9 of the Most Famous Picturesque Waterfalls in Goa

Goa, one of the coastal states of India, has some spectacular waterfalls where you can spend a weekend. Some of them are quite popular, visited and appreciated by thousands of nature lovers every year, while some are less known, blissfully cascading far from the hustle bustle of the city. Here is a peep at all those wonderful creations of nature to bring you a breath of fresh life.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

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The 310 meters high and 30 meters wide Dudhsagar (meaning sea of milk) is the fifth tallest waterfall in India and is within the Bhagwan Mahavir Wild Life Sanctuary. The four-tiered fall, beautifully gushing down on Mandovi River is located on the border of Goa and Karnataka.

Getting Here:

You can hire a taxi or a jeep from the city of Panaji, located 60 km away. From Ponda or Kulem, avail a bike taxi (for single person), or interstate bus, or even a tourist bus service that will also take you to other notable sites. These buses stop at Mollem, from where tickets to the fall are available. Visit within 8 am to 5 pm.

People who want to trek prefer the rail route. Although there is a station corresponding to the fall, namely Dudhsagar, the train does not routinely stop here; so get off at the Kulem/Collem station. Either trek from there or take a taxi. But, be prepared to walk in knee-deep or even high-waist water.

Relevant Details:

There is no restaurant nearby the fall,  so carry food and water bottles. You may come across lots of monkeys surrounding the place.

Best time to visit:

October to June

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Netravali Waterfalls

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Alternately known as Savari, this natural waterfall covering 211 sq. ft is a part of Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and Madei Wildlife Sanctuary.

Getting Here:

From Margao city, travel around 46 km in a hired jeep (max 2 hours) to go to the sanctuary. Then there is a 3 km trekking, including 200 steps down to the magnificent waterfall. The local people and official staffs of the forest department are helpful enough to guide you.

Once You Reach:

Being part of a wildlife sanctuary, tourists can enjoy some rare species of birds while spending a few peaceful hours with nature. The Mainapi Waterfall, another notable attraction, is just about 2 km away from the Netravali fall, and 14 km from the Netravali village. Carry your water bottles but don’t throw them at the site.

Best time to visit:

October to February

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Harvalem Waterfalls

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Often spelled as Harvalem, this 50 meters high waterfall is located at Sanquelim, North Goa. A pool and a government park are also there near the fall for tourists. This site is accessible from 9 am to 6 pm. It is advisable that you plan the trip to this waterfall on the same day you visit Dudhsagar and Tambdi Surla Waterfall to save time.

Getting Here:

From Panjim-Kadamba bus stand the waterfall is 30 km away which takes 2.5-3 hours to cover.

Once You Reach:

Visit the Pandavas Cave (1.3 km away from the fall) and the nearby Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple (walking distance from the fall).This small waterfall is a popular picnic spot but carrying your food is recommended as there are no nearby food joints.

Best time to visit:

Right after the monsoon 

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Karmalya Waterfalls

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Karmalya Waterfall or Mini Amboli, located in the lap of Keri, Ponda, is a nature’s secret, drying out every summer and reviving again during monsoon. However, the pristine and quaint place is often polluted by people as they throw plastic bottles and other used stuff. Make sure you don’t do that.

Getting Here:

Panaji is located at a distance of 28 km, while from Ponda this waterfall is just 7 km away and is visible from roads. If you take a local bus, you will have to walk around 2 km after getting off. So, to avoid walking, come by a private car or bike.

Best time to visit:

Monsoon months

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Bamanbudo Waterfall

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This roadside seasonal waterfall is situated in the Gaodongrem village of Canacona in South Goa.

Getting Here:

This is approximately 16 km away from Canacona city and 15 km from Bhatpal Forest Check Post. While passing the Canacona-Naturlim Road, you will find the fall on the right side. Take your private car or hire one to reach here. The parking space becomes congested after 10 am, so try to reach early. The road becomes narrower towards the destination.

Once You Reach:

The rocky surface underneath the fall ends in a pool where people can bathe while enjoying the scenic beauty. Usually safe for all, if you are planning on spending some time here, bring your food as you won’t find any restaurants here.

Best time to visit:

During monsoon

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Tambdi Surla Waterfalls

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Located within the famous Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary, it has the marvelous black basalt Tambdi Surla Mahadev (Shiva) Temple located at a distance of a 5-minute walk. Visit the fall from 8 am to 4 pm.

Getting Here:

Any hired car will take you to the fall. Trekkers can trek from the Kulem/Collem station which takes 2 hours to reach the destination. You need to make your way through winding roads and dense forest, and it is always better to take a local guide along with you.

Once You Reach:

Carry raincoats and extra pieces of clothes in your bag if you are up for trekking. Tourists often see peacocks, monkeys, reptiles and other small animals near the fall. The water streams are strong, so it would be better if you don’t take a bath there. If you have a little extra time, visit the beautiful Shanta Durga temple located at a distance of 41 km.

Accommodation:There are some resorts near the sanctuary.

Best time to visit:

June to September

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Kuskem Waterfall

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Situated nearby the tranquil village of the same name, this is comparatively a lesser known waterfall in South Goa. An ideal site for photography, you will get through cashew nut plantations, paddy fields and dense forests on your way towards the fall. Connectivity is not good so you might not get phone signals.

Getting Here:

From the first checkpoint of the Cotigoa Wildlife Sanctuary (Hathipal), this fall is 12 km away. Hire a car or a bike from Canacona bus stand to reach here. The local bus service will take you to a certain point; however, it is pretty infrequent. Local villagers are helpful to guide you to the fall. You need to buy tickets beforehand; visit from 8 am to 5 pm.

Once You Reach:

Spend a day picnicking with your friends or family, enjoy the nearby Anvli waterfall and an ancient temple located close to the fall. The butterfly garden of the sanctuary is another attraction.

Accommodation: The forest department has some eco cottages for an overnight trip.

Best time to visit:

August- October

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Hivre Waterfalls

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Nestled in the lap of nature, this spectacular fall paired with lush greenery and rock-strewn roads is a perfect place to lose your soul. Visit within 6 am to 6 pm.

Getting Here:

From Valpoi city, you have to cross 14 km to reach the neighboring village of Hivre. The Hivre Waterfall trek allows you to cross the village, leading you to your desired destination.

Once You Reach:

Colorful butterflies and different species of exotic birds are frequent visitors to this place, so keep your camera ready to capture some stunning shots. Be careful about snakes and insects near the fall. Pay a quick visit to the nearby Sai Baba shrine if time permits.

Best time to visit:

June to November

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Charavane Waterfall

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Located within the range of the famous Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, this one will show you what raw nature looks like. It is exactly how one imagines a waterfall with streams gently plunging on rocks and pebbles with a rhythmic sound. There is a short trek involved, so come prepared.

Getting Here:

Travel around 12 km from the city of Valpoi and reach the Charavane village. Locals are helpful and will show you the way for an uphill trekking of around 1 km.

Best time to visit:

Throughout the year.

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The whole state of Goa is adorned with lots of high and low waterfalls, and this list only includes nine of the most notable ones. All these places offer you a visit to raw nature, paired with a misty atmosphere and fresh air. So, rejuvenate yourself and restore your energy by visiting one of these waterfalls where nature unfolds its mystery.