Kulem-Castle Rock Rail and Trek Route, Goa – A journey that gives an unique, thrilling and fun filled experience

Bored from the beaches in Goa and want to do something really exciting providing high adventure, then a Rail Trek to Dudhsagar Falls is just the perfect thing for you. DudhsagarFalls lies between Castlerock and Kullem near the Goa Karnataka border inside the Bhagwan Mahavir Wild Life Sanctuary in the Sanguem district of Goa. It originates high up on the river Mandovi’s watershed and takes a steep plunge 2000 feet down in the mountains of the majestic Briganza Ghat in Western Ghats belt. This is a four tiered waterfall with a total height of 310 meters (1017 feet) and an average width of 30 meters (100 feet). Dudhsagar, said to be the tallest waterfalls in the country, which drops from a height of 600 metres through a near vertical cliff to enter the coastal region. The surrounding area is covered by a deciduous forest with many species of birds, insects, plants and animal abound here. If you make a trip between August to November, you will enjoy the beauty of the DudhsagarFalls to the fullest and even its shower may wet you. This railway track is just 26 km and the slow ride enables the tourist to enjoy the lush scenic view of the nature. Trekking to Dudhsagar is a famous tourist attraction.

There are two accessible routes, one is  Castle rock route and the other is Kulem route. Actually one can trek the whole 25 km of Braganza Ghat between Castle Rock and Kulem.

Castle rock Route

Trek from Castlerock station is the most famous route during the monsoon, reach Castlerock station and start a scenic 14 km hike to Dudhsagar falls along the railway track which will normally takes 4–6 hours depending on your speed. Well in this route you will be passing through a number of tunnels (11 to be precise), two abandoned stations (Caranzol and Dudh Sagur), a board reading “Welcome to Goa” and also great views of the Briganza Ghat.

Train Timings To/From Castle rock –Dudhsagar Falls    

Chennai Express (for Dudhsagar) leaves at 9.20 am
Goa Express (for Castlerock) leaves at 5.10 pm

Kulem Route

Trek from Kulem is equally scenic but less popular as compared to Castlerock route.  Just like other route this trek also starts from Kulem Railway station and walk towards the falls which is about 11 km away. It normally takes 4–5 hours for a normal person to reach. The famous photograph of Trains passing through before the waterfalls can be seen in this route, and also the complete stretch of the falls will be visible while you hike towards the waterfalls.

Trekking Distance from Kulem to Dudhsagar: 11 KMS
Kulem to Dudhsagar route on mud road: 12KMS

This trek route starts from Kulem.  On this route you have to trek first 4KMS on track, then it is required to trek next 7KMS on wide mud road. The last stretch requires an ascending for 5 KM, this trail will join the track again near to Dudhsagar falls.

Best time to trek: July to Dec is the ideal time for trekking.

Camping Sites: You can camp near to  Dudhsagar station. Carrying tents is must if you want to stay back alongwith the sleeping bags.

Food Availability: You wont get good food there, You will get only tea and snacks. It is better to carry your food.

Must Carry 

Torch: You must carry torch which is required very much while crossing tunnels
Rain coat : If you are trekking in monsoon then its better carry raincoat as it rains heavily in this region
Salt : Just after monsoon leeches will be there, Better to carry salt.

Note : The information given above are according to the information available to us.  If you find any information that is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.