Dudhsagar Waterfall Trek @ Goa

 Dudhsagar Waterfall Trek @ Goa

Trek: Dudhsagar Waterfall Trek

Base village: Kulem - Goa

Grade: Moderate 

Endurance: Tough

Trek Length - 11 km one way (Total 22 km)

Dates: 22nd August 2026 

Trekkers: 6 - (Irish, Stuti + 4)

Trek Guide - Mr. Krishna (Pushpa)

Prologue:

It was a usual monsoon weekend in August 2026 when we had planned for Dudhsagar waterfall trek. in southern Goa.

At LTT Mumbai 

Our train (TVCN kochevali Expres) from Mumbai LTT was delayed by 3.5 hours to reach Madgaon at 7:30 in morning instead of 4:10 am.

After quick breakfast at Benzoe restaurant at Madgaon station, we boarding Vasco - Kulem passenger from Madgaon at 8:10 Am to reached Kulem by 9:00 am. 

In Vasco Kulem passenger train 

There our guide Krishna was waiting at station. After quick coffee at local hotel, we started our trek with short 10 min Jeep ride till Dudhsagar parking which happens to be the actual trek start point. 

At Dudhsagar parking area 

We started the actual trek at 10:05 Am from parking area. It was regular muddy track which lay parallel to beautiful turquoise stream. 

Besides clear flowing stream

After brief ascent we had to cross railway line to descend on Jeep track to Dudhsagar waterfall. The Jeeps operate in this sanctuary from October to May and drop you at Dudhsagar view point. The track is well defined and require to cross 3 small streams on the way.

By 12:00 PM , we reached point near Sonalium railway station from where we were to take left route. There 2 eateries where one can get tea, maggie and dry snacks.

By 12:40 pm, we reached first cable stayed stream crossing. The waterflow below was heavy. 

Stuti @ Cable stayed bridge 

After few minutes of treking further, we got first glimpse of Mesmerizing Dudhsagar waterfall. It was amazingly beautiful.

First glimpse of Dudhsagar waterfall 

By 13:10 pm, we reached the Dudhsagar view point balcony. It provides closer view of waterfall.

After crossing 2nd iron bridge ( which is partly broken), we reached the base of Waterfall by 1:30 PM. The last part of trek was tiring and never ending as we were eagerly waiting for it.

Second bridge (partly broken)

The view and vibes at waterfall base point were mind-blowing and awesome; worth every effort to reach it. It is multi-tiered waterfall and happens to be 5th Tallest waterfall in India (1017 feet).

Stuti @ Dudhsagar base

After spending some time and few clicks, we started our return trek. Occasional rains made the track slippery. After almost half return trek, our guide suggested for railway track route to reach faster. (As we had 5:20 PM train from Kulem to Madgaon).

While we were almost 1 km away from the parking, our guide took us off the railway tracks fearing the RPF. It was one of the toughest part of the trek where we crossed swallow streams thrice through dense jungle.

After long trek parallel to track and brief route through stream, we finally reached the parking area at 5:05 PM.

We had to literally hop on scooty from parking area to reach railway station with full rain downpour to reach railway station at 5:14 pm. We had just made it to station and our legs refused to carry us any further. The rush was to ensure we boarded the last train from Kulem to Madgaon at 5:20 pm. 

It takes 3.5 hour to cover almost 11 km one-way to waterfall and total 22 km and 7 hours to complete the trek for regular trekker.

From parking area with short bike ride to Kulem station we reached Madgaon at 6:15 pm.

Epilogue

Our return train - Matsyagandha was also delayed from its regular time of 19:40 to reach Madgaon at 9:00 PM. After quick dinner at railway station we boarded the train.  After hearty sleep in train, we reached 8 am next day at Thane in morning to reach home at 10 am.

To sum it was wonderful monsoon trek to amazingly beautiful waterfall. It is a complete package of Jungle trek, scenic waterfall coupled with stream crossing thrill. We thank the God Almighty for availing this opportunity and his grace to complete the same.

Few points of advice to trekkers planning for this trek:

1) It is moderate grade high endurance trek (7 hours - 22 kms trek)

2) It is advisable to carry at least 3 liters of water. 

3) It is a jungle trek and has wild beast around; hence please stay in groups and avoid deviating into jungle.

For more of my treks and traveloques you can check my blog. https://irishpereiraonthego.blogspot.in/

Happy Trekking, Keep Exploring!!!!

