On Thursday, on our way back to the hotel we stopped by one of the tourism offices/agents nearby and booked ourselves 3 tickets to the famous Dudhsagar fall. On Friday morning an SUV picked us up from the hotel and we started our “joyride” with one of the craziest but funniest local driver. After around an hour, we stopped at an elephant farm where Chantal had her first elephant ride ever. (After the ride we realized that the elephant was traumatized by his owner, therefore we wouldn’t advise that you ride elephants under such conditions).
Another 1.5 hours and we reached the waterfall site. We were asked to change SUV and hop into one of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife sanctuary 7-seater SUV. After an extremely bumpy off-road ride through Mollem National Park lush green forest and some heavy flowing streams, we reached the gathering area where we could access the waterfall jungle trek. (PS: We were intimidated and required to rent life jackets that we never used). On our way to the waterfall, the driver asked us if we would like to see the Devil’s canyon but for an extra charge. We didn’t like the upselling technique but since the fee was minimal we all agreed. The driver took a turn off the main dirt road and headed into the jungle. After a short drive, he stopped and warned us not to jump into the water or even not to get close to the riverside rocks. This canyon is said to be damned by the devil. Several swimmers had drowned in the treacherous undercurrents of the river.
Dudhsagar fall is one of the highest waterfalls in India. It is also considered as one of the top 100 highest waterfalls in the world. To access the waterfall we had to walk a forest trail, while we’ve been watched by hundreds of monkeys all around us, on the ground and on top of the tree branches. Expect some curious monkeys to get closer especially if they smelled any food in your pocket or backpack. Therefore it is suggested not to bring in any type of food or biscuits or snacks. Actually, it is a criminal offense to feed the monkeys, so be careful!
And remember you can never outsmart a monkey.
After a short and easy hike, we arrived at the bottom of the waterfall. Looking upward, we were amazed by the majestic waterfall height pouring over the steep, nearly vertical slope. In the middle, an old railway line cut the cascading waters, which was silenced by the roar of the multi-wagon train when it passed over that old brick railway bridge.
Dudhsagar Falls (literally Sea of Milk ) is a four-tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River in the border of the Indian state of Goa and Karnataka. It is 60 km from Panaji by road and is located on the Madgaon-Belgavi rail route about 46 km east of Madgaon and 80 km south of Belgavi. Dudhsagar Falls is amongst India’s tallest waterfalls with a height of 310 m (1017 feet) and an average width of 30 meters (Source: Wikipedia)
Etymology: In Hindi and the local dialect Konkani, Dudhsagar literally means ‘Sea of Milk’. The metaphor is apt for a fall that appears like streams of milk flowing down a mountainside from the top to the bottom, making it one of the most beautiful waterfalls in India.
The Legend: There is a legend behind every phenomenon in India, and so it is with Dudhsagar. The legend of Dudhsagar has it that a powerful King once ruled a kingdom and had his palace in the Western Ghats. The site of Dudhsagar was a part of his palace gardens and hunting grounds that abound in-game. The King’s beautiful daughter, the Princess, was fond of bathing in the picturesque lake in the forest on the edge of the King’s palace grounds. She would habitually drink a mug of sugared milk in a jug of gold after her bath. Having had her bath and while drinking the milk from her jug one day, she realized that a handsome Prince was watching her. Embarrassed that she was in her skimpy bathing clothes, the princess poured the remaining milk over herself to make a screen of milk that acted as a curtain while her maids rushed to her aid with an appropriate dress. The legend says that the sugared milk poured by the Princess continues to flow down the mountain in torrents in tribute to the everlasting modesty of the Princess of the Western Ghats. (Source: Thousand Wonders)
We spent some time at the bottom of the waterfall, while some people ventured into the water we preferred not to get wet, plus we didn’t trust the water and what could be hiding in it, not that it was dangerous, but it was just a feeling that we all had, probably because we are not used to swimming in rivers. We hanged around, took some photos and enjoyed the beauty of nature while keeping an eye on the monkeys.
On our way back, still with the same crazy driver, or pilot should I say, we stopped at one of the many spice farms located in Collem. This farm was recommended by the driver. We had never been into a spice farm before; therefore we didn’t know what to expect. We imagined that we will be introduced to a few types of spices and their benefits, taste some and buy some on our way out. Sometimes it is good to put your trust in a local since he knows the difference between the authentic experience and a tourist-oriented one.
At SAHYADRI Spice Farm, we were greeted at the main entrance while we paid our entrance fees which were very affordable. A lady guided us to sit while she placed a flower garland around our necks and marked our forehead with a “bindi” (if you are wondering what’s a bindi, it is that red dot worn on the center of the forehead commonly by Hindus), it was a nice gesture that made us feel warmly welcomed. After a while, Sunil took the lead and welcomed us and a small group of other people and we headed into the spice garden. Sunil was our guide for the next hour walk in nature. The whole tour felt more spiritual than physical as Sunil was introducing each of the plants and fruits highlighting its health benefits combined with its spiritual power. Each plant, tree, flower, or fruit had a different story.
By the end of our tour, we came out with more answers about life than about vegetation. Sunil remarkable storytelling got us hooked up, and ignited our curiosity to know more about some of the topics he tackled about old beliefs and rituals.
When we returned to the gathering area, food was served in pottery jars. Without hesitation, we tasted each and every type of organic food that was offered. The food was so delicious and rich in spices, the way we like it. We didn’t want to leave. The whole place had a positive aura, spreading serenity and joy to its visitors no matter who they were.
Our time was up at the spice farm, we got back into our “rollercoaster” and in the speed of light, with the help of all the angels of heaven, we reached safely the hotel.
Read more about our 8-day adventure to Goa-India while we discover the best places to visits and things to do
Day 1: Anjuna | Day 2: Panaji | Day 3: Anjuna Flea Market | Day 4: Old Goa and churches day tour | Day 5: Dudhsagar falls and the Spice Farm visit | Day 6: Reis Magos Fort, Dolphin sighting, Chapora Fort, Baga beach – celebrating Easter at “Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church” | Day 7: Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary – Baga Beach | Day 8: Palolem
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