsagar Waterfall Trek
- Location: Mandovi River, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa-Karnataka Border
- Distance: 14 km (one-way)
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Best Time to Visit: June-September (Monsoon)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging
- Altitude: 1017 Ft. (310 m)
- Type: Jungle descent trek
- Distance from Mumbai: 590 km
- Distance from Pune: 428.8 km
Dudhsagar Trek Overview
Dudhsagar trek, literally translated to the ‘sea of milk,’ is nestled in the Mandovi River in Goa. Not only is this the tallest waterfall in India, with a height of 310 meters, but it also has a railway trek, and you can access the trek via private operators running jeep rides or through the Indian rail network. The trek to Dudhsagar waterfalls exposes you to heavenly views of milky vapors rising from the waterfalls. It is the same waterfall shown in the movie ‘Chennai Express.’ It is one of the most famous waterfalls in Goa due to its unique location and beautiful views.
To reach this beautiful fall, trekking via a dense forest is necessary. The Dudhsagar waterfall trek is 28 km long (both sides), taking 6-7 hours to complete. Passing through the forest and the railway tracks is surely a memorable experience. The reward for this moderately challenging trek is to see and witness the rapid falling for the first time and watch such a stunning view.
The silent nature, mesmerizing beauty, and pleasant vibe make it one of the most popular tourist attractions. Also, the rock formations at the base create a natural pool with turquoise blue water descending from the fall known as the Dudhsagar waterfall pool. A trek to this place is a must when heading to Goa. Here are all the details to make your trekking experience to Dudhsagar a hit.
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Complete Dudhsagar Trek Information
Dudhsagar Trek Itinerary
Day 1 - Departure from Mumbai or Pune
- On day 1, the representatives of the trek company will pick you up from Mumbai, Pune, locations.
- In the morning, you will leave for Pune/Mumbai/ via a cab.
- In the afternoon, you will reach the railway station.
- Wait for the people joining from Pune/Mumbai.
- Take your train to Kulem, an overnight journey.
Day 2: Visit Dudhsagar waterfall
- You will reach Kulem Railway Station early in the morning to start your trek to Dudhsagar.
- At the starting point, take your breakfast and get energized to start the trek.
- Start your trek through the dense forest cover and railway trek and reach the beautiful Dudhsagar waterfalls.
- Explore the stunning views of the cascading water and the pool formed by rocks at the end.
- Start your trek backwards to Kulem from the waterfalls.
- You will also pass the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, allowing you to cross the jungle and small streams, exposing too many animals.
- Reach the Kulem railway station by 2 pm in the evening.
- Start your return train journey to your destination.
Day 3: Visit Dudhsagar waterfall
- Reach Pune/Mumbai as your trek to these beautiful falls ends.
Difficulty level of Dudhsagar trek
The trek to Dudhsagar Falls is graded as moderately challenging, involving walking on uneven and slippery terrain, especially in the monsoon season. Also, the trek’s trail takes you through dense forest and a railway track line.
That is why it is necessary that you have basic physical fitness to cover the 14 km (one way), which takes over 6-7 hours to complete. The hours can vary depending on the weather condition and the pace. There are a few parts of the trail that are extremely challenging due to the rocky terrain and uneven paths.
When you trek to the waterfall during monsoon season, it becomes a bit more challenging as the rain makes the trail slippery. Since the route passes through train tracks too, it is necessary that you are cautious. It is not a technical trek but still requires good physical stamina.
Best Time To Visit Dudhsagar Trek
The best time for Dudhsagar falls trek is the monsoon & the post-monsoon season.
- Monsoon: From June to December, you can head to this trek anytime. During these months, the waterfall is in its glorious form due to the rain and the forest is dense and luscious.Moreover, during the monsoon season, the water level is high, so being cautious and taking precautions is necessary to complete the trek easily and successfully.
- Winters: From November to December, the winter and post-monsoon season is also beautiful with low levels of water, ideal for beginners.
How to Reach Dudhsagar Waterfall Trek?
Dudhsagar Trek from Bangalore:
From Goa or Karnataka, the trek to Dudhsagar waterfall is yet not allowed, it got banned due to a few reasons in April 2019.