Manali Diaries - Sethan Jobra

 

Manali Diaries - Sethan Jobra

Dates: 09th April 2026

Adventurers : Irish & Stuti Pereira

Driver : Mr. Kamlesh Verma (Mob : 98058 37732)

Prologue:
It was quick trip to Manali from 08th April to 10th April 2026. Being onset of summers in Manali, we never expected any snowfall activity. However when we reached Manali on 08th April, the weather forecast had changed by Grace of Almighty.  

On day 1, we explored Gulaba and enjoyed live snowfall. It was mind-blowing experience. The day one was mostly rainy in Manali town and snowy in higher altitudes.

On day 2, It was slow morning with bright sunlight (unlike day 1) This is what we had prayed for the last night. After basking in the morning light on terrace, we had breakfast. The plan for today was either Sissu via Atal Tunnel or Sethan village. As it had snowed yesterday, the Atal tunnel was closed for 2x2 vehicles. Hence we decided to explore Sethan village.

We started around 11:45 AM and it is 14 km 1 hour journey from Manali with partial off-roading.

The weather was still dynamic and bright sunlight in the morning turned cloudy as we were on the way to Sethan. It is typical uphill journey with 36 curved turns. The road is full mud and rocks. On the route we have hobbit rooms with curved domes. 

Sethan is small village Sethan Village is a small, offbeat Buddhist hamlet perched at an altitude of about 2700 metres (9250 feet) in the Hamta Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Located just 12 to 15 kilometers from Manali, it is famous for its panoramic views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges and is renowned as the "Igloo Village" of India during winter. 

The village transforms into a snowy paradise. It is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and staying in authentic igloos. 

Few kilometers ahead lies Jobra Village, which is the starting point of Hampta pass trek. We had fun on the high slopes of Jobra. There we witnessed the second live snowfall. It was a dreamy place altogether. Words fall short to describe the vibes of that place.

After having fun on the snow covered slopes, we slided downhill to explore the dam with hydro electric power plant.

By the time we were hungry and had lunch at local shack. We had Egg toast and Maggie. Believe me when i say that maggie tastes awesome on mountains with snowy weather.

Then around 3:30 PM we bid adieu to Jobra. 

Enroute we explored the Pandu Ropa. The believed to be inhabited by Pandavas during their Vanvaas.

Stuti with Hamta pass trek route

Hot Bread Omlette 

Hydroeletric dam

Pandu Ropa

Hobbit rooms

Manali viewed from Sethan

Kullu Valley far off

For more of my treks and traveloques you can check my blog. https://irishpereiraonthego.blogspot.in/

Happy Trekking, Keep Exploring!!!!

Manali Diaries - Live snowfall at Gulaba

 

Winter tour to Manali -  Live snowfall at Gulaba 

At Gulaba Checkpost with our Car

Dates: 08th April 2026

Adventurers : Irish & Stuti Pereira

Driver : Mr. Kamlesh Verma (Mob : 98058 37732)

Prologue:
It was quick trip to Manali from 08th April to 10th April 2026. Being onset of summers in Manali, we never expected any snowfall activity. However when we reached Manali on 08th April, the weather forecast had changed by Grace of Almighty. And it was chilly rainy morning when we reached Manali. 

On day 1, we actually had plans to explore Sissu through ATAL TUNNEL. However due to rainfall, there was heavy snowfall expected on higher regions of Manali. Due to which only 4x4 vehicles were allowed past Solang valley.

While strolling on mall road post breakfast, multiple drivers approached us to ferry us to Sissu by 4x4. However charges they quoted were very high. We decided to go back to hotel and then decide further plans. 

Then one driver approached us and offered us to explore Gulaba on Rohtang pass route. He expected high chances of snowfall there. The charges he quoted appeared reasonable. Then within half an hour, the driver picked us up from our hotel - Vista Resort.

Before starting the car we prayed to Almighty to guide us and to avail us beautiful snowfall. It was there we got know that the driver also happened to Christian believer. Then he was our driver and guide for next 3 days till departure and brother for lifetime.

It is an hour journey to Gulaba. Initially it was raining at Manali when we started. However as we gained height, the rain covered into snowy flakes. And by the time we reached Gulaba check post, it was fully fledged snowfall. 

