Goa, the land of Party, Booze and Beaches. But I would like to stop you there and tell you that the side of Goa which only a few tourists visit. The more beautiful, serene, peaceful side of Goa that most tourists dont know or choose not to see. Yes, I’m talking about the waterfalls in Goa. Are you ready? In this detailed article we are going to discuss the which are the Best waterfalls in Goa and what all you need to know before visiting them. After reading this I’m certain that you will see Goa in a different light and would like to explore the more natural side of Goa. So grab a cup of tea and enjoy.
So which are the Best Waterfalls in Goa?
1. Neturlem Waterfall (Savari Waterfall)
Located within the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Savari Waterfall is the one of the Best waterfalls to visit in Goa. 3 km away from this waterfall is the beautiful bubbling lake which you should check out while visiting Savari waterfall. As soon you cross the check post at Netravali Wildlife sanctuary it is a short drive to the parking lot of the waterfall. There are well placed sign boards at the location to guide you to the waterfall. The staff of the forest department are very helpful and will guide you to the waterfall.
The trek starts off with few flight of stairs which lead to the trail for the trekker. It is a very short trek with stunning views through the forest. The sound of the waterfall can be heard from far which adds to the experience. As soon as you reach the waterfall you will be left in awe by the gushing waters. The rays of the sun penetrate through the thick cover of the trees and hits water.
The sound of the waterfall, the clean cool breeze, and the greenery will definitely take you to another world of bliss. You’ll be able to feel the peace this place has to offer. There is a rope in the plunge pool of the waterfall which indicates that the water level from that point is deep and probably not safe.
How to reach :
82 km away from Panaji City ( 2 hours drive)
Entry fee :
₹100 per person
₹100 per vehicle
₹50 for cameras
Trek time : 15 minutes
Trek Difficulty : Easy to Moderate
Best time to visit: July to September
Timings : 9 am to 5 pm
Location : Neturlem Waterfall
Note :
Also visit the Netravali bubbling lake located just 3 km away.
2. Dudhsagar waterfalls
Also know was the Sea of Milk, Dudhsagar Waterfalls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Goa. It is located at the Goa Karnataka border and has been showcased in many popular movies like Chennai Express starting Shahrukh Khan. Everyday hundreds of tourist visit Dudhsagar Falls and leave with a ton of fun memories with them. It is the fourth higgest waterfall in India.
How to Reach :
There are 3 options to reach Dudhsagar waterfall.
1. Train: Get down at the Kulem Station and then after walking for 5 minutes you will reach the Dudhsagar ticket booking counters.
2. Jeep Safari : The Jeep ride takes you through the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary to the Dudhsagar waterfall. 7 people can accommodate in one Jeep.
3. Trek: The trek from the Dudhsagar entry point to the Dudhsagar Waterfall is around 12 km and will take you just over 2 hours to make it to the waterfall.
**Bear in mind that the people opting for trek should reach the Dudhsagar Entry point by 10 am after which they aren’t allowed to hike. So you may have to take the Jeep Safari if you do reach the entry point beyond 10 am.
After your Jeep drops you off at the parking spot there is a short 400 meters trek to reach the waterfall. The trek is relatively easy as there are proper trails and bridges built over the small streams. On reaching the waterfall you will be amazed by the might of the waterfall. You can also take a dip in the waters which is safe as there are lifeguards at the waterfall.
Entry fee :
₹100 per person ( Forest Charges)
₹500 Jeep Safari
₹40 for Life Jacket
₹200 for DSLR
₹100 for Go Pro
Trek time :
15 – 20 minutes ( after the Jeep Safari)
2.15 Hours for trek from the Dudhsagar Entry point.
Trek Difficulty:
Moderate to Difficult for the 2 hour trek
Easy for the Jeep Safari
Best time to visit: September to February.
* THE ENTRY FOR THE WATERFALLS IS CLOSED DURING THE MONSOONS due to heavy flow of water.
Timings : 9 am to 5 pm
Location : Dudhsagar Waterfall
READ MORE : Best Beaches in North Goa in 2023
3. Tambdi Surla waterfall
Tambdi Surla Waterfalls is one of Goa’s hidden gems. Located deep inside the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctury is this magnificent Tambdi Surla Waterfall. After driving through the dense forests of the Wildlife Sanctuary you will reach the Tambdi Surla Temple.