- By Train: From Bangalore, you can take a train to Castle Rock Station, the last station lying within the borders of Karnataka. Here you will see a series of rail tunnels with the longest one being the Tunnel-2, stretching over a distance of 2.4 km. Catch the following train heading to Dudhsagar trek from Bangalore. Chennai Central-Vasco Da Gama Express 17311. Board it from Yesvantpur junction to reach Castle Rock at 9:25 am. Or you can get off at Kulem, the train reaches Kulem station at 11:04 am.
- By Trekking: Now, it is time to start trekking from castle rock to Dudhsagar, the distance between the two is 11-km. The trail is mesmerizing with trekkers passing through smaller waterfalls and dense forests within the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. It will take around 6-7 hours for you to complete the trek. If you want to camp, head to Dudhsagar station, the only place here that allows camping. However, make sure to carry your sleeping bags and tents with you
Dudhsagar Trek from Goa:
Since the time of the ban, trekking to the waterfalls along the railway tracks is not possible. For people who still want to visit the Dudhsagar waterfalls, an alternative way is using Jeeps available at the entrance to the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary.
- By Train: Take a train like Vasco da Gama to reach Kulem from Goa in an hour or so. After you reach Kulem station, you will start your trek.
- By Jeep: From Goa, trekking to the falls using the railway tracks is not possible. So, visitors from Goa can trek to the Dudhsagar waterfall using an alternative means of jeeps, provided to all at the entry of Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary.
- By trek or walk: Or you can take a train or private vehicle to Kulem railway station, from where the entrance to Bhagwan Mahaveer sanctuary is 10-15 minutes walk.
The entry fee for the sanctuary is:
- Entry Fees – Rs 20
- Camera Fees – Rs 300
- Videography Fees – Rs 5000
- Jeep trip to the waterfall – Rs 2500 for a full jeep ride.
Take a jeep ride to Dudhsagar waterfall, something 5-6 people share, so per head cost is around INR 400. The ride is 45-minutes tall and takes you through a bumpy off-road trail. It is best to not take a private vehicle because the roads are treacherous due to multiple streams crisscrossing the off-road trail. After you reach the base, you will only have to trek to Dudhsagar waterfall for 5-minutes. The jeep waits for an hour and half and will bring you back to the sanctuary’s entrance.
Note: Please get updated information whether trekking using the railway tracks have been allowed or not.
Dudhsagar Trek from Pune:
- By Train: From Pune, you will first have to take a train to Kulem railway station in Goa. The total distance is 540 km and it will take an overnight journey to reach the station. From the station, you can take a cab or your trek company will pick you up for trekking to Dudhsagar Falls.
- Goa-Poorna Express connects Pune directly to Kulem. The arrival time at Pune junction is 3:54 pm and the arrival time is 11:04 pm (though it can change due to unforeseen circumstances).
- Dr Hublali Express connects Pune to Londa, 29 km away from Kulem.
- By Road: Or you can take a private cab for a road trip to Goa-Dudhsagar, again taking somewhere between 10-11 hours depending upon your pace, traffic and halts you take.
Dudhsagar Trek from Mumbai:
- By Train: From Mumbai, take the Goa Express to reach the railway station in Kullem and start your journey of trekking to Dudhsagar Falls.
- Dadar Ten Express, JU SBC Express, and Netravati Express connect Mumbai from Dadar or Panvel station to either Madgaon or Londa. From here you can take a cab to Kulem. For instance, Madgaon special fare departs Kalyan junction at 4:35 am and reaches Madgaon at 3:45 pm, the next day.
- Keep checking the railway site to buy the most convenient tickets for you.
Note: Pune/Mumbai/Goa is well-connected by many cities via flights, road and train, so you can come from anywhere to Pune/Mumbai/Goa.
Things to Carry for Dudhsagar Trek
- Valid ID Proof
- Waterproof backpack or with a waterproof cover.
- Trekking shoes or any sport shoes with a good grip
- Trekking pants (makes trekking easier), 2 T-shirts, raincoat, waterproof jacket, hand napkin or towel, gloves and more.
- Drinking Water at least 2-3 liters (You will not find any water source in this trek)
- Dry fruits, dry snacks, chikki, biscuits, protein bars, protein cookies and other ready-to-eat food.
- First-aid kit
- Prescription medicines and general medicines for headaches and so on.
- Torch
- Extra clothes for changing after trekking or if you plan to stay at night camping.
- Portable charger, earphones, and camera.
- Sun cap, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, toothbrush, paste and other toiletries.