What a wonderful moment it was !!!! It was a dream come true by Grace of Almighty. Or else who would have thought of full snowfall in summer. 

Our guide Kamlesh warned us to spend around 45 minutes as more snowfall will clog the roads affecting our return journey. As we had 2x2 Maruti Celerio, it would get tricky if too much snow covers the road. 

There having fun in snow for an hour, we had some maggie at local shack. Believe me when i say that the maggie tastes more tasty in mountains. 

Then we hurriedly started back to Manali before snowfall covered the roads. 

Summary : It was a dream come true to enjoy live snowfall in summers in Manali. We were out of words to describe the moment. All Thanks to Almighty God who made it possible. It is HE who controls the climate.

Fun in live snowfall

Stuti with Snowman

Maggi taste awesome in mountains

For more of my treks and travelogues you can check my blog. https://irishpereiraonthego.blogspot.in/

Happy Trekking, Keep Exploring!!!!

New Martin's Hotel - Colaba

Gastronomic funda:  Non veg food trip to Goan Restaurant in Mumbai

Date : 26th February 2025

Address: 21, Glamour House, Strand Road, Near Strand Cinema, Colaba, Mumbai

Gastronomers: 4

Damages: INR 650

Restaurant Ratings 

Food quality: 5 / 5

Ambience: 4 /5

Service: 4 /5

Parking : Available

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Prologue:  It was lazy Saturday when we had planned trip to South Mumbai and we had a stop at Merwan's for morning breakfast.

This place is nostalgic and  i cherish sweet memories while working at South Mumbai office. It is a jump away place from Gateway of India in South Mumbai.

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After boat ride at Gateway of India, we decided to explore local Goan food. Being nearby, New Martins Hotel was preferred. 

We reached the restaurant at around 1:00 PM. 

We were welcomed by heavy flow of food aroma of crispy fried fish which got us salivating and our tastes buds activated.

It is a small joint with comparatively less sitting area (20 seats) where local Goan and Catholic folks dine. There is usually rush during lunch and dinner hours.

The service time here is quick and food here is tasty.

Few dishes we tried here were :

1. Steak, Onions and Chips

2. Surmai Fry

3. Pork pulav 

4. Omlette and Chips

All 4 dishes were awesome and delicious. The steak was evenly cooked and served with potato wedges. The Surmai Fry was the showstopper and deserved Burping Applause. Kids were served by Omlette and potato chips.

 

It is most recommended place for Goan and Mangolerian dishes. 

 

Boat ride around Gateway of India 

Menu

Steak, Onions and Chips

Surmai fry

The Entrance 

Epilogue:  To sum up it was wonderful Goan lunch which was easy on pocket in the South Mumbai.

Disclaimer: The above restaurant in review was personally visited by Irish Pereira wherein he has paid for the full bill & does not believe in featured / sponsored reviews. The reviewer believes in anonymously visiting a hotel to present an honest account of all the factors to you.

Happy Eating, Keep Exploring!!!

Torna to Rajgad range trek

 

One day Torna to Rajgad range trek

Trek: Torna Rajgad Range trek 

Base village: Metpillare village

Height: 4600ft above seal level

Grade: Moderate 

Endurance: Tough

Trek coordinator: Sahayadri Sanjivani Trekkers 

Trek Leads: Shubham, Amol

Dates: 26th January 2026 (Starting on 25th January 2026 night)

Trekkers: 34

Prologue:

This was one of range trek i always wanted to do, however was pending due multiple reasons. However I came across one trek plan from Sahayadri Sanjivani and enrolled for the one. Usually the trek is done in 2 days, however due to time constraints i decided for brief version of trek.

It was relaxed long 3 day weekend. On Sunday 25th January we gathered at Swami Narayan temple Dadar to board tempo traveler at Dadar TT at 9:30 pm.

We were 17 of us from Mumbai and 18 trekkers were expected to join from Pune in another bus.

Total 35 trekkers and 3 trek guides.

After comfortable ride on Pune Expressway and a halt, we reached base village at around 2:45 pm. Pune batch has already reached the venue. There we were informed that there is slight change in the plan. Instead of Rajgad to Torna, we would go other way around. Being 26th Jan , there was rush expected on Rajgad. Hence the change in the plan.

After refreshing and breakfast of poha and tea, we reached the Metpillare village by 4:30 which is one base village for Torna fort. 

After brief instructions and introductions we started the trek by 4:55 am.

