MOLEM AND AROUND
Close to the Karnataka border, the village of Molem is the starting point for a region of great natural beauty, abundant wildlife and sacred architectural gems. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest protected wildlife areas in Goa. In the southeast corner of the sanctuary is the famous Dudhsagar Falls. The medieval Tambdi Surla temple lies at the northern end, on the dense lower slopes of the Western Ghats.
Molem and Around
NEED TO KNOW
Dudhsagar Falls: open 6:30am–5:00pm daily; adm (additional charge for photography)
Mahishasura Mardini Temple: Cormonem
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: 0832 222 1505; open 7am–5pm daily; adm
Backwoods Camp: 0942 007 2007
Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple, Sunset Point, Tambdi Surla Waterfall & Nature Interpretation Centre
Jungle Book Resort: 0982 212 1441
Devil’s Canyon
- Tickets to the wildlife sanctuary are available at the Nature Interpretation Centre.
- Devil’s Canyon may be closed at the end of the monsoons when the water levels are high.
1. Dudhsagar Falls
Goa’s 600-m- (1,969-ft-) high waterfall gets its name Dudhsagar (meaning “sea of milk” in Konkani) from the clouds of white mist that rise when the water level is at its highest. It is best visited after the monsoon from October until December.
The picturesque Dudhsagar Falls
2. Mahishasura Mardini Temple
Dedicated to goddess Navdurga, this temple is believed to be more than 500 years old. The main deity worshipped here is Mahishasura Mardini, a fierce incarnation of goddess Durga created to slay the buffalo-demon, Mahishasura.
3. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Molem National Park
One of Goa’s most interesting nature reserves, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary covers a vast area of 240 sq km (93 sq miles) that also includes Molem National Park. It is home to jungle cats, deer, leopards and gaurs (Indian bison) and over 120 bird species. There are several unmarked forest trails here. Guided tours of the park are available.
A leopard at Molem National Park
4. Backwoods Camp
Nature lovers will enjoy a trip to this camp, near Tambdi Surla, which is home to over 170 species of endemic and migratory birds, from the pretty Ceylon frogmouths and Asian fairy bluebirds to the Malabar trogon and Indian pitta. Farmhouse rooms, bungalows and tents are available for stay here.
5. Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple
This is the oldest existing Hindu temple in Goa from the Kadamba period. Dedicated to Shiva, the temple is built from black basalt and probably survived because of its remote location.
Strong structure of the Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple
6. Sunset Point
A picturesque spot, which offers lovely views of the tropical evergreen forest. Visitors can hire a four-wheel-drive vehicle at the Molem check-point to reach here.
7. Tambdi Surla Waterfall
Almost as high as Dudhsagar, this waterfall is 2 km (1.2 miles) northwest of Tambdi Surla. Adventure enthusiasts will enjoy trekking through the dense foliage and steep rocky trail, with the help of experienced guides to get to the base of this waterfall.
8. Nature Interpretation Centre
Located within the sanctuary, this centre provides information on the diverse array of plant and animal life to help visitors understand and learn more about the native flora and fauna that can be seen here.
9. Jungle Book Resort
In the small village of Colem (Kulem), this resort offers activities ranging from jungle trekking to ziplining. Visitors can stay overnight in the simple mud huts here.
Ziplining at the Jungle Book Resort
10. Devil’s Canyon
This scenic river gorge in the sanctuary consists of a zig-zagging mass of rock with underground passages. Visitors should be careful not to swim here as the undercurrents are quite strong and treacherous.
GETTING TO DUDHSAGAR FALLS
The best way to get to the falls is via the village of Colem, about 7 km (4 miles) south of Molem, by car or by local train from Margao. At Colem, rent a shared jeep and be ready for the bumpy 45-minute journey to the falls. The jeeps available for hire wait at the drop-off point before bringing visitors back to Colem. Another option is the full-day Goa Tourism “Dudhsagar Special” tour, from Calangute and Panaji.
