Doodhsagar Waterfalls Swimming Site

Waterfalls are one of nature’s greatest shows. The specter of fast flowing water falling from a great height and foaming with fury has always fascinated people. India has a lot of rivers and its fair share of waterfalls. One of the most spectacular and highest waterfalls in India is Doodhsagar Waterfall on the Goa-Karnataka border.

With an intimidating height of 310 meters, Doodhsagar is a five-tier waterfall on the Mondavi River. Its tremendous waters are foamy white which gives it the name “Doodhsagar,” meaning “sea of milk.” The falls are open from 7 AM to 5 PM to visitors who can explore the area and even swim in the shallow pools at the base of the falls.

Located around an hour and a half from Goa and about two and a half hours from Dandeli, Karnataka, Doodhsagar Falls has fascinated visitors with its sheer drop, white waters and shallow swimming pools. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery and located next to Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.

How to reach Doodhsagar Falls?

Doodhsagar Falls can be reached by car via Highway 4A or by train. The car and train only go up to Collem from where you have to trek to the falls. Alternatively, one can go there in a safari jeep that can be rented from Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and costs around Rs. 400 per person or Rs 2800 for the entire 7-seater vehicle.

The trek starts at Castle Rock and is 11 Km long. This may sound like a lot but the terrain is mostly flat and the route is so beautiful that visitors will not notice the 3-4 hours go by when they do this trek.

Once there, there is a nominal entry fee of Rs. 20 per visitor to enter the base of the falls and an additional fee for cameras. At the base, one can find a good vantage point from where to see the falls, explore the surroundings, see the wondrous natural formations and take pictures.

What to do at Doodhsagar Falls?

One of the most exciting things to do at Doodhsagar Falls is to swim in the natural pools that form at its base. Most of these pools are not very deep and the water from the Mondavi River is fresh, mineral rich and inviting. There is something quite natural and primal about swimming in the waters of a waterfall that visitors seem to enjoy very much.

The authorities here insist that everyone wear a life jacket when swimming in these pools and if you don’t have one, you can rent one for about 40 rupees. Swimming or sunbathing around the pools is fun but one must try to come early, as the area is known to get very crowded by about 11 am.

Besides swimming, visitors can also walk around the bio-diverse surroundings of the fall. Waterfalls often create mists of water vapor, which leads to an environment teeming with life. The Mollem National Park is also located nearby and one can find many pretty spots and things to explore there.

There are also a number of shops and eateries around the Doodhsagar Falls swimming site where one can buy water and snacks. There are several shops that will help you with lifejackets and whatever else you need to make your stay comfortable.

Where to stay in Dandeli?

There are many resorts in Dandeli but one of the best places to stay there is the Starling River Resort. The resort offers comfortable rooms, great service and easy access to most of Dandeli’s adventure sports like river rafting, trekking, bird watching, outdoor camping, kayaking, etc.

They offer a wide range of accommodations and have long been the gold standard for groups and families visiting Dandeli for wildlife safari and adventure sports. Located on the outskirts of Dandeli and on the banks of the river Kali, Starling River Resort also helps guests organize excursions to nearby attractions.

Q1. Can you swim in Dudhsagar Falls? 

Ans. Yes. It is permitted to swim in the pools at the base of Dudhsagar Waterfalls.

Q2. Is Dudhsagar Falls worth visiting? 

Ans. Yes. Dudhsagar Falls, with its majestic beauty, pristine surroundings and lush green forests is worth visiting.

Q3. Is the Dudhsagar waterfall trek difficult?

Ans. No. The trek to reach Dudhsagar Falls is not difficult and can be done by anyone in 3-4 hours. The terrain is quite flat and the route is very scenic.

Q4. What is special about Dudhsagar Falls?

Ans. Dudhsagar Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in India with a height of 310 meters or a thousand feet. It is a five-tier waterfall that is nestled in between Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.

Q5. What is the best time to visit Dudhsagar?

Ans. The best time to visit Dudhsagar Falls is in the rainy season when the river swells up and the falls are at their most ferocious.