The best waterfalls in Goa are Dudhsagar, Tambdi Surla, Hivre, Arvalem, Netravali, Bamanbudo and Kesarval. Most sit in the forests of the Western Ghats in the state’s east, an hour or two from the beaches. Dudhsagar is the biggest and best known, while Arvalem and Bamanbudo are the easiest to reach by road.
Goa is known for its coastline, but the hinterland has a very different side to it. These falls are at their fullest just after the rains, and that is also when the forest trails are the greenest. Here is how to plan each one.
Quick facts: best waterfalls in Goa at a glance
| Waterfall | Area | Effort to reach |
|---|---|---|
| Dudhsagar Falls | Mollem, near the Karnataka side of the Ghats | Jeep safari or trek from Kulem |
| Tambdi Surla Falls | Surla, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary | Forest walk |
| Hivre Falls | Near Valpoi, North Goa | Trek |
| Arvalem Falls | Sanquelim, North Goa | Road access |
| Netravali Falls | Netravali, South Goa | Short hike |
| Bamanbudo Falls | Gaodongrem, South Goa | Roadside |
| Kesarval Falls | Quelossim | Short walk |
1. Tambdi Surla Falls
Tambdi Surla Falls lies near Surla, inside the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park. The walk in is the main part of the experience, with thick forest, birds and the chance to spot wildlife along the way.
Carry a camera, good shoes and water. The trail can be slippery after rain, so start early and avoid going alone.
2. Hivre Falls
Hivre is popular with hikers and gets crowded on weekends. It is about 14 km from Valpoi town and is usually reached through Thane village.
The route has options for experienced trekkers who want a longer walk. If you plan to stay overnight, Valpoi has a few homestays, so you can start the hike fresh in the morning.
3. Arvalem Falls
Arvalem is near Sanquelim in North Goa and is one of the easiest falls to visit, since you can reach it by road. The government has built a small park with viewpoints around it.
Close by are the Arvalem rock-cut caves. Local tradition links them to the Pandavas, who are said to have sheltered here during their exile. Combine the falls and the caves for a short half-day trip.
4. Dudhsagar Falls
Dudhsagar is the waterfall most people mean when they talk about waterfalls in Goa. It is a four-tier fall about 310 metres high, on the Mandovi (Mahadayi) river, inside Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park. It is about 60 km from Panaji by road. The earlier version of this article gave the height as 130 metres, which was wrong.
There are two well-known ways in. Most visitors take the forest jeep trail that starts at Kulem and ends near the base of the falls. The other route follows the railway line for about 11 km, but the Goa Forest Department does not allow this trek, and people caught walking on the track can face heavy fines.
Dudhsagar jeep safari: what to know
The forest department controls the number of jeeps that can enter the sanctuary each day. In 2023, Outlook Traveller reported a quota of about 170 jeeps on weekdays and 225 on weekends, a fare of around Rs 500 per passenger and online booking through the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). The same report said the safari season starts on 2 October.
The falls and the forest drive are closed during the peak monsoon for safety. Fares and dates change, so check the official booking page before you travel.
5. Netravali Falls
Netravali in South Goa is a quieter option and works well for couples and small groups. The hike in passes through green forest, and there is a plunge pool and rock ledges where you can sit.
Swim only if the water is calm and locals say it is safe. Pools below falls can have strong currents after heavy rain.
6. Bamanbudo Falls
Bamanbudo is near Gaodongrem in South Goa, with the Ambe ghat as its backdrop. The big advantage is that there is no trek, as the fall is right next to the road on the route from Canacona. The earlier version of this article placed it in both North and South Goa; it is in the south.
It is a good stop for bird watching and a quiet break on a South Goa road trip.
7. Kesarval Falls
Kesarval is near Quelossim and is the easiest pick if you are staying in Panaji or central Goa. The name is linked to a local word for eagles, which were once said to nest on the cliffs nearby.
It is a small fall. Local belief holds that its water has healing properties, which is part of why it has a steady stream of visitors.
When is the best time to visit waterfalls in Goa?
The falls carry the most water from July to September, but that is also when forest areas can be shut and trails are risky. Late September to November is a sensible window: the water is still flowing, the jeep safari to Dudhsagar has usually reopened, and paths are drier.
Wear shoes with grip, carry rain gear, do not climb wet rocks for photos and follow forest guards’ instructions. Avoid drinking or swimming at the falls during heavy rain.
For more lists, browse our listicles, or find something to watch after the trip in movies.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the most famous waterfall in Goa?
Dudhsagar Falls is the most famous waterfall in Goa. It is a four-tier fall about 310 metres high in Mollem National Park.
Is Dudhsagar open now?
Dudhsagar closes during the peak monsoon. The jeep safari season has reopened in early October in recent years, but always confirm on the official GTDC booking page before you go.
Can you walk to Dudhsagar along the railway track?
No. The Goa Forest Department does not allow the railway track trek, and those caught can face heavy fines. Use the jeep route from Kulem instead.
Which Goa waterfall can you reach without trekking?
Bamanbudo Falls is right on the road in South Goa, and Arvalem Falls near Sanquelim can also be reached by road.
Sources: Dudhsagar Falls (Wikipedia), Outlook Traveller.