Bear in mind that there is No Network coverage in the Wildlife Sanctuary so make sure you have your offline maps downloaded. The trek starts once you’ve reached the Tambdi Surla Temple parking lot. We would urge you to visit the Tambdi Surla Temple as it is Goa’s oldest temple dating back to the Kadamba Dynasty.
It is highly recommended to get a guide to take you to the Tambdi Surla Waterfall as the trail is confusing and there is a chance of getting lost as well. It is a trek of about 4 km one way which takes around 1 hour to complete. As you make your way through the jungle you find different varieties of wildlife and plants. On arriving at the waterfall all your tiredness would fade away looking at the beautiful views.
How to reach :
67 km from Panaji ( 1 hour 20 minutes drive)
Entry fee : Free
₹400 for Guide
Trek time : 1 Hour ( 4 km)
Trek Difficulty : Moderate
Best time to visit: September to February.
Timings : 9am to 5:30 pm
Location : Tambdi Surla Waterfall
Note :
Download Offline Maps
Hire a Guide for the trek
Visit the Tambdi Surla Waterfall.
4. Harvale waterfall
The next waterfall in our list of the Best waterfalls in Goa is the Harvale waterfall. Located in the small village of Sanquelim the Harvale waterfall is spot you must visit on your trip to Goa. On arriving the location you have two ways to reach the mighty waterfall. One way leads to the plunge pool of the waterfall while the other route takes you to the waterfall as well but via the Rudreshwar Temple.
We would recommend that you also visit the Rudreshwar temple as its is located right next to the Harvale waterfall. There are a flight of stais that lead to the veiw point of the waterfall. The waterfall is at its full might during the monsoon season. The flow of the water is so strong that it causes a spray of water at the veiw point. This is something that resembles the Niagara Falls boat ride where you might have seen people wearing raincoats to keep them dry. Hence its is better if you carry a raincoat if you are planning to visit Harvale Waterfall during the Monsoons. You may also find shops selling roasted corn and Tea.
The Arvalem Caves are located just 5 minutes drive away from Harvale Waterfall. Legend has it that the Pandavas stayed in these caves carved out of a rock during their 14 year exile. There are 5 shiva lingas in the caves and inscriptions on the walls dating back to the 6th Century. Another place you may visit is the colourful Renuka Mandir.
How to Reach :
30 kms from Panaji ( 50 minutes drive)
Entry fee : Free
Trek time : 5 Minutes
Trek Difficulty : Easy
Best time to visit: July to September
Timings : 8:15 am to 5 pm
Location : Harvale Waterfall
Note :
Carry a raincoat if visiting in Monsoons.
5. Kuskem waterfall
Last but not the least on this list of the Best waterfalls in Goa is the Kuskem waterfall. Located in the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuskem waterfall is one of the most off beat and beautiful places you should visit. The waterfall is situated on a hill and the drive upto the location is really very beautiful.
The narrow single lane road leading to the waterfall showcases the natural side of Goa with its lush green farms along with the hillocks in the background. Words are not enough describe the beautiful of this place. There is a trek of about 20 minutes leading up the hill to the waterfall. It is a relatively difficult trek with a few water crossings as well on the way.
How to Reach:
93 km away from Panaji ( 2.5 hours drive)
Entry fee : Free
Trek time : 20 minutes
Trek Difficulty : moderate
Best time to visit: July to September
Timings : Open 24 hours
Location : Kuskem Waterfall
Around 20 km away from Cancona.
To conclude, Goa’s waterfalls are some of the best in India. You should definitely take time out specially to visit these waterfalls. You may consider planning your trip to Goa during the monsoons or just after the monsoons as the waterfalls are most active during this time. We also would like to urge the readers to take utmost care while visiting these beautiful spots as the waters may get dangerous at times. Please leave your thoughts and suggestions in the comment section below.
FAQs
Dudhsagar Waterfall is the most most famous waterfall in Goa.
Harvale Waterfalls doesn’t have a trek.
There are around 20 waterfalls in Goa.
Kakolem Waterfall is close to Kakolem Beach.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls is fourth highest waterfall in India and is the highest waterfall in Goa.