Dudhsagar Waterfalls and Trekking

Trekking to Dudhsagar waterfalls during monsoon was on my list of trekking from quite a long time and could realize it in the last week. Searching a lot on internet made plan and started from Hyderabad through direct train planning to get down at Castle Rock railway station. In the joueny while enquiring about trekking to Dudhsagar an employee of Indian railways suggested train stops at Dudhsagar station also why don’t you get down there?

on the way to visit water fall from Dudh Sagar station

I read a lot on trekking fourteen kilometers from blogs but I felt it may be monotous walk on railway track. Keeping that in mind I got down at Caranzol railway station where train stops for a minute or two. Caranzol is seven kilometers from Dudhsagar station after the Castle Rock station. We started our trek at 31/900 and completed at 38/900 from Caranzol to Dudhsagar.

Railway milestone at Caranzol

Railway milestone at Dudhsagar

Started trekking on railway track, crossed tunnels bearing numbers 5,6,7,8,9,10 and 11. But one can enjoy the beauty of nature. Don’t worry if the train comes when you are on track or tunnel. Just make way for it and also you can stand adjacent to wall, don’t be panic. Space is enough to stand while the train is passing. It took almost two and half hours to reach Dudhsagar railway station.

train engine passing while trekking

tunnel made at the bottom of huge rock

entering small tunnel

small water fall refreshing to see

in middle of trekking

view while trekking on railway track

seen from railway track at Dudhsagar

From Dudhsagar railway station the water falls is around 400 meters and one has to pass small tunnel (No.12) Finally, I could see the magnificent waterfalls with water flowing like milk.

close view of Dudhsagar water falls

With some courage I went till bottom of waterfalls from not so smooth and steep route from the route in between tunnel 12 and 13. While going down it was easy and while climbing up it was difficult as the route is steep. I could see the beauty of waterfalls with bridge in front of it. This is not the view one can see in usual blogs in which the train is passing in front of waterfalls. Water force is high during monsoon and don’t take chance to go to bottom of falls in this route as it is quite dangerous with slippery rocks.

in between tunnel no. 12 and 13

Dudhsagar view from bottom (this is not the popular view seen on websites and blogs)

first glimpse of waterfall after crossing tunnel 12 and 13 before the full view

Popular full view of Dudhsagar waterfall, to get this move a half kilometer or so from Dudhsagar waterfall towards Kulem crossing tunnels 12 & 13

Nothing is available to eat around waterfalls except a man selling low quality biscuits and snacks at an higher price. It was quite late and we were planning to go to Kulem as there is no electricity or place to stay at Dudh Sagar station. 

Dilip cafe and Boarding at Castle Rock

We couldn't get any trains towards Kulem but many suggested to take train towards Castle Rock station as trains are not there towards Kulem and one has to request railway engine drivers or guard man of goods train to drop till Kulem station. 

a small place to sit at Dudu Sagar station

visitors on goods train requesting guards

We reached Castle Rock and came to know that nothing is there to stay except PWD guest house which may or may not give accommodation to visitors. Just on the other side of Castle Rock station small market is there and food is available. We could eat excellent vegetarian food at Dilip Cafe and boarding. It will be open till 10:00 PM. We stayed at Castle Rock station waiting hall for that night. It is quite clean but toilets are not so clean and often railway engines stop near the waiting hall making huge sound.

Trekking routes to Dudhsagar waterfalls:

Route 1: from castle rock via Caranzol

Castle rock railway station to Dudhsagar railway station is fourteen kilometer and in between caranzol station is present. At caranzol station the extra engines attached at the back side of train to push the train uphill from kulem will be detached. One can walk fourteen kilometers from castle rock or seven kilometers from Caranzol. Both routes have beautiful scenery on right side.

I suggest you to walk from Caranzol, in case you want to trek. Walking on railway track is not so easy as it is thought of during monsoon.

Route 2: from Kulem to Dudhsagar

Kulem to Dudh Sagar is almost ten kilometers and in between Sonalium station is there. At Kulem the extra engines are attached to push the train uphill till caranzol.

If you are taking this route, you can view the magnificent view of waterfalls with railway track in front of it. In case you are in time, you can view the train passing in front of waterfalls. This route is also equally scenic and one can enjoy.

Route 3:

This route is from Kulem and closed during Monsoon and can be reached to bottom of waterfalls through Jeep or pillion ride on pilot (pilot means a bike rider dropping you to your destination charging money. It is common in Goa.) Many will take this route in summer to reach a small villa and Dudhsagar baba temple. But cannot cross the water stream during monsoon so this route will be closed.

Must carry things:

1) Water proof bag or at least cover to keep your belongings safely from rain in-case you wish to drench in rain.

2) Rain coat.

3) Good quality Torch as lights are not there in Tunnels and it is must.

4) Sleeping bags in case you are not able to board train and need to stay at Dudh Sagar station.

Snacks or food to eat.

5) Most importantly the train ticket as Dudhsagar railway station doesn't issue any tickets. Take ticket beforehand either from Kulem or Castle Rock or Hubli station. At Hubli station trains usually stops for few minute so try to take tickets there. Don’t board trains without ticket as ticket checking inspector will be roaming here and there to catch hold and extort money as much as possible. Try to get into general compartment with ticket.

My Suggestion to trek this waterfall:

Get down at Dudhsagar station as all trains stop for a minute or two while going towards Kulem (or Goa) Visit Waterfalls, enjoy the view and if flow is less visit till bottom of falls with care. Start trekking towards Kulem, it is magnificent and one can witness the popular view of Dudhsagar with railway track in front of it. Stay at Kulem as forest guest house and local guest house are available and even you can sleep at waiting hall. There won’t be problem for food compared to Dudhsagar and Castle Rock as there is one chinese restaurant and an other udupi hotel. Visit Tambdi Surla and Bondla National park both are nearby. Take trains next day early morning from Kulem by Amaravathi express or any other.

If you are not interested in railway track trek, reach early to Dudhsagar, enjoy till evening and get back by evening either to Londa junction or Hubli.