I have just returned from a week with a friend in southern Goa. During the week we took a trip to visit the Dudhsagar waterfalls on the Goa/Karnataka boarder.

Getting there.
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We were staying in southern Goa and decided that a local taxi would be the easiest way to get to the falls. We paid about £20 for the 2 hour journey (return) I advise you to agree the cost before you set off and be prepared to barter! I also told the driver I wanted him to drive slowly and safely! In Goa the driving can be really dangerous and seat belts are not required in the back of taxis. I really enjoyed the journey as it gave me the opportunity to see several villages on route and get a taste of the *real* India away from the more popular tourist resorts.

It is also possible to make the journey to the falls by train. Trains leave fromVasco or Margao and the nearest station is at Colem.

The waterfall is located 10 KM from the small town of Colem and is within the Bhagwan Mahavir national park. You will need to transfer to a 4 x 4 jeep to make the 45 minute journey to the waterfall. On arrival in Colem we were approached by several people selling fruit to feed to the monkeys. Be aware that you are advised not to feed the monkeys and there are signs forbidding you to do so at the entrance to the falls. The cost of the jeep is 350 rupees, return (just over £4). The 45 minute ride was quite an adventure! At the entrance to the national park we had to stop to pay entry fees (20 rupees per person) and a 30 rupee fee for each camera. The money is said to go towards the upkeep of the park. The rough track passes through rivers and is only possible from January until May, when the monsoon season makes the levels too high to enter safely. The journey was very exciting although not for the faint hearted!

The falls.
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The jeep stops at a car park and we were given an hour to explore. There are very basic toilets at the car park. The path to the falls is not an easy one and is not suitable for anyone with a disability. There are a couple of narrow bridges to negotiate then you will need to climb over rocks to reach the pool at the base of the lower falls.

The falls are tiered and said to be 600 metres high. The Vasco- Londa train passes through the waterfall over a bridge just below the top of the falls. There is a delightful, fresh water pool at the base of the falls where you can swim. I decided not to do so as it was quite crowded when we visited. It did look fairly easy to access the pool with low boulders to help you get in and out. I dipped my toe into the water and it was very cold! The pool is home to numerous giant carp.

The name Dudhsagar (pronounced dood-sah-gar) means sea of milk. The name comes from a legend about a princess who used to enjoy bathing in the pool and pouring a jug of sugared milk over her body. One day she realised she was being watched. Feeling embarrassed she poured the milk in front of her to form a curtain, hiding her nakedness. The force of the fall of water makes frothy deposits that resemble milk.

Wildlife.
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The national park is home to abundant wildlife including monkeys elephants,panthas,deer,wild boar, wild dogs, king cobras and pythons to name a few. There are also said to be tigers in the park, although I have been told conflicting stories! We only managed to spot monkeys when we visited, although did see a large hunting bird circling above!

There are a large number of monkeys living around the falls and they are well used to being hand fed by visitors despite the warning signs. Most visitors were at least feeding natural foods such as nuts and bananas. However I was disgusted to watch a Russian tourist feeding biscuits to a monkey!

My opinion.
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I really enjoyed my visit to the falls and would recommend you take the trip if you have the opportunity. I would advise you to take bottled water and snacks with you as the food we purchases in Colem was expensive and poor quality. However there were a few people selling bottled soft drinks at the falls. In addition there is little shade and when we visited in January the temperature was in the mid 30's, so wear a sun hat and remember the sun cream! I would advise that you try to visit as early as possible to avoid the crowds!

We combined our visit to the falls with a trip to a spice plantation and a temple.