Secret Monsoon Wonder of Goa – Kuskem Waterfalls
Kuskem Waterfalls Introduction:
Kuskem waterfalls, also called Kuske waterfalls, is a seasonal Goa monsoon attraction at the edge of western ghats in south Goa. It is about 20 kms from the Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary entrance off National Highway 17. Motorable road leads upto the idyllic Kuskem village. Greenery abound, this 20 kms road journey is all about cool breeze, rivulets, small bridges, forests and green paddy fields. In short, nature at its best all the way.
As soon as you reach Kuske village, landscape view of this rain water fed waterfall can be seen, surrounded by greenery. It is about 30 meters deep-plunge waterfall. It is a relatively small waterfall, however as natural as it can be in the modern era.
How to reach Kuskem Waterfalls:
Public transport to this Goa waterfalls is poor. You need a private vehicle or rent a cab to reach this place. It is about 100 kms from Panjim , capital of Goa state. From Margao the commercial hub of Goa , it is about 70 kms. This route is on national highway upto entrance of Cotigao wildlife sanctuary and comfortable to travel. Landscape view of the waterfalls, milky lines in the vast green canvas welcomes you as soon as you reach the Kuske village. It enthuses you for the further 2 odd kms of trek/walk through thick and unsafe vegetation for 20-30 minutes. There are no more sign boards, better check with the villagers before you embark on the way ahead. An easy walking path starts getting riskier midway as the water stream flows 10-20 feet deep right next to the path. There are no barricades and the path further can be potentially slippery due to moist mud/grass.
While the flowing water sounds is enchanting the path gets rocky. And the waterfall is not visible through-out the trek. Bringing in an element of suspense and surprise the moment one almost reaches there. It is a mesmerizing sheet of white waterfall plunging down from the ghats fed by rainfall upstream.
Enjoy the sight of pristine white waterfalls, roaring sound of the plunging water, feel the water and for those adventurous drench in the nature’s gift. Take pictures, appreciate the might of nature and add one more beauty to your travel memories.
What else near Kuskem Waterfalls:
It is all about nature, enroute you can stop by the river, feel the greenery, take a long walk & cherish cool breeze all precious for those living in the choking cities. The Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary is nearby and one can easily spend half a day there as well. You may read a separate post I have written on Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary – A walker’s paradise . They also have a butterfly garden there to visit.
What safety measures are required at Kuskem Waterfalls:
The area is not covered by the mobile phone towers. It will be hard to reach out seeking help in emergency. The rocky base needs extra caution and support of co-trekkers to explore. You may not find more tourists there. There are no safety instructors or instructions at the falls. It may be slippery, parts of the way may be muddy due to rains. The water flows further like a natural canal about 15-20 feet deep, by the approach way. You have to also cross the water about knee deep to reach the main waterfall. Therefore be in a group of capable trekkers. Keep general safety needs in mind if you intend to visit, get beneath the waterfall or just play in water. Be safe. Be prepared for unexpected heavy rainfall as well. Take care of electronic goods like cameras you may carry.
Take the advise of villagers before proceeding by the foot on the latest developments and precautions. There seems to be plans to develop it for eco-tourism. A proper footpath to proceed to the waterfall, footbridges, besides developing the site for camping facility are on cards.
On the way back if you still have the appetite and energy for the Goa Holidays fun, spend a leisurely evening by Colva, popular among the Goa beaches, near Margao. You can read my post on Colva beach here evenings at colva beach
Trekkers, enthusiasts on adventure travel, environmentalists on Goa Holidays will find this Goa monsoon attraction among the places to visit. It is not on the popular Goa tourist destinations. Hence one can find solitude amidst the nature here. Due to the rains the vegetation is also rich in greenery.
Recommend you to read my posts about following on this Indian Travel Blog.
- Thoseghar Falls – Satara, Maharashtra
- Noh Ka Likhai Falls – Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
- Shivasamudram Falls – Bangalore
- Elephant falls – Shillong
- Colva Beach, Goa – One Fine Evening Visit
- A walk of Discovery at Arvalem, Goa
- Pre-historic Rock Art, Pansoimol, Goa
- Walk around Fontainhas, Panjim
- 8 Reasons to visit Anjuna Flea Market in Goa
- An Ode to the Houses of Goa
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