FINALLY ! One More Bucket List Ticked !
I wanted to do the Dudhsagar Trek for almost 5 years from now. But it's rightly said some things happen at right time and with right people ! We finally planned a trip there and it turned out to be one of the most memorable trips of my life ! ❣️
We combined this trek with 2 days in Goa, since we wanted to experience Goa during Monsoon. It can be done separately too.
Day 1:
We reached our Airbnb near Calungute Beach in the morning. After freshening up and having brunch on the way, we headed out to Candolim Beach. Goa in Monsoon isn't that happening as it is during Oct-Apr period. The roads are relatively empty and beaches are less crowded. You can get entire beach to yourselves, especially if it is raining. Though the showers might end up ruining your plans and the cool dresses you got for the trip, but what's the fun, if everything happens exactly as you planned for ;)
After some beach hopping, a frisbee game, we spent night inside one of the shacks on Baga. If you are lucky and it is not raining, you can get some tables on the beach.
Day 2: The Trek !
The Trek starts from Kulem Railway Station, which is around 80 km from North Goa. It is a 1.5 - 2 hours drive from Calangute.
The road is pretty, winding through ghats and greenery all around.
Upon reaching Kulem, we started the trek. Starting from the railway tracks for around 2 km and then through the 10 kms of forest, crossing small rivulets and streams, bridges and fallen trees, having a simple homed cooked meal and drenching in the rains, we reached to witness the first glimpse of the Dudhsagar !
But this is just the start of what lies ahead ! After walking few more kms, crossing a broken bridge and finding our way through thick forest we were on our way for the final stop.
Now there are two ways:
One goes to the bottom of the falls and other one back up to the railway track. If you start the trek early in the morning, you get time to cover both the views.
We could do only the one to base of the falls. And what a magnificent view it was ! Enchanted by the sound, the force of water, the stunning view of the waterfall from the point it touches the ground, the train passing from the bridge above and the sprinkles from the waterfall caressing your face; it was a moment that I had longed to witness ! That was the moment which cannot be expressed through words and even the pictures fail to do justice !
And the return journey was no less than an adventure. Walking through the tracks in pitch dark (since we started the trek late), with only the sounds of Katydids and Crickets around with random talks in pouring rains. Horn of train could be heard over distance and then the rush to find a spot to stand around while the train crossed and then start walking again to reach back !
The 25 km trek had it all - The ups n downs, the stupid singing of songs, the pouring rains, the adventure, a simple yet a meal which we longed for, the sound of the nature, the mesmerizing views and some good friends to cherish the moments with !
Day 3:
The next day was a relaxed one back in Goa. We visited the Chapora Fort at Vagator. It is a must visit place during monsoons.
After that, we headed towards Anjuna to have snacks at Curlies, witnessing the beauty of the sea one last time before departure.
After collecting all the treasured memories, we started our return journey to Bangalore with heavy hearts !
HOW TO REACH THERE:
You can reach Goa through Rail or Bus from nearby major cities or direct flights to Dabolim Airport.
From there you can hire a car or bikes to roam around in Goa and till Kulem. There are some direct trains to Kulem too.
TIPS FOR THE TREK AND GOA IN GENERAL FOR MONSOONS !
Carry raincoats.
Buy some comfortable clothes and shoes, which you won't mind getting wet.
Carry water bottles for the trek.
Wear dry fit clothes and if possible keep an extra pair in your vehicles.
Keep some basic medicines with you.
Eat well before the trek.
Avoid taking DSLRs, unless you have the right rain protection for your gear.
Carry a torch or make sure your mobile is charged to guide you back, in case it gets dark.
Keep cash with you.
Drive Safely, Be Careful, Don't Litter and Enjoy !
PS: This is my first attempt of documenting my travel story. Constructive criticism and suggestions are welcome :)
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