- Glucose-D powder or Electoral
Minimum Fitness Requirement for Dudhsagar Trekking
Enhance your cardiovascular endurance
If you want to ascend any trail, you need to build your cardiovascular endurance. For this, you can start by jogging everyday and ideally for trekkers in training, aiming to jog 4 km in 20 minutes is best. It will take time to cover this distance in the given time. So, start slow while increasing the pace every day. Moreover, you can try swimming, stair climbing and cycling with less breaks in-between helps too. Other things to do is to build strength in your muscles and the core body. For this, try squats while adding crunches and planks to the workout.
Be flexible
Flexibility is crucial for trekking comfortably. For this, doing a few stretching exercises like stretching your hamstrings or hip flexors or quadriceps, lower back muscles and shoulders regularly really help. When you trek, you carry a backpack, and no matter how light it is, it can start paining after a while. These exercises will help you stay in the best shape before you go trekking.
Get mentally fit
Work on your willpower and visualize yourself completing the trek. This lets you become more resilient towards the weather change, helping you complete the trek with ease. If your willpower is less or you experience negative thoughts, it can be detrimental to your mission of completing the trek.
Dudhsagar Trek FAQs
Is the Dudhsagar Trek safe?
The trek to Dudhsagar waterfall is a challenging one. It is graded as moderately challenging but pretty safe. The trail includes walking along the railway tracks, crossing several tunnels with slippery and uneven terrain. Going with a guide for beginners in trekking is super important. However, the trek is beautiful due to the frequent sightings of small waterfalls and streams and dense canopy of trees.
Can I go to Dudhsagar Trek without a guide?
Yes, there is no restriction on solo travelers or anyone going with a guide to this trek. However, taking or not taking a guide depends on you. If you trek frequently or are familiar with the trek, going without a guide will not be a problem. However, if you are a beginner in trekking, it is best to hire a guide as they will ensure your safety while you head to this stunning fall.
Can we do the Dudhsagar trek with the kids?
Yes, doing the Dudhsagar trek with your kids is possible. However, you do need to consider their age and see their fitness level. The trek is moderately challenging and you have to walk in some rocky terrain. The drive to the starting point via jeep is also a jump, and will need you to carry younger kids. It is best to not bring any kid under 5. Also, the kids should be able to walk for 6-7 hours with rest.
Can the Dudhsagar trek be done in one day?
Yes, completing the Dudhsagar trek in one day is quite possible. Starting the trek from Castle Rock to Dudhsagar Falls, you will cover 14 km one way. To complete the trek you need only 6-7 hours. So, if you start early, it will be easier for you to complete the trek in one day.
Can we reach Dudhsagar waterfall by road?
Yes, you can reach Dudhsagar waterfall by road. The nearest town is Mollem with road access which is 10 km away from the waterfall. Drive to a close point to the waterfall but after that you have to travel in an open jeep as the terrain was tough.
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Dudhsagar Trek Policies
- Upon booking, the traveller will receive a confirmation voucher via email, within 24 hours.
- In the special cases of slots not being available, feasible alternatives will be provided to the customer, in regards to the customer’s preference. In such cases, a new voucher would be sent via email, consisting of the new travel details.
- Any cancellation made 20 days prior to the date of departure, would levy a 30% of total tour cost as cancellation charges.
- Any cancellation made within 7-20 days prior to the date of departure, would levy a 60% of total tour cost as cancellation charges.
- Any cancellation made within 0-7 days prior to the date of departure, would levy a 100% of total tour cost as cancellation charges.
- Due to any restrictions such as sudden government policies or regulations, health hazards, medical emergencies, or unprecedented weather conditions, activities and tours may be nonoperational and be cancelled. In cases such as these, operators will attempt to cater to the traveller an alternate, which is feasible in nature. However, any refund would not be catered.
- Any refund applicable will be processed within 7 business days.
- Fitness: Moderate fitness is essential as the trek involves long walks through dense forests and uneven trails.
- Timing: Best visited during monsoon or early winter for lush greenery and pleasant weather.
- Gear: Wear comfortable trekking shoes, carry a raincoat, extra clothes, and a sturdy backpack.
- Essentials: Pack water, snacks, a basic first-aid kit, insect repellent, and ID proof.
- Safety: Stay with the group, follow the guide, and avoid venturing off the trail.
- Eco-Responsibility: Do not litter; carry back your waste. Respect the environment and wildlife.