Dudhsagar
The impressive Dudhsagar falls are located or situated on the eastern
side of Karnataka-Goa border. The water takes a steep plunge 2000
feet down in the wooded mountains of the western Ghats, where is located
the Mahabir Sanctuary, (the erstwhile Molem Sanctuary). The milky-white
water of the falls is visible if you take the train route from Mumbai
to Goa- which was the only way to reach Goa by rail before the construction
of the Konkan-Goa railway.
The bus route however, is different. Earlier, the Mumbai-Goa train
journey was cumbersome, one had to change trains frequently. But the
route was exceptionally attractive. After crossing the railway station
Londa (Karnataka), the train used to entered Goa early in the morning.
The passengers used to be awakened from their slumber by the sound
of the roaring water cascading down the mountain. In the magical light
of the dawn, the breathtaking beauty of the majestic Dudhsagar would
transform them to heaven.
With the inauguration of the Konkan Railway, the visitors donot come
via this route. But the train-service is still very much active. There
is still the only way to reach Bangalore via Hirbli from Margaon in
Goa, and to arrive at Goa from Pune. Apart from this route, Dudhsagar
can also be reached by a morning train from Margao. The journey covering
a distance of almost 60 km is of almost 1 and 1/2 hours duration and
passes through Colem station. 10 km before Colem, lies Molem, which
has a MTDC resort. An overnight stay can be arranged to enjoy the
pristine beauty of the dense forests. You can hire a car for an exciting
trip to the Tambdi Surla Shiva temple, located in the heart of the
almost impreguraable forest. The temple, made of slate, boasts of
highly impressive sculptures and relief-work. After the trip to the
Tambdi Surla temple and Dudhsagar falls it will be a bit difficult
to return to Margaon on the same day. Reaching Dudhsagar is no longer
cheap and easy as the train from Margaon doesnot stop there. You can
to get off at Colem station hire a jeep to take you up to the falls.
Getting to the falls would be difficult by motorcycle are there are
several fast-flowing rivers on the way. It is better to keep atleast
a day for visiting Dudhsagar to your hearts content.
Package tour of MTDC of Dudhsagar from Panaji is avalaible. The bus
starts at 10 a.m. and returns at 6 p.m. on the next afternoon. The
trip covers Old Goa's church, Durga Temple and Bondla Sanctuary via
Fermagurri. From there you are taken for a visit to Molem sanctuary
and Tambdi Surla temple. Night-halt is at MTDC's Molem Resort. Next
morning a trip to Dudhsagar starts at 8 a.m. from Colem railway-station
and returns to Panaji after the trip.
Accomodation
MTDc's Aplem Forest Resort (0834) 600238 Rates (during tourist-season)-double
bed-Rs 250-300, AC Double bed- Rs 400. |
