Dudhsagar Falls: An Unforgettable Trek

Dudhsagar Falls: An Unforgettable Trek

My first independent trek ever, Dudhsagar falls is every ones dream. 

Dudhsagar literally means Sea of Milk and is a four-tiered waterfall which falls majestically into the lap of mother earth. The area is surrounded by lush green tress and is a forest area. The sound of gushing water and the constant insect noise from the jungle makes for the natural music which pretty much stayed with us throughout the trek.

Around 50 students started early morning, one bus and a long road trip. We reached Kullem station where the bus was parked and we started through the mud path towards the base of Dudhsagar Falls which is around 12 km walk. Among friends and acquaintances we kept moving ahead. It was the final semester of the college and a trip like this was a big milestone.

Trekking through the muddy and at some places rocky terrain we reached the falls  by noon after a very long walk. On the way we did spot small streams and had crossed through forest patches too. 

We spent some time at the fall base, played with water and had our lunch before trekking uphill to the Dudhsagar falls bridge. It was totally awesome. I was awestruck by the beauty that surrounded me, the sun had a shiny affect on water and everything green looked so soothing.

Around 16:00 we started trekking uphill through shrubs and rocks, on our left was the falls while on right I could see only rocks covered with trees; on top, the tracks and when we saw down, it was water in a huge bowl. The rail bridge was not very far but the slope was steep. One by one, we kept climbing giving each other the helping hand. 

Our target was to catch the train from Dudhsagar Falls station on our way back but we reached on top only to find out that we had missed our train. With no knowledge of next train we had no other option but to keep walking along the tracks through the dense jungle. But before we started, a few shots were mandatory. Sitting on tracks, walking through the tunnels, we stole a few moments which makes for a fond memory today.

It was already 18:00. The sun had started to leave our side but the sound of waterfall never did. There was a sense of excitement with a mixed feeling of anticipation about the unknown pathway and a night in jungle. The unpredictability lead to adrenaline. 

The night seemed unending, it was quiet but uncanny, made us jittery but I must admit, it was something which planned adventure could have never given us. We kept walking till we could finally contact the station master. It was already 20:30 when we heard the good news. A goods train was headed our way which the station master had then arranged for our safe and sound journey back to the base. We hitchhiked the goods train and travelled back to Kullem in the last open to sky coach (Sigh! I don't have a single picture of that night). That was the most beautiful night ever; clear sky, new moon, twinkling stars, the sound of the train in sync with waterfalls and chirping insects, wish the night had never ended.

[Read here about my adventure through Sahyadri range - Trek to Raigad & a Story] 

Dudhsagar Falls, the Facts:

Dudhsagar Falls is located on the Mandovi River bordering Goa and Karnataka. Located in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park of western ghats, it is also among one of the taller waterfalls with a height of 310 m (1017 feet) and an average width of 30 m (100 feet). 

Dudhsagar Falls, the Faith:

I am sure I walked around 25 to 30 km that day. Ain't that Wow! I was humbled by the grandeur of the waterfalls, I was in awe of nature and experience, the unplanned adventure had given us. 

Motto is "Never ever underestimate time because it keeps changing and change is inevitable. But my faith is whatever happens, happens for "only" good."

P.S.

- A very important mention goes to my friend Sujay without whom I could never complete this article. I remembered in flashes and only the experience but Sujay helped me with the facts of that day. His inputs bridged the gap and helped me weave this story. 

- Pictures here are not taken by me but are from various batch-mates who were on this trip. So credit goes to all of them as well who helped in making these memories. 

Hope you liked the story, a trip down my memory lane © 2007.
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Yours Truly,

Me And My Suitcase