How to Reach Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Dudhsagar Waterfalls is among the top five tallest waterfalls in India. Located at Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Collem in South Goa, Dudhsagar Waterfalls is a signature beauty of Goa. Hence, it secures a popular place in every traveller’s “must-visit places in Goa” list. That said, the waterfall is not accessible by car, bus, or train. You can reach the Dudhsagar Waterfalls only by jeep safari or by walking. Continue reading to know in detail: how to reach Dudhsagar Waterfalls from various parts.

The majestic beauty of Goa

One of the best waterfalls in Goa, Dudhsagar, is located in the western ghats that connect Goa with Karnataka. Hence, both Karnataka and Goa have clear routes to Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Besides Karnataka, Maharashtra and North Goa appear attached to Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Hence, one can reach here from three directions- Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the southern part of India.

1. Train route to Dudhsagar

You must travel quite a distance to the waterfall, even from North Goa. So, let me now tell you how to reach Goa from Maharashtra, Karnataka, the Southern part of India (Kerala & Tamilnadu), and North Goa.

Reach Dudhsagar from Maharashtra

When I say Maharashtra, I focus on the main cities, such as Mumbai and Pune. Transportation from these main cities to Goa is available often. It would be best if you got to the Kulem (Collem) Railway Station in Goa. On reaching the Kulem Railway Station, you can either trek or take a jeep to reach Dudhsagar Waterfalls.

Amravati Express and Goa Express take you from Mumbai to Kulem (Collem). Another pro tip, the station before Kulem (reaching point), is called Kalem. Don’t get confused by their similar names. Kalem comes first. Then comes Kulem, your dropping point.

Reach Dudhsagar Waterfalls from North Goa

Many tourists arrive in North Goa because it has many popular party places in Goa. Considering it, you must take the Vasco-Kulem Daily Passenger Train to reach Kulem from North Goa. And from there, you can either trek or take a jeep safari to reach Dudhsagar Waterfalls.

Reach Dudhsagar Waterfalls from Bangalore

To visit the Dudhsagar waterfalls from Bangalore, you can board trains like Yesvantpur Vasco da Gama Express, Velankanni Vasco da Gama Express, or Chennai Central Vasco da Gama. All these trains drop you at Castle Rock in Goa.

From Castle Rock, you need to board a passenger train to Kulem. From Kulem, you can either trek or take a jeep safari. Some other trains from Bangalore drop at Londa station. In that case, you have to take a passenger train from Londa to Kulem.

Reach Dudhsagar from Tamil Nadu

If you are located in Tamil Nadu, you must either board the Velankanni Vasco da Gama Express or the Chennai Central Vasco da Gama Weekly Express to reach the waterfall. The train will drop you at Castle Rock station. From there, you can board a train to Kulem. 

Reach Dudhsagar from Kerala

Solo travellers from Kerala can take trains such as Cochin Vasco da Gama Express, which drops at Castle Rock, or Cochin to Karmali Express, which drops at Karmali. Nevertheless, wherever you hop off, take a passenger train to Kulem unless you plan on trekking because there is a direct trekking route from Castle Rock.

2. Bus route to Dudhsagar

You are right. You can’t reach Dudhsagar Waterfalls by bus. But if you are located in Pune or Bangalore, you have the benefit of taking a bus instead of a train because the distance is shorter. In that case, you will travel through NH 48, and your bus will drop you at Mollem. Yes, it is not Kulem. It is Mollem. Mollem is 6 km further away from Kulem. At Mollem, you are already near the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. Hence, you either trek from Mollem or take a jeep to reach Dudhsagar Waterfalls.

3. Jeep Safari from Kulem

So far, we have looked into reaching Dudhsagar Waterfalls by train and bus. Whichever mode of transport you choose, you will have to walk or take a jeep safari to reach the exact location of the waterfall.

Speaking of that, after reaching Kulem or Mollem, you can take a jeep to reach Dudhsagar waterfall directly without much complication. You may ask, can’t I rent a car in Goa or take my car? NO! We are talking about mountain paths with valleys, streams, and bumpy rock trails! SUVs and 4WD jeeps are the most suitable vehicles to move on the forest tracks. They will be available at the entrance of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. It costs around Rs. 2500 for six people in the jeep. 

4. Trekking to Dudhsagar

Now let us see about trekking. Trekking is a fascinating activity for solo travellers. If you love trekking, then forget about taking a jeep, as the trails to Dudhsagar are nerve chilling. Of course, it is safe. Many tourists prefer trekking, especially through the train track route because, on this route, you will walk through the train track, suspended alone, overlooking the Dudhsagar Waterfalls. It is such a majestic view in monsoons. Almost feels like standing near Niagara Falls. If you have seen the song Kun Faya Kun from the Bollywood movie “Rockstar,” you know what I am talking about. The glorious view of Dudhsagar!

You can see this view if you take the Amravati Express as well. But the problem is that the railway route and the trekking will be banned from entry concerning the water flow in the Dudhsagar Waterfall.

Castle Rock trekking route

Continuing, we have two landmarks- Kullem and Castle Rock. I told you from these two places you have to either trek or take a jeep ride. Our concern is trekking now. It is a 14 km trek and will take around 6 hours to complete. The best part about it is walking along the railway track with nice views of rivers and tunnels. This route is accessible during the monsoon, the best time to visit Goa.

The 180-degree view of Dudhsagar Waterfalls – Kulem trekking route

The next trekking route is from Kulem. The distance between Kulem and Dudhsagar Waterfalls is 12 km. So, it will take about 5 hours to reach. This is the route I was telling you about sometime before. On the railway track, you will witness the Dudhsagar Waterfalls stretching before you. To be more accurate, you will be walking parallel to the waterfall. Amazing! However, you can’t rely on this route during monsoon time.

Jeep safari or trekking?

We are in the end. I hope you got a clear view of how to reach Dudhsagar falls in Goa. A short recap: you must arrive at Kulem, Mollem, or Castle Rock in Goa. You can take a jungle safari to reach the waterfall’s location. Or, you can trek for 5-6 hours along the railway tracks with exciting views. Have a great solo trip to Goa!

For more information about spice gardens, swimming, or jeep safaris at Dudhsagar Waterfalls, click here.