My trip to Dudhsagar waterfalls was by accident. Actually my husband and I live in Pune, but my inlaws are settled in Margaon - GOA. So my husband and I had decided that we will not go anyewhere for a honeymoon and instead stay with my inlaws for 15-20 days after marriage. The reason for this was that, as both of us are working it would not be possible to go and stay with them for so many days. And also it was the best time to be with the family and know each other. So after we reached my inlaws home in Margaon after the wedding day, 2-3 days we all were busy with the after marriage Pooja at home and some other rituals. My mother in laws younger sister who lives in Pune had accompanied us to Magaon, to my in-laws house. She is a very lively person, she tries to keep the surroundings lively and active. So after the Pooja and all programs were over, she had taken the initiative and planned our outing to Dudhsagar waterfalls, it was a family trip. My father-in-law was not ready, but we convinced him to join us. Actually no one there knew how to reach the waterfalls, whether there was any provision for food and of all the things, the distance from the railway station. But still all of us were excited and ready to move. We got the bags packed with some snacks and water bottles. We got the morning train from Margaon to Dudhsaagr. We played antakshari during the train journey, all of us singing to our tunes and at times composing our own songs so that they dont lose the game. I was having a different feeling, a bit shy to sing in front of everyone so did not participate in any team as such.

So finally we were at the station, waiting to enjoy the water falls. We enquired at the station about the jeeps that were heading towards Dudhsagar. They said they charged Rs. 400 per person. As per the information we had received from the locales, the distance was not much. So we thought that this was too much for a small distance, which we could cover walking. We were a group of six. So my mom and father in laws who are quite old and my husbands aunty, my brother in law and the two of us (newly wed couple) started walking. All the jeeps full of foreigners and other tourists were passing by and we were walking and walking ahead. Again singing our way amongst the dry leaves fallen down and the thick tree branches sheltering us form the heat.

Its a must go place for trekkers and hikers. As the way towards the waterfalls by road is through a dense jungle. Its said that lions, monkeys and other wild animals reside there. There is a railway track also which passes through the dense forest. The journey by train might be interesting as its by road.

Well!! we all were walking and walking in the heat, the sun shining bright and strong. We had no idea as to how much more we had to walk, as it was over 2 hrs that we were walking and saw no signs of reaching our destination, but could only hear the gushing water. It was only our group that was walking. In fact if we were well prepared and equipped this trek would have been better and enjoying. Twice we had to pass through the flowing cold water streams. The cold water from which we walked was really soothing for the feet. On the way we saw many different species of plants and flowers, but could not collect all of them and also could not get their names. My in laws were really tired and were really pulling themselves. So finally we caught hold of one of the jeeps and requested them to  take my father in law, as it was impossible for him to walk further. Luckily he agreed and we all were relaxed a bit, as he suffers from serious joint pains. My husbands aunty was feeling bad and feeling guilty as she had initiated the trip

So we were again singing and heading towards the mind-blowing waterfalls, which fall from 2000 feet down in the wooded mountains of the western Ghats.

We spotted only two local residents who had some snacks and cold drinks for sale. Otherwise there was nothing on the way where one could plan to have food.

Finally after a long trek with some halts in between we could see the flowing water and could feel the coldness in the air. All the tourists, irrespective of their age were screaming and enjoying the waterfalls.

We had walked for approximately 4 hours and reached the destination. By then we all were rea..ally HUNGRY. So checked for a cool place to sit on the rocks and had our snacks, which we had packed from home. If we had not carried our eatables then we would have had to starve that day. Thank god!! we did not have to face that situation.

Charged after the snacks, all of us headed towards the waterfalls, it was a beautiful view, water falling from the height of 2000 feet down and people swimming and playing at the bottom of the falls. The water was cold, clear and blue in colour. I had seen such a beautiful site for the first time in my life. We all had forgotten that we walked for 4 hours and had a tough time reaching there. My husband, brother in law and aunty also enjoyed swimming in the water and we spotted some new couples also who were trying to take good advantage of the place. We clicked our group photos. I enjoyed the water from the rocks only as I was wearing some ornaments, I did not want to go in the water and of all the things I had not carried a spare dress to change either. So after enjoying and relaxing for some time, clicking photos, talking with some tourists there we decided that we should leave in time. As the sanctuary gate closes by evening 6.30 pm.

All the jeeps that had come before us were also leaving, so we were a bit worried that we should not be left behind, cause then there would be no one who could come for our help incase if required during our return trek in the jungle. My husband went off the track and walked through the woods, by the waterside and then joined us. So after all the fun we had near the waterfalls, we started our return trek. The return journey was very tiring and painful for my mom and father in law. Poor souls dragged themselves as much as they could. My brother in law had started fast and so he was out of reach. To add to this he was carrying the eatables bag, so we could not eat anything on our return trip. So we halted near the local residents sit-out place and drank some water, enjoyed some cold drinks. We rested there for some time and started again. My mom and father in laws legs were paining; we sat for some time in between, massaged their legs and then again when they would feel a bit relaxed we would start walking. So the journey was getting prolonged and more tensed, because if they could not walk further then how would we get out of the place, how would we arrange for any vehicle for them? We were requesting the jeeps passing by to give us a lift, but no one stopped!! At this point of time I was really cursing that moment when we planned this outing.

But as it is said GOD SENDS HIS SAVOUR FOR RESCUE!! He did send one of those jeep drivers who was kind enough to stop and offered us lift. We were relaxed and thanked GOD as he stopped for our help. He asked us to get down before the exit gate, as all the jeep drivers were angry when one of them had offered my father in law lift during our morning journey towards the watefalls. So we got down 1 kilometer before the gate, and then went walking. My brother in law was waiting at the gate for us, looked like he had covered the return journey running. He was also dead tired. We all walked down towards the main road, had a cup of coffee at the local outlet and waited for the bus to our home.

And so finally caught the bus and dozed towards the house.

After returning home my husbands aunty prepared hot water and added some salt to it so that my father in law could put his feet into it and get some relaxation to his feet.

To add to this, the photos which we had clicked there got exposed, so lost those also.

Today if I remember the trip, I feel nice as I did enjoy the trip but the elders had to face some problems. Also the next time I go I will go prepared.

So I recommend that if you are planning to go there then either go by your own vehicle, or then hire the jeeps available there. Carry enough money with you incase if you plan to go by jeep available there. Remember its a costly place and no bargaining is accepted. THIS IS INDIA. But if you are a nature lover and like walking / trekking then you should not opt the first two options. Carry lots of eatables and a good camera. Dont purchase the role at the spot, get it loaded from home. Go in a group you will enjoy more.

The activities that are possible there are rock climbing, those who are masters in it only should go for it, as rock climbing is a risky activity. You will have to climg throught the waterfalls to the top.

All in all a memorable trip for all of us. Its more memorable for my husband and me as we were in a different mind set at that time, as all the newly weds are. Trying to find time to talk with each other, hold each others hands and shared some feelings only looking at each other. It is a memorable day!! A romantic adventure trek to the waterfalls.

...Asawari D. Moghe (Margaon)