Waterfalls are a sight to behold. And, if you happen to be in Goa in the midst of a full-fledged monsoon or even during the succeeding winter season there’s nothing more enchanting than gazing at a roaring waterfall that’s speeding your way unchallenged and wading through the rocks before making a thunderous touchdown much to the on-looker’s delight. Perched high in the mountainous Sahyadri (Western Ghats), where most waterfalls emanate from, Goa is home to a bunch of stunning and eye-catching waterfalls that are nature’s gift to mankind.
Set along the Arabian shores, Goa owing to its unique geographic location has sea by the west and various other unique attractions in the hinterlands of which waterfalls happen to be a natural asset. Be it the milky Dudhsagar Waterfalls or the magnificent Tambadi Surla Waterfalls, Goa is a trusted destination for all those tourists who throng the state in pursuit of this watery marvel. Even the silvery Hivre Waterfalls form a commendable attraction that captivates everyone and push you into a state of euphoria.
Here’s a look at the top 10 waterfalls you must visit if you hit the shores of Goa:
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Dudhsagar falls:
Location
It is the highest waterfall found in Goa and located in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, in Sanguem Taluka. Originating from Karnataka, it winds its way through the Western Ghats before cascading from the highest peaks on the Goa-Karnataka border. Water flows from a height of 310 meters (1017 feet) and splashes down a wide gorge making it appear like milk falling from a height thus earning it the name “Dudhsagar” (sea of milk). This is the tallest waterfall in India.
How to reach
This spot is very popular among both domestic and foreign tourists and can be easily reached both from Mollem and Collem by road which passes through dense forest areas.
A forest Jeep Safari from Mollem will drive you through the verdant forest areas. A bumpy ride will be offset by the picturesque journey towards the four-tiered Dudhsagar waterfall. As you drive through the Mollem National Park it will take you around an hour to reach the destination. The best time to visit this place is post monsoon in October when the waterfall is at its peak. A one-day trip will allow you to cover the spot as you can swim at the foot of the waterfall and engage in monkey-watching who roam around freely. – See Details on tripraja
Spice plantation – on a package tour you will be taken to a Spice plantation in Keri, Ponda where a welcome drink of herbal tea will greet you before a tour of the plantation.
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Surla Falls:
Location
Set inside the Bhagwan Mahavir National Park, Tambdi Surla is a trekker’s delight. Besides the unique waterfall, it houses a 12th-century Shaivaite temple of Lord Mahadev – noted as the oldest in Goa. The waterfall here is 90 minutes away from the temple. Following the temple visit, a trek to the waterfalls is a must. Located amidst thick forest a visit accompanied by a local guide is better advised. At the Surla falls, water cascades from a height of 50 meters in a zigzag way adding to one’s delight. At the foot of the falls, a little pool is created and if you want, you can take a dip in the chilly but clear water.
How to reach?
From Madgaon, Tambdi Surla is about 56 km and can be reached in 1 and a half hours. From the State’s capital Panaji, it will take you around 2 hrs as it is located at a 69km. From Valpoi, it’s just 22km. The best time to visit Tambdi Surla is between June to December. Nature’s nest resort is a great place to stay as they also conduct a trip to the temple and a trek to the waterfalls while Mahashivaratri is celebrated with great pomp here.
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Harvalem Waterfall:
Location
After Dudhsagar, the Arvalem waterfall located in the Bicholim taluka in North Goa, is the second most popular of its kind. Also known as Haravalem or Harvale by the locals, this stunning spot is also known for its caves famously known as Pandava caves. The waterfall is just 9 km away from these Caves and cascades 50m down from the mountains. Next to the falls is Rudreshwar or Shiva temple, famous for performing Hindu rituals of the dead. The best time to visit Arvalem waterfall is during the monsoon when it is covered with greenery as it is known to be eco-friendly.
How to reach?
From Panjim, this place is located at 32km and will take 1 hr by road while from the Airport, you can hire a cab for a distance of 43 km. From the northern beach town of Calangute, the ride will last for38km. The site can be visited from morning till evening.
- Kesarval falls:
Location
The Kesarval spring as it is popularly known is located near Cortalim village off the Verna plateau. Nestled on the southern banks of river Zuari, the fall mainly known for its medicinal virtues is 22km away for Panjim heading down south. The best time for a visit is during peak monsoon when the fall is at its peak and overflowing into the lake below. However, one needs to be cautious of the fact that it can also be dangerous and slippery although the best period to visit is from the month of July till March.
Other attractions around the falls are – the village of Talaulim famous for the home of Santana (also known as Sant Ana or St. Anne) which hosts the curious Touxeachem festival. The Mormugao fort and harbor are just 16km west of here and on the same route ahead is Goa’s international airport at Dabolim.
- Hivre Falls:
Location
If you are a nature lover then Hivre Waterfall located in Valpoi – the northernmost region of Goa – is a must-go location. One needs to pass through a village and then walk through a forest stretch to get there. On the way we encounter beautiful creeks as the waterfall is very popular among the locals. If you are a trekker, localities will help you out as they will guide you around.
How to reach
First one needs to reach Valpoi town and from there Hivre village is situated at a distance of 14 km. Once you are in Hivre locals will guide you to your destination.
