Top 8 Waterfalls in Goa You Must Visit

Waterfalls in Goa

The captivating, scenic splendour of Goa attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. The tiny state is renowned for its sprawling beaches, wild forests, rustic charm, simplicity and not to mention some of the most majestic waterfalls in Goa that have set several hearts aflutter by their enchanting beauty. Your 'places to visit in Goa' list should include at least a few waterfalls to really explore the place just beyond its beaches.

There are at eight waterfalls in Goa that you could visit. Here is a comprehensive list you should refer to while you plan your trip:

1. Dudhsagar Falls

Dudhsagar is among one of the most prominent waterfalls in Goa. Located between the borders of Karnataka and Goa, and about 60 kilometres from Panaji and 80 kilometres from Belgaum, Karnataka, it cascades majestically from a height of 320 metres. The waters of the Mandovi river appear like milk rather than water from a distance, and hence the name Dudhsagar. The journey involves an exciting jeep ride that could well be a massage for a stiff body! People with motion sickness must exercise caution before taking this ride. Beyond a point, you would need to get off the jeep and go on a steep climb, pretty much the last hurdle before you arrive at your prize–the crystal clear, cool waters of the waterfall. It really is one of the best places to visit in Goa. It is the perfect spot for adrenaline enthusiasts, too. Senior citizens and children can avoid the trip if they are not physically fit. If you enjoy trekking, though, you can also camp overnight around the falls and explore the jungles of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.

How To Get There: Hotels help organise the jeep ride and guides to take you to Dudhsagar. The jeep ride costs between INR 800 to INR 1000. You can also rent bikes from Kulem, located about seven to eight kilometres from Dudh Sagar.

Best Time to Visit: All through the year except 15th June to 30th September

2. Kuskem Waterfall, South Goa

As you move towards south Goa, you get closer to nature! Located at the Canacona Taluk of South Goa, this waterfall is a little bit of a hike requiring some amount of stamina and physical fitness. However, the view of the falls is breathtakingly beautiful. The gushing waters flowing past a green forest are so cool and clean that you might want to bathe in them. Every tourist who has been here vouches for it. You could hire a bike to reach the falls by paying about INR 80 or hire a jeep. A great time to visit these falls would be during the monsoons–between August to September. However, do watch out for those slippery rocks, and beware of the monkeys taking your belongings! It almost is like they are aware of how humans consider this as one of the most interesting places to visit in Goa! The trek through the dense jungles makes it all the more thrilling, with a view of the waterfalls in Goa that is just spectacular. The waterfall is seasonal, so plan to go there only during the monsoons. This is also 17 kilometres away from Cotigao National Park, so enjoy a visit to it as well on the same trip. These are some of the most scenic places to visit in Goa, so make sure you add them to your list!

3. Arvalem Waterfalls, North Goa

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

This is a gem among waterfalls in Goa. Few people might even mention it among places to visit in Goa, but that does not take away from its beauty or idyllic charm. Two kilometres away from Sanquelim village lie the easily accessible 50-metre tall waterfalls. Experiencing them doesn’t need you to be physically fit, since there is no trek or hike involved. Nearby is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, held sacred by the Hindus and a few interesting rock-cut caves. You can reach this place from Panjim, 50 kilometres away. They drop visitors off at two points–one is to the hilltop from where you walk down towards the waterfall, and the other is directly at the point where the waterfall and temple are. Choose the latter if someone in your family is unable to do the walk. The greenery around is beautiful, and the water at the base is ideal for a swim. This particular waterfall in Goa is the chosen location for many Bollywood movies including the blockbuster film Ek Duje ke Liye. Also, visit the nearby caves. Carry some water and picnic snacks when you go to the nearby park. It is the perfect place for a family to spend quality time and a must-do among places to visit in Goa.

4. Tambdi Surla Waterfall, South Goa

Timings: 8 AM to 5:30 PM

Another captivating waterfall in Goa situated within the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary, the Tambdi Surla Waterfall is the perfect place to enjoy Goa’s wonderful monsoons. Located in a remote location and slightly deeper in the jungles, it is an hour to 90 minutes of trekking through gentle streams of crystal clear waters, rocks, and thick foliage before finally reaching the waterfall. Deep within the Western Ghats, the stillness, except for the sound of water gurgling and gushing around is enough to imbue peace in its surroundings. The emerald green vegetation around is soothing to the eyes.

Nearby is a Mahadev Temple, built centuries back, the architecture is exquisite and unspoiled through the years because it remained hidden away from the prying eyes of invaders. The carvings on stone are intricate and beautiful narrating tales of yore and of great mythical gods like Lord Vishnu and Brahma. Built in the 12th century by the Kadambas, the architecture is a window into the sophistication in art and culture that existed in those times. This temple is considered to be the oldest temple in the state and is, therefore, one of the most archaeologically interesting places to visit in Goa.

5. Netravali Waterfall, South Goa

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Another waterfall in Goa that is a jewel in its crown, the Netravali Waterfall is tucked away inside the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. This waterfall comprises two falls–the Savari and the Mainapi. Enter the Netravali Sanctuary and the forest gate with your guide. After a trek for about a kilometre, 200 steps lead you down to the waterfall. The Savari is more approachable while Mainapi will definitely require more effort. However, the natural scenery that awaits you at the end of your effort is worth it all.

Mainapi is one of the more difficult places to visit in Goa but also the most rewarding. The overall trek to Mainapi comprises an irregular terrain of about five kilometres. Here’s some good news: the fish around enjoy nibbling at your feet to gift you a free pedicure for the trek you have endured! The trekking trail is past rivulets, rocks, and fields, which makes it a fun challenge to overcome. Make sure you travel light. Keep a snack, some medicines, a hat or cap and a couple of water bottles handy. If you are travelling with your family, a picnic here would be perfect. However, it's not one of the ideal places to visit in Goa for the elderly or little kids. Enjoy a swim at the base of the falls! You can even visit the nearby Tanshikar Spice Farm for breakfast or lunch which they arrange upon prior booking.

Carry an insect repellant and spray them on to keep mosquitoes at bay. You will encounter leeches since trekking routes through jungles are rife with them. One good way to prevent leech bites is to rub salt over the exposed areas and even on your feet before wearing shoes.

If you are a nature lover, ensure you are not visiting this place in a hurry. One may want to soak in the beauty of this spot for a long time and hang out for a few hours. Family members would enjoy making this trip together. There will be much to take back home as fond memories from this place. If you took a ride, you would really enjoy going past the green stretches and foggy routes. Of course, once you reach the falls, the rapids are simply awe-inspiring!

6. Kesarval Waterfalls, South Goa

Timings: Daytime

The Kesarval Springs or waterfall is very close to the Goa Aiport at Dabolim and on the southern banks of the river Zuari. You can enjoy its fairytale-like setting best between July and March. Kesarval, in the local language, translates to ‘Eagles’ and was named such because eagles would make their nests above the cliffs facing these falls.

These waters are special in comparison to the other waterfalls in Goa. The waters of this spring from the Zuari river is infused with minerals and has healing properties. People who bathe in the waters of Kesarval experience great rejuvenation and relaxation of the body and mind. It is also said to have medicinal properties, attributed to the type of algae growing in the waters and the betel nut palms growing around the falls. Young and old and people with ailments, especially for the eyes and skin, have benefited from the curative properties of these waterfalls in Goa. The surrounding beauty is calming as well.

The Mormugao Fort is nearby these falls. So you could plan a picnic combining the two places to visit in Goa.

7. Bamanbudo Waterfall, South Goa