In the third century BC Goa was ruled by Buddhists, after which it became feudatory states governed by various rulers and monarchs. The Portuguese took control in 1510 until they were ousted by the Indian Army in 1961. This legacy of rulers have left their mark on the region where there are many historic monasteries, temples and churches and a large number of forts which can be discovered whilst trekking in the Goan countryside.

Trekking in the Sahyadri Hills

Along the whole western side of India, running from Maharashtra in the north through Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and ending at Kanyakumari in the south, are the Sahyadri Hills. Although they are called hills there are many peaks around or above 2000 metres in height. The highest peak in Goa is called Sonsogor which is 1,166 metres (3,825 ft) above sea level. The entire range of mountains is known collectively as the Western Ghats.

Where is Best Hike in Goa?

Dudhsagar Falls Trek

Arguably the best hike in Goa is the spectacular Collem-Castle Rock-Kuveshi trek. This popular hike begins at the base of the impressive Dudhsagar Falls, then moves up to its mid point at Castle Rock and then onto the pinnacle of the falls at Kuveshi. There is a breathtaking view across Goa from the top of waterfall. At 310 metres, Dudhsagar Falls are the highest waterfall in Goa.

To reach Dudhsagar falls you can take the train along the S.C. railway or they can be reached by walking along a 10km dirt road from the town of Mollem. Mollem is located in the east of of Goa, 57 miles from the Goan capital of Panaji.

One of the best hikes in Goa takes you to Dudhsagar Falls. Source: Flickr by amey_hedge

Mollem, Sanguem and Valpoi

There are three towns that are good starting points for hiking in the hills around eastern Goa. These are Mollem, Sanguem and Valpoi.

South west of Mollem is the Dudhsagar falls hike mentioned above. Further downstream from Dudhsagar falls is the Devil’s Canyon. The canyon is small and serene but with strong undercurrents, swimming in the river is not recommended.

The story about this place is that everyday a villager used to ask the canyon’s resident devil for fish by telling him that he had to entertain some guests. The devil who was curious, one day after following the villager saw him munching on the fish himself. He cursed that from then onward no one will be able to catch fish in the canyon, as he was furious at that time. Till today the curse still stands.

To the north of Mollem is Tambdi Surla Temple. This small temple 12th century is made from basalt that has been intricately carved. Devoted to Lord Shiva, it is still an active place of worship.

The whole area around Mollem is part of Goa’s largest wildlife sanctuary called Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.

From Sanguem in the south east of Goa there are scenic walks which take in the village of Netravali and the Chandrasurya Temple in the Netravali wildlife reserve.

Valpoi is located in the north east of Goa. From Valpoi you can take a 15 km trek eastwards to Krishnapur Canyon in the heart of the forest. This tranquil area contains water pools and rock formations amongst the trees.

The main attraction in the vicinity of Valpoi are the peaks of the Vagheri Hills…

Vagheri Peaks, Sattari Taluka

Goa’s northernmost region is called Sattari and this is the region (taluka) where Goa’s highest peaks are located. These are, in order of height:

1. Sonsogor (Sonsogad) – 1,166 m
2. Catlanchi Mauli (Katlanchi Mauli) – 1,107 m
3. Vagheri (Vagueri) – 1,067 m
4. Morlem (Morllengod) – 1,036 m

From the Chorla Ghat you can see across the mountain forests of Goa. Source: Flickr by Saleel Kudchadker.

The name Vagheri comes from the fact that region was home to the striped Tiger (Panthera Tigris). Sadly the striped Tiger no longer roams this area and is virtually extinct in the forests of India.

Inside the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is the historic-heritage natural rock fort of Satregad, which makes an interesting place to visit on a trek in Sattari. The fort is called Satregad due to the presiding deity Sateri.

Detailed information about the region of Satteri can be found in this post about the Madei/Mandovi River in Goa.

Maps and Organised Treks

To get a rough idea of the locations within Goa, have a look at this tourist map. It shows mainly beaches, but also some of the wildlife sanctuaries, forts and temples.

More detailed tourist maps and walking guide books can be found at Stanfords and The Map Shop.

As well as booking through private tour operators such as GTTH, it is possible to go on treks organised by Goa Hiking Association and the Youth Hostels Authority of India.

When to go Hiking in Goa

The best time to hiking is Goa is from October to December, following the monsoon and during a time when the weather is pleasant.

The monsoon season, when there is very heavy rainfall, is between June and September. During the monsoon season, clouds moving eastwards are forced upwards by the Sahyadri Hills which causes the rain to fall. The average rainfall is between 3 and 4 metres. In some regions the rainfall can be as much as 9 metres. For comparison, The average annual rainfall for the Lake District is over 2 metres, with localised highs of 3.3 metres in Seathwaite and 5 meters at Sprinkling Tarn. So if you are hiking in Goa during the monsoon you will need your waterproofs! However, during the monsoon season there is also the opportunity to see spectacular waterfalls. In Goa’s neighbouring state of Karnataka are the Jog Falls on the Sharavathi River. Jog Falls are the highest plunge waterfall in India, with a height of 253 metres. Also in Karnataka are the Kunchikal Falls, which are the highest tiered waterfalls in India. As mentioned above, the highest waterfall in Goa are the 310 metre Dudhsagar Falls, on the Mandovi River.

