TOP 5 WATERFALL (WELL 6) – WATER WATER EVERYWHERE!
The monsoons in Goa always makes a dramatic entrance, accompanied by thunder rumbling in the distance; sounding like a typical Goan drum beat and streaks of lightning, frogs croaking their welcome urging Lord Indra (the God of Rain) to hurry up with the rains. There is nothing like the smell of fresh wet earth is everywhere. These sudden bursts are always succeeded by bright sunshine which lights up the countryside in brilliant colours and if you are lucky you will see a few rainbows too!
Most of you may think of Goa as the ultimate destination for the young, wild parties and casinos. It’s time to break the myth! If you’re looking to truly experience Goa in its essential cultural form, then come experience it this monsoon as one sets out to show that the real beauty of Goa through its various monsoon sight-seeing platforms… No we are not talking about the common Goan tour that includes the cruises, Churches etc, through these places you can experience the true Goan flavour.
DUDHSAGAR
The majestic and most beautiful Waterfall in Goa are the Dudhsagar falls. Situated on the border of Goa and Karnataka, the white look of the water seems to fall as if milk is flowing down and thus the name. These waterfalls are most attractive during the monsoon when they speed up their flow and falls 310m down, making it the country’s 5th tallest waterfall. Near the top of the falls, runs the railway line from Vasco to Ponda and out, cris crossing the mountainside, with excellent views from the train. There also a couple of pools that you can swim in, making Dudhsagar a great place for a day full of fun and frolic. The alternate way of reaching the falls is only advisable between January and May, when the level of the water in the rivers abates enough to permit jeeps to approach the base of the falls.
ARVALEM
A short 10-minute drive from the caves, the Arvalem Waterfalls are worth visiting after the monsoon (in October) when they cascade noisily through the surrounding trees. This fall, which cascades down from the mountains from a height of 50 metres, is not as awe-inspiring as the Dudhsagar majestic spectacle, but is interesting all the same. This waterfall is set amidst charming surroundings, with the Rudreshwar temple in its vicinity.
SADA
The Sada falls are located in the Chorla Ghats. People need to cross the streams in order to reach the bottom of the waterfalls, which can prove to be quite an exciting and adventurous journey. At the end of the long walk through the streams, you can witness the Sada falls falling in between from adjacent hills.
KUSKEM
The name of this waterfall comes from the name of the neighbouring village Kuskem, which belongs to Canacona region (Canacona Taluk), South Goa. The peculiarity of this amazing natural phenomenon is that it is not visible from a distance, as the waterfall hides deep in a heavy dense jungle. The best period for visiting the Kuskem Falls is during monsoon season; the vegetation in this period retrieves the succulent rich colour and hence gives it a fresh look. During the summer however, the waterfall dries up.
TAMBDI SURLA
Trekking through the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary will reach you to the Tamdi Surla falls. There is a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which has been built sometime during the 15th century, which should not be missed. The water fallsfom the hills, giving a spectacular view with greenery all around the bushes and trees.
KESARVAL
The Kesarval falls are situated 22km away from Panaji on the Verna plateau, with tropical woodlands all over. The word Kesar Val is derived from the Indian term for eagles, which used to maintain colonies present there. The water is blessed with medicinal powers and are a local bath place for people around.
Happy Reading!
Gig Martin
