How to reach Dudhsagar Trek
Unlike the other treks Dudhsagar Trek takes you to the waterfalls!
Dudhsagar Waterfall, one of India’s tallest and most stunning waterfalls, is located at the Mandovi River on the Goa-Karnataka border. The easiest way to reach the waterfall is by first traveling to Kulem, which is about 60 km from Goa. You can get there via train, with Kulem station well-connected to Goa, Mumbai, and Pune.
Alternatively, you can drive from Goa, taking the NH4A road, or hire a taxi. From Kulem, you can take a jeep ride or trek approximately 14-15 km through dense forests, rugged terrain, and railway tracks to reach the waterfall. The trek typically takes 5-6 hours one-way, and the path offers scenic views of the lush landscape and multiple streams along the way.
The waterfall itself, cascading down in a majestic 310-meter drop, is particularly spectacular during the monsoon season, although the trail becomes more challenging during this time. For those not wishing to trek, there are also jeep tours available from Kulem to get closer to the waterfall. The best time to visit Dudhsagar is from October to March, when the weather is cooler, and the waterfall is in full flow, creating an unforgettable natural spectacle.
How to Reach Dudhsagar Waterfall from Major Cities?
To reach Dudhsagar Waterfall from Goa, travel to Kulem, which is 60 km away. Kulem is the base station for accessing the falls and is easily accessible by train or car. You can take a train from Panjim to Kulem, which takes about 1.5-2 hours. Alternatively, driving to Kulem via the NH4A road will take around 1.5 hours. From Kulem, either hire a jeep or embark on a trek of 10-15 km to the waterfall. If traveling during the monsoon, ensure you’re prepared for slippery conditions.
Dudhsagar Trek from Bangalore Distance
The distance from Bangalore to Dudhsagar Waterfall is around 490 km, and the travel time is approximately 8-9 hours by road. You can drive or take a bus to Kulem, the nearest town to the waterfall. The drive will take you through scenic landscapes, passing through the NH44 and NH4A highways. Once you reach Kulem, hire a jeep or begin the trek to the waterfall, which is 10-15 km away.
Kulem to Dudhsagar Trek Distance
The distance from Kulem to Dudhsagar Waterfall is around 10-15 km, depending on your route. You can take a jeep ride or embark on the trek through the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. The trek, which is moderately difficult, typically takes around 5-6 hours one-way and covers a variety of terrain, including forests, streams, and railway tracks. The jeep ride, on the other hand, is shorter and takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
Distance and Travel Time Chart for Dudhsagar Trek
City | Distance to Dudhsagar Trek | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
Goa | 60 km | 1.5 – 2 hours |
Kulem | 10 km | 20 minutes |
Bangalore | 490 km | 8-9 hours |
Castle Rock | 20 km | 30 minutes |
Dandeli | 60 km | 1.5 hours |
Belgaum | 150 km | 3-4 hours |
Hyderabad | 660 km | 12-14 hours |
Kolhapur | 230 km | 5-6 hours |
Pune | 498 km | 4-5 hours |
Mumbai | 590 km | 8-10 hours |
Madgaon | 60 km | 1.5 hours |
Chennai | 900 km | 14-16 hours |
How to Reach Dudhsagar Trek by Train
Nearest Railway Station to Dudhsagar Trek
The nearest railway station to Dudhsagar waterfall is Collem or Kulem. It is approximately 9.8 km from Dudhsagar. The Kulem railway station is well connected to major cities like Goa, Pune, Bangalore, and Mumbai. It is the main transit point for anyone heading to the Dudhsagar waterfall trek. Once you reach the railway station, head to the starting point, from where you have the option to mud trek or do a railway trek or take a jeep ride to the falls. Also, the railway station is near the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, and the trek takes you from the forest only.
Trains for Dudhsagar Trek
- The Kulem railway station is connected to many major cities, as mentioned earlier, like Goa, Pune, Bangalore, and Mumbai, or even Hyderabad. There are a few trains running between these cities. It is better to book the train tickets in advance to ensure a smooth journey.
From Goa
From Goa, the distance to Kulem railway station is 35 km, which the train covers in 1 hour or 45 minutes, depending on the route. There are a few trains running between the two almost every day. These include the Goa Express, running from Madgoan to Kulem. Or you can take the train, Vasco Express, with the same arrival and departure points. Other trains running between Goa and Kulem include the Poorna Express and Amravati Express.
From Bangalore
The distance between Bangalore and Kulem via rail is 652 km. It is an overnight journey where you have to take a long-distance train from Londa junction or Madgaon, and from Madgao, you have to travel to Kulem via road. There are also trains from Hubli, 55 km from Bangalore, to Kulem or Londa—29 km from Kulem.