By the coast the climate in Goa is humid and tropical. The relative humidity is usually above 60%, even during the dry season. During the winter temperatures in Goa range from 16 ºC to 34 ºC whilst in the summer you can expect temperatures between 27 ºC and 37 ºC. However, go up into the mountains and the climate becomes more temperate. Temperatures can drop as low as freezing point in the winter. Therefore you will require warm clothing as well as clothing for hot weather.

Hiking in Goa: Wildlife

The forests on the mountains of Goa provide excellent habitat for wildlife. Source: Flickr by vm2827.

If you are interested in birdwatching there are plenty of opportunities to for you to get out your birding binoculars, since there are over 275 species of birds to be seen!

Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary

The Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary covers 240 sq km. There are a vast array of mammals, birds, butterflies and replies. Permits must be obtained from the Range Forest Officer in the town of Mollem.

Mammals include barking deer, Bengal tiger, leopard, bonnet macaque, flying squirrel, porcupine, spotted deer, wild boar and wild dog.

Birds include the Goa state bird called the Ruby-throated yellow bulbul Emerald dove, Fairy bluebird, Greater Indian hornbill, Indian black woodpecker, Grey-headed myna, Golden oriole, Paradise flycatcher, Racket-tailed drongo, and three-toed kingfisher.

Butterflies include Malabar Tree Nymph, Tamil Yoeman, Southern Birdwing and Crimson Rose.

There are many reptiles and snakes, such as the king cobra, Indian rock python, Indian cobra and Bronzeback Tree Snake.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Not all of the wildlife sanctuaries are in the mountainous regions of Goa. Around the coast there are many estuaries, creeks and wetlands that are a haven for birdlife. Located on the Chorao Islands the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 1.8 sq. km. Streams and tributaries flow around mangroves where many species of birds can be seen, for example parrots, cormorants, egrets, kingfishers and eagles. Beware there are also crocodiles!

Hiking and Wildlife in Goa

There is a lot beautiful countryside in Goa and an amazing amount of wildlife. Hiking, trekking and bird watching are popular activities for both tourists and locals, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a great hike in Goa.

Tenzing Norgay Museum

The museum, known as the Tenzing Norgay Museum, is a two-tier hall containing exhibits, pictures, panoramas and dioramas etc. depicting various facets of the Himalayas, history of exploration, survey of the mountain peaks and development of mountaineering. The focus has been on mountaineering in the Indian Himalaya, with a section on Documentation and Information. It includes prominent sections on maps of the Himalayan states of India with a unique “professional class centre” of maps, panoramas and climbing and trekking routes.

There is also a climbing wall at the the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.

Help with Indian Expeditions

If you want to go on an expedition in India or go climbing or mountaineering in India then you will need to contact the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. Please see below for information about the Indian Mountaineering Foundation and how they can help you.

About the Indian Mountaineering Foundation

Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) as an apex national body, has the objective of organising, supporting and providing a base for expeditions for mountaineering, skiing, rock climbing, trekking at high altitudes and to promote, encourage, support and execute schemes for related adventure activities and environmental protection work in the Himalaya.

IMF co-ordinates climbing in the Indian Himalaya, organises national and international conferences, training / environment-cleaning camps and climbing competitions. IMF is closely associated with the Ministries of Sports, Home, Defence, Tourism and Environment of the Government of India. Foreigners can climb mountain peaks in India after obtaining the required clearances, which can be obtained with the help of the IMF .

IMF was formed in 1957 as the `Sponsoring Committee of the Cho Oyu Expedition, the success of which on May 15, 1958, encouraged the Committee to sponsor more expeditions. In 1959, it changed its name to the `Sponsoring Committee of Everest Expedition and in the following year `Sponsoring Committee for Mountaineering Expeditions. Finally, on January 15, 1961 a permanent organization was set up, in its role as the national body, with headquarters in New Delhi and was registered as such on November 3, 1961. Its building was inaugurated by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1980.

Contact details of The Indian Mountaineering Foundation:

The Indian Mountaineering Foundation is located at the University of Delhi (South Campus) in south Delhi, about halfway between the centre of New Delhi and Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Address:

The Indian Mountaineering Foundation
6, Benito Juarez Road
New Delhi– 110021
India

E-mail:
indmount@bol.net.in
director@indmount.org

Website:
Indian Mountaineering Foundation
http://www.indmount.org

Telephone:
+91 11 24111211
+91 11 24117935
+91 11 24111572

Fax: +91 11 24113412

I want more info!

If you like this post and want more advice on climbing, or insights into the life of mountaineers, including Renan Ozturk, Kit Deslauriers and Kevin Thaw then follow the highlighted links.

If you’ve been to the Indian Mountaineering Foundation or know of someone that has, share your thoughts.  It’s a great resource and one that certainly needs supporting considering how many climbers it helps!