Kuskem Waterfalls, Goa Overview

Nestled in the picturesque district of Canacona, Kuskem Waterfall is one of the least explored attractions in South Goa. It is located just about 20 kilometres away from the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary and is famous for its untouched beauty. It is a seasonal waterfall and is best explored during the monsoons. The waterbody gushes amidst lush greenery. It is not a humongous waterfall as such, but it has a striking quality Also, over the past few years, Kuskem Waterfall in Canacona has attained the status of an eco-tourism site that draws a considerable number of tourist.

Most visitors coming to explore the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary in Canacona often visit the Kuskem Waterfall. To reach the site, one is required to enter the sanctuary at Hathipal. The waterfall is located about 20 kilometres away and cannot be missed. The site of the milky-white water gushing through dense vegetation cannot be missed. The fall is about 30 metres deep and is completely natural with a source hidden into the mountains that is replenished only during the rainy season.

Kuskem Waterfalls Trek

You can take the roadway that leads to a certain point from where the waterfall can be seen but from there on, you will have to go on foot to reach the site. This place, therefore, is also a great place for trekking and nature walks. It is a short trek till the waterfall and takes about 30 to 40 minutes maximum to reach but taking time to stop to explore the jungle and soak in its tranquillity is highly recommended. The initial part of it would seem like an easy deal but as one proceeds, it could get a little difficult than expected. Also, the path is rocky, rugged and has no barricades to aid the climb. So, going completely prepared is much advisable. Some parts also have narrow streams from the waterfall flowing down the slope. An interesting aspect of the attraction is that the climb is quite steep, keeping the waterfall sort of hidden, away from the sight during the initial part of the trek and it is mostly the sound of the waterfall that guides the trekkers to it.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Kuskem Waterfall in Canacona is between the months of June and October which basically mark the entire monsoon season. The waterfall is replenished every year only during the monsoons when the waterbody upstream is fed by the seasonal rains. Having said that, travellers also need to be aware that Goa receives an average annual rainfall of 650 mm and that June and July are the wettest months of the year. This might make the visit a little inconvenient if one is not a monsoon lover, but if they are, the experience can be an exhilarating one. If one wants to skip the monsoons, they can plan a trip around the onset or the end of the season (end of May or end of September). The temperature around this time of the year hovers between 28°C and 33°C. Reaching the sanctuary in the morning is much recommended to be able to spend an ample amount of around the waterfall and return before it gets dark.

How To Reach Kuskem Waterfalls

From the centre of the district near Canacona Railway Station, Kuskem Waterfall is about 25 kilometres to its south-east. The most preferred way of reaching the attraction is by a rented two-wheeler or a rental cab. The route goes via NH 66 - Patnem road and has narrow roads and short bridges through streams and paddy fields. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to reach Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary from the centre of Canacona and from there, through the sanctuary, is the path that leads to Kuskem Waterfall (20 kilometres ahead). Some part of this road can be covered on a vehicle, but from the base, travellers would have to climb to reach the top of the waterfall.