- Sada Waterfall:
Location
The Sada waterfall located in the dense jungles guarding the boundaries of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra is a trekker’s delight. An overnight trek in Sada Village blessed the diverse riches of flora and fauna lands you in the vicinity of an ancient fort built by Kadambas, which is a witness to a 200ft drop waterfall nestled in deep jungles with volcanic caves tucked underground. A 10-hr trek from Sada also reaches you to the region’s highest point at Siddheswar (3,300ft) where you can stopover at the mysterious Mother Mary Rock.
How to reach
If you are traveling from Goa (Panjim) along the Chorla ghat from Sanquelim, head towards Kankumbi campsite on the Belgaum road. From Panjim you will reach Kankumbi in around 2 hrs traveling a distance of 72km. From there leave for Sada (16km) from where the guided trek begins. This short trek of about 6-8km will cover the Sada waterfalls.
- Bamanbudo waterfall:
Location
Bamanbudo Waterfall is a picturesque fall located in the Gaodongrem village on Canacona-Naturlim Road in South Goa. The fact that it flows across the road is so easy to reach. After entering the forest gate at Bhatpal on the road towards Neturlim, you need to travel 15 km before reaching the fall site. Roads are narrow here but in good condition with fields surrounding them.
Nearby Locations: Netravali Bubbling Lake, Tanshikar Spice Farm, Kuskem Waterfall, Usgalimal Rock Engravings, Neturlem waterfall (Savri), Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary & St. Francis Xavier’s Church.
How to reach
It’s on the way from Canacona to Sanvordem and if you take the NH66 and drive for around 19 km. At Sadolxem turn left and pass by Govt. High School Gaondongrim -on the left in 6.6 km the destination will be reached.
- Kuskem Waterfall:
Location
Located in the Southern taluka of Canacona the fall is situated in an idyllic Kuskem village around 20km from the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary off NH 17. Not a popular waterfall, it can be visited only during the rainy season as it runs dry in summer. Kuskem Falls is not that high but can still be a photographer’s delight and has only two steps and falls down with some thunder from a 30m height. There is another waterfall nearby called the Anvli which is not that accessible.
How to reach
Kuskem is located 12km from Hathipal which is the entry point of the Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary. A perfect spot to relax one can hire the forest department’s eco cottages at the sanctuary. An ancient temple located nearby is also worth exploring.
- Netravali waterfall:
Location
Also known as the Savari waterfall, the breathtaking fall is at a two hour’s drive from Margao city and located deep inside the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. A 3 km trek within the Sanctuary can reach you there. One has to pass through the dense green forest to enjoy the natural biodiversity of Goa. It is advisable to look out for the signage or hire a local guide. The gushing waterfall in the midst of the forest adds to the natural beauty.
How to reach
If you are in North Goa, the sanctuary is located 80km from Panjim while from Sanvordem railway station it is 40km. Best is a jeep ride to the sanctuary and thereafter through trekking before you reach the waterfall and even a bubbling lake that sounds absolutely amazing.
- Sathoddi Falls:
Location
Not exactly located inside Goa, the Sathoddi Falls is part of the neighboring state of Karnataka, near Yellapur. The fall is about 15 meters (49.2 feet) tall. The stream then flows into the backwaters of the Kodasalli Dam which moves finally into the Kali River. By road, it is 25km from Yellapur.
How to reach
One has to travel to the hilly town on Yellapur if you are driving from Goa down south via the coastal town of Karwar. Once you are in Yellapur, a road towards Kumbral will reach you to the falls roughly 5km from there. Thereafter the tiny road gets tough and pathetic. Kindly note that Goa to Yellapur via NH 66 and NH52 is 182km.
Other waterfalls around Goa – Charavane, Amboli, Virgin falls & Twin Waterfalls
Charavane fall:
Location
Located in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, the breathtaking Charavane fall is located in the Charavane village about 12km from Valpoi city. The fall provides a panoramic view of the surrounding lush green forest and the gushing flow of the Mhadei river.
How to reach
From Panjim, it is located at a distance of 57km if you come via the Amona Bridge and a further 72 km if you hire a cab from the Dabolim airport via the Borim-Belgaum highway towards Usgao.
Amboli waterfall:
Location
Amboli is a hill station situated in south Maharashtra at an altitude of 690 m (2,260 ft). The breathtaking waterfalls here is located in the western Sahyadri Hills and is counted as one of the eco spots of the world. The fall here is at full throttle during peak monsoon as tourists in huge number are seen climbing the ghat to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking sight engulfed in thick fog. The main waterfall is surrounded by numerous other waterfalls and adds to the charm and beauty of the place.
How to reach
From Goa, Amboli can be approached in 3 h 15 min (119.1 km) via Banda and Sawantwadi. If you are entering from Maharashtra, Amboli is a 2 h 37 min (118.2 km) drive via NH 48 from the sugarcane town of Kolhapur.
Virgin Waterfall / Twin Waterfall
Location
A trek down to Mollem will unveil the two hidden gems of Goa in the form of a virgin waterfall and a twin waterfall. A group journey from Panjim to the Spice Farm in Ponda will take you towards the waterfalls in Mollem post breakfast. This is where your journey begins as you trek towards the Virgin Waterfall and then continue towards the Twin Waterfall.
A trip down to Mollem will make you realize that this is the best place to explore the flora and fauna than just embarking on an adventurous trek.
How to reach
A trip by road from Panjim will take you 1 h 35 min (60.7 km) via NH748 to Darbandora–Sancordem–Mollem–Collem Road
