Doodhsagar to be made a tourist spot

Hidden in an evergreen valley of Western Ghats, Doodhsagar falls is the highest and largest water falls of Goa which flows down from 306 metres in two segments. There is a rock formation with criss-cross sections and under water passages through which Doodhagar river flows with all its turbulence.

The development of the area as a tourist spot would require hiring of experts, so that all the aspects, including commercial, could be planned well, said the official. The plan would include convenient rail and road connections,and boarding facilities.

Trekker’s paradise

Around 60 km from Panaji, the Doodhsagar falls is situated between Kulem and Castle Rock stations of Hubli division of South-western Railway. With its rich biodiversity, the area is considered to be one of the trekking paradises.

With its panoramic views of hills and valleys, more than 26 kilometres track of Bringaja Ghat Section has been of high commercial interest in the South Western Railway since its Gauge conversion in 1995-96. Goods train carrying iron ore to Vasco port and coal racks from the port forms an important traffic on this track.

Train journey

The train movement on the Ghat section is also interesting. The height and curves have necessitated the use of 5 locos, two on the front and three on the rear side, during its upward journey from Kulem to Castle Rock. The downward journey also requires 5 locos with Automatic Emergency Brake. The train runs at a restricted speed of 40 km per hour.   
“This inland journey into the Ghat section is, in fact, a change of its own kind for a tourist,” confides Xavier, a tourist consultant to Goa tourism.

“Development of Doodhsagar and Braganja Ghat will add to the tourist attractions. We have some of the important tourist destinations over the zone like Bijapur, Se Cathedral in Goa, Badami caves, Hampi, Jog falls, Mysore, Bangalore and Coastal Karnataka, says Chief Operations Manager of SWR Praveen Kumar Mishra.