From Pune
The distance between Pune and Kulem is 428.8 km. Goa and Poorna Express connect Pune and Kulem directly. The DR Hubbali Express and a few others take you till Londa, 29 km from Kulem, which you can cover via a bus or taxi.
From Hyderabad
The distance between Hyderabad and Kulem is 649 km. There are two direct trains between Hyderabad and Kulem, the Vasco D Gama Express and the YNK Express. It is an overnight journey, and the trains also do not run that frequently, so advance booking is important. Also, you can take a train from Kacheguda, Hyderabad, to Madgaon, and from there, you can head to Kulem by taxi or bus.
From Mumbai
The distance between Mumbai and Kulem is 590 km, and there are almost 15+ trains running from Panvel, Dadar, and other stations in Mumbai to Madgaon or Londa. From these two destinations, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Kulem. The few trains to look out for include the Dadar Ten Express, JU SBC Express, Netravati Express, and more.
Transportation from the Station
After arriving at Kulem, you have a few options to reach Dudhsagar waterfall:
- Jeep ride: It is a common option that many people take from Kulem to Dudhsagar waterfalls. The travel time is 30 minutes, but the terrain is rough, so be cautious.
- Trek: If you are an adventure lover and good trekker, you can complete the Dudhsagar Falls trek from Kulem. It is a 14-15 km route that you can cover in around 5-6 hours.
- Taxi: A taxi (4×4 jeep) is another way to head to the waterfalls.
How to Reach Dudhsagar Trek by Air
Nearest Airport to Dudhsagar Trek
The nearest airport to Dudhsagar waterfall is Goa International Airport-Dabolim. It is 60 km from the waterfall. After you reach the airport, you can hire a taxi or even take a bus to Kulem or Castle Rock, the trek’s base point. After you reach here, taking a jeep ride or trekking via road or train tracks is the ideal way to head to the falls. Moreover, you can also fly to Belgaum airport, 150 km away from Kulem. The Goa airport is well connected to major cities and even a few international destinations.
Transportation from the Airport
From Dabolim International Airport in Goa, take a taxi or rent a car to reach Kulem or Castle Rock. The former is 60 km away from the airport, and the latter is 85 km away. The road journey takes you through the scenic routes of the Goan countryside, and the time to reach the destination is 1.5 hours for Kulem and 2.5 hours for Castle Rock. If you fly into Belgaum airport, take a private cab or taxi to Kulem, covering a distance of 70-80 km in 3-4 hours.
Dudhsagar Trek Map and Route Information
There are two routes to reach Dudhsagar waterfall—one starts from Castle Rock station, and the other one starts from Kulem railway station. Below is the trek map and route information.
Dudhsagar trek map and route information from Kulem
The trek to Dudhsagar waterfall starts from Kulem. From here, you can trek to the fall or take a jeep ride. The total trek distance on one side is 14-15 km, and it takes you through dense forests, railway tracks, and streams. Along the way, you will also come across Dudhsagar railway bridge, offering a stunning view of the waterfall. Trekking here also has two options: a mud road trek, 12 km long, which one covers in 4-6 hours. The second option is the railway track trek, 11 km long, taking almost the same amount of time.
Dudhsagar trek map and route information from Kulem Castle Rock
The other route you can take is from Castle Rock railway station. From this railway station, you will have to trek via the railway trek to reach the Dudhsagar waterfalls campsite. From the station to Dudhsagar waterfall campsite using the railway trek route, the distance you will cover is 14 km, and it will take you around 6-8 hours to trek this from one side.
Best Transportation Tips for Dudhsagar Trek
For a train journey from Pune and Goa to Dudhsagar, the best entry point is either castle rock station or Kulem railway station. The trains do not run very frequently, so it is better to book your tickets in advance.
If you are considering driving from your destination to the starting point of the trek, take the route to Kulem. It is the most flexible route. But ensure you take a 4×4 vehicle if heading during monsoon as the terrain is tough.
If trekking is not for you, take a jeep ride to head to the waterfall.
Things to Know Before Traveling to Dudhsagar Trek
- Knowing about the best weather to trek to Dudhsagar waterfall is important as it allows you to enjoy the trek and the surrounding beauty. The monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons are the best; the latter is ideal for first-time trekkers as it is less dangerous and slippery.
- Come prepared to enjoy a full day at Dudhsagar waterfalls. The falls and the surrounding areas are a haven and a home to many natural wonders.
- The Dudhsagar fall trek passes through Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, so do not make any loud noises and be respectful of the wildlife.
