Dudhsagar Falls

Dudhsagar means “sea of milk,” and although legend has it that the falls were formed when a bathing princess poured a jug of milk out, it's more likely that the falls got their name from the white color that forms as they plume down to the ground. Hiking up to the falls is popular but dangerous, so if you’re planning to go beyond the swimming area at the base, you’re better off embarking on that adventure with a guide.

• If you plan to hike up to the top of the falls, be sure to wear solid footwear—the trail can be slippery.

• The falls gets a lot of domestic visitors, and women should consider wearing covering their swimsuits out of respect for local modesty customs.

• The falls isn’t suitable for people for wheelchairs or others with limited mobility.

Dudhsagar Falls sit on the border of Goa and Karnataka, about a two-hour drive inland from Panaji, to the northwest of the falls, and Palolem, to the southwest. Although the roads are accessible by motorbike, travelers may find it easier to visit by taxi or as part of an organized tour. Sonalium Railway Station is a short jaunt from the falls, but trains aren’t allowed to stop there due to a lack of facilities (or even a platform).

The monsoon season in Goa, which can start as early as June and go through September, fills the falls with water and has the potential to washing out the roads and paths leading up to them. Therefore, the best time to visit is in October or November, right after the monsoon season but when water levels are still high.

Hiking—called trekking in India, even if it's just a short jaunt—is a popular activity among domestic and international visitors alike. Most head up to the northern regions and the Himalayan foothills, but Goa and South India offer a fair few long-distance hikes of their own. The Dudhsagar trek, for instance, involves a mix of gravel roads and railway tracks. Other popular trekking areas include the surrounding Mollem National Park and the Krishnapur Canyon near the border with Maharashtra.

Dudhsagar Falls—which translates to “sea of milk”—is a large, multi-cascade waterfall. It’s a popular destination for visitors to Goa, who come to swim, hike, and take photos. The waterfall is on the border of Goa and Karnataka, roughly two hours by car from Palolem and Panaji.

The best time to visit the waterfall is after the monsoon, with little chance of rain and high water levels. The monsoon season usually ends in September, so opt for an October or November visit for the maximum experience. That said, any time between October and April is generally good.

Yes, there are lots of guided tours of Dudhsagar Falls available. Tours typically depart from Goa’s coastal tourism hubs and often combine a trip to the falls with a visit to another nearby attraction, such as Mollem National Park or a spice plantation. Many tours also include lunch.

Yes, you can swim at the pools at the bottom of Dudhsagar Falls, and the chance to take a cooling dip is a big part of why many people visit the waterfalls. Life jackets are provided to visitors, and wearing one is wise, even if you’re a strong swimmer.

The easiest ways to reach Dudhsagar Falls from nearby cities or towns are to drive, go by motorbike, hire a taxi, or join a tour. Tours typically include round-trip transportation from your hotel and can include other perks, such as lunch. Public transportation straight to the falls isn’t available.

The closest accommodations to Dudhsagar Falls are located in the town of Colem, just west of the waterfall. However, there’s not much to do beyond visiting the waterfalls. As such, you may be better off staying in a coastal destination such as Colva, which is directly west of the falls.