From The Best Beach To The Best Waterfall :- Dudhsagar Waterfall (Goa)

      What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Goa? Sandy Beaches, Shacks, Sea food, Beer, Parties, Hippy Culture.... But you will be surprised to know that there is an amazing waterfall on the "Goa Karnataka border" named "Dudhsagar". Still clueless! Remember the movie "Chennai Express" where the train crossed the majestic waterfall. Yaa, that one. I guess, now you all can visualise better.

"PALOLEM  TO DUDHSAGAR"                                                                                                              

     Since we were enjoying the New Year's Eve on Palolem beach. We decided to do something different. Different but what? As usual Google was confusing. Then suddenly I recollected the dinner conversation with my Russian friend. I remember him mentioning about dudhsagar falls and he was all ga ga over it. Visiting a WATERFALL that too in GOA! Woooh! 16th minute from that thought in my mind we were in the car making our way towards the falls.

     It is 70 kilometres away from Palolem. The drive is made up of lovely winding Road, with a canopy of lush green trees, scarcely filtering the Suns Ray's. Majority of drive is on the kochi Panvel highway. The detour passes through quepem and ends at Kulem railway station. Only halt we took was to grab a quick bite at the 'village Nest' hotel at quepem. There is ample car parking at the foothills of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. We bought the tickets for 400 bucks per person for a shared gypsy ride to the falls. Driving your personal vehicle is strictly not advisable, because of the rugged  terrain and bumpy road. Life jackets are compulsory which are provided by the forest department. My girly instincts craved for an orange coloured jacket. (Do notice it many are wearing Red????). It is a 45 minute jeep ride deep into the forest in which we crossed three water streams. 

     The jeep ride was adventurous and extremely bumpy and it took us right upto the last motarable point of the road. From there it is a 15 min uphill walk passing through thick forest, bridges and rocky terrain. 

     The forest area is surrounded by a deciduous forest with rich biodiversity. It was fun walking in the middle of forest.

     As we reached the main point the view was breathtaking, Obviously it was overcrowded, but it certainly didn't stop us to enjoy the place. I wanted to go in water but I had a camera to take care of, as well as my shoes. But the location was so tempting, I just removed my shoes and carelessly left them on one of the rocks. I made my way towards the shallow end planting my foot carefully on the slippery rocks.

     My crazy friend was a swimmer and swam right up hill the flowing ferocious waterfall. As I stepped into water, I realised the water was freezing. Slowly and carefully through the water, I made my way towards a huge rock, so that I can sit and enjoy the beauty of the falls. There were people swimming in the pond, created because of the falls.(Life Jackets were compulsory).

     After an hour we started back towards our jeep. But I really wanted to spend more time, watching the falls, seeing kids swim, enjoying the beauty of nature. My friend froze till his bones but his smile said it all, how much he enjoyed being a water boy. The surroundings was clean and and natural. (courtesy no eating joints around. If you need to eat something please buy it beforehand at the start point of gypsy ride). Being a city girl, dwelling into such a naturally abundant place which was enlivened by the voluminous waterfall was truly a unique experience. Never did I imagine that the best waterfall I will encounter in my life will be at a place famous for other reasons. Do pay a visit and dive into the experience called Dudhsagar.

With Lots Of Love, 
Juhhii Bhatia.