- There is a pool below the waterfall formed by rocks. Here trekkers are allowed to swim and enjoy some water time. So, carry a swimsuit or change of clothes to enjoy the cold waters of Dudhsagar.
- Also get life jackets for extra safety, as the water flow can increase anytime.
- Once you start the trek, there is no source for drinking water or food. It is best to carry your own food and drinkable water.
- It is best to buy the tickets to enter the national park and trek online, ensuring you do not have to wait for a long time in line.
- A jeep ride is ideal if you do not want to trek through the railway tracks and dense forest cover. However, the terrain is rough, and the jeep ride will be challenging. So, if you have back pain issues, it is better to avoid or be cautious. Also, take care of your children when they ride the jeep.
- Jeep rides are shared between 5-6 passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nearest railway astation to Dudhsagar Trek?
The nearest railway station to the Dudhsagar waterfall trek is Kulem, just 10 km away from the waterfalls. It is the main station ideal for accessing the train. It also connects to major cities like Goa and Mumbai. Again, from Kulem, you can take a jeep ride or trek through the railway treks or mud path towards the falls.
What is the distance of Dudhsagar Trek from Mumbai and Pune?
The Dudhsagar Trek is about 450 km from Mumbai and 190 km from Pune. By road, it takes around 8-10 hours from Mumbai and around 4-5 hours from Pune. You can travel by car, bus, or train to reach the base town, Kulem, from where the trek starts.
Is There an Airport Near Dudhsagar Trek?
The closest airport to Dudhsagar Trek is Goa International Airport (Dabolim), approximately 60 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kulem or Mollem, which are the starting points for the trek. This is the most convenient option for those flying in.
What is the best way to reach Dudhsagar Trek?
The best way to reach Dudhsagar Trek is by taking a train to Kulem. It is then followed by a short jeep ride or going for a trek to the waterfall. Alternatively, it is possible to drive from Goa or other nearby cities like Pune or Mumbai. There are a few public transportation options, like taxis or buses, which you can also take.
Are There Direct Buses to Dudhsagar Trek?
No, there are no direct buses to Dudhsagar waterfall. However, you can take buses from Goa and nearby towns like Madgaon and Panjim to Kulem, from where taking a jeep or trekking is the perfect way to head to the trek. Again, there are private taxis available from Goa, ideal for tourists.
Can I Use Public Transport to Reach Dudhsagar Trek?
Yes, there are a few public transport options to reach Dudhsagar. So, you can take a train to reach Kulem railway station or even Castle Rock station. There are buses running from Panjim, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and nearby cities to Kulem too. From Kulem, taking a jeep ride or trekking to the nearest waterfall is ideal. You cannot trek using public transport due to the rough terrain.
How far is Dudhsagar Trek from Lonavala?
From Lonavala, the total distance to the Dudhsagar trek is almost 320 km via road. So, if you travel via bus or car, it will take you around 6-7 hours to reach Kulem, the nearest base of the trek. Also, you can take a train from Lonavala to reach the nearest railway station in Kulem.
How Long Does It Take to Complete the Dudhsagar Trek?
The approximate time you will need to complete the Dudhsagar trek is 6-7 hours for one side as you cover 14-15 km, one side from Kulem to the waterfall. The duration varies depending on your pace, fitness, and weather conditions. A round trip will take you almost 10-12 hours, so you can also go for a one-way trek or simply stay overnight at the campsite.
What is the best way to reach Dudhsagar Trek from Mumbai?
The best way to reach the Dudhsagar waterfalls trek from Mumbai is to take a train to Kulem. There are a few trains, and an overnight journey can help you reach here. Also, you can drive via the NH66 highway, which takes around 8-10 hours by car. After reaching Kulem, you can take a trek or go with a jeep ride to the waterfalls. You can also take a taxi or a bus to reach the Dudhsagar trek.
Are There Any Restrictions or Permits Required for the Trek?
There are no formal permits needed for the Dudhsagar trek, but trekkers need to be cautious of the local wildlife and train movements along their route. It is also advisable to go with a tour guide operator, especially if it is the rainy season. You should definitely follow any and all safety instructions that come from the forest officials. The trail is near the protected forest area, so environmental conservation plans need to be respected.
What are the landmarks or points of interest near the Dudhsagar Trek base?
The points of interest near the Dudhsagar trek are a few like the ‘Mollem National Park’ and ‘Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.’ These both offer the most scenic views of the diverse wildlife and lush forests. The other places to visit here include Tambdi Surla Temple and Devkund waterfall. The Dudhsagar railway bridge is another popular landmark providing the most beautiful views of the waterfall and nearby nature.