It was steep ascend on screed and rocky route. After 45 mins there were railings on the route. It reaches upto Konkan darwaza of Torna fort. We reached atop at darwaza at 6 am.

Mengai devi temple at Torna

It was Republic day 

Group photo atop Torna 

 From there we moved inside the fort to Mengaidevi temple and rested for some time for all trekkers to reach. It was windy our there and hence very cold. By now our sweaty body has loosed the heat and were feeling very chilly.

Then after few group pics at Mengaidevi temple, we waited at Konkan darwaza to witness sunrise. 

Konkan darwaza of Torna 

We could not explore the Zunzhar Macchi of Torna due to time constraints. 

Konkan darwaza 

The sunrise was expected by 7:15 am. However due to slight foggy weather, the sunrise was not not clearly visible. Rajgad was slightly visible towering mightly over the foggy east horizon It was so windy our there and we were visibly shivering. Then giving hopes for sunrise, we started for Rajgad at 7:20 am. 

Bhudla Macchi

Buddla macchi fortified 

Rajgad wrapped in fog from Buddhla macchi

Traversing through Budhla Macchi of Torna we climbed down the ladder route to reach the ridge towards Rajgad. It is steep descend with rocky traverse. 

Ladder 

Group photo at base of Buddla macchi 

There are 20-25 small hills connected by ridge to traverse to reach Rajgad.

After walk for an hour and half, we reached the Kachru Mama house. It is the only house on the route. After resting for half an hour, we started again towards Rajgad. 

Kachru mama's house

Then we reached the road cuting the route by 10:30. There we rested for 20 mins to recharge ourselves.

Road in between 

Then started again on the somewhat steep ascend towards Rajgad. By now Rajgad was clearly visible with trekkers spotted top the fort. Then at 11:30 we reached the final lower point from where the steepest ascend towards Sanjivani macchi of Rajgad begins. 

Rajgad now visible clearly

Steep climb to Sanjivani macchi

The final ascend is very steep around 45-50 degrees and reached at base of Sanjivani Machi at 12 pm.

At base of Sanjivani macchi 

We were literally drained traversing the final steep ascend. There we rested for other trekkers to reach us.

Then again we started the final laptop to circumvent Sanjivani macchi on east side to reach on fort by Alu Darwaza at 12:35 pm.

Sanjivani macchi east side 

Alu darwaza of Rajgad 

The Sanjivani macchi running southwards, is one of magnificent piece of defensive architecture with its multi layered walls. 

Sanjivani macchi in Background 

After brief photography at Sanjivani Machi, were instructed to traverse upwards on fort from West walk of balekilla to reach Padmavati temple on Padmavati machi on north side of fort.

Balekilla in background 

We passed the route to Balekilla (fort top) and Suvella Macchi to reach Padmavati temple on Padmavati Macchi by 1:30 pm. The macchi has a lake too with fresh water tanks.

Suvella Macchi, which runs eastwards also has layered walls like Sanjivani. Balekilla, the topmost fortified part of fort is the highest point of Rajgad. Suvella Macchi along with Balekilla could not be explored due to time constraints .

Way to Suvella Macchi

Way to Balekilla (Top of the fort)

Balekilla in centre with narrow Suvella and Sanjivani macchi towards east and south and broad padmavati Macchi towards north is entire layout of Rajgad.

Map of Rajgad

After having lunch along Padmavati temple we rested for some time. Then we started descend at 2:45 pm through Pali darwaza, we reached parking bay at 3:45 pm. 

Padmavati temple 

There after refreshing we started homeward journey at 4:40 pm to reach Dadar TT Mumbai by 10:50 pm.

Parking bay at base overlooking Rajgad

To sum up it was a wonderful trek with wonderful trekkers testing our endurance witnessing the mighty forts of Swarajya.

Looking at the grandeur of both these forts, I must say that history has grossly underreported the mighty visionary Maratha King.

Few points of advice to trekkers planning for this trek:

1) It is moderate grade trek with tough endurance....so beginners strictly avoid such trek.

2) It is advisable to carry at least 3-4 liters of water. 

3) Carry a sleeping bag if possible....

4) The routes are confusing, hence do not try it without proper guide and climbing equipment's. 

For more of my treks and traveloques you can check my blog. https://irishpereiraonthego.blogspot.in/

Happy Trekking, Keep Exploring!!!!