With the monsoon at peak, its right time to head to the magnanimous Dudhsagar falls, when it would showcase its glorious best. Three railfans from Chennai and Hyderabad, Benher, Raghupathy and Harish Kumar decided to trek to Dudhsagar waterfalls. Day 1: The three of us met at Hubli and from where we took Haripriya Express to Londa and a Autorickshaw to Castle Rock, from where we trekked to Caranzol. With the conditions really bad, the station master suggested us to head back to Castle rock or Londa for the night. Day 2: We took 7311 directly to DDS and spent the whole day at the falls, before Ben left back home by Goa Express, while the other two of us decided to head to Panjim for the overnight stay. Day 3: For the return journey we took Amaravathi Express to Guntakal and split from there.
The vasco express escapes out of a tunnel, negotiates a small viaduct and continues down the Ghats. Photo by Benher (Harish Kumar)
Mid Ghat crossing at DDS. WDG-4 12096 heading the Coal freight uphill waits on the loop line of Dudhsagar as Vasco Express slows down for the halt here. Photo by Benher (Harish Kumar)
Benher and Raghu leads the way as the WDG-4 triplets waits patiently for pushing the rake up the Ghats. Photo by Harish Kumar (Harish Kumar)
Atmosphere electrifying! Mist and clouds hover the Dudhsagar Station, as we continue our trekking towards Dudhsagar falls. Photo by Harish Kumar (Harish Kumar)
Up close with the mountain beast! WDG-4 #12113 enjoys the mid-ghat scenery as the rain lashes down mercilessly. Photo by Benher (Harish Kumar)
Across the valley: 7311 on its ways towards VSG approaches Sonalium. Photo by Benher (Harish Kumar)
The leading locos of Vasco Express seen across the valley as it slowly pulls into Sonalium. Photo by Harish Kumar (Harish Kumar)
The old cabin and the tunnel, signal a welcome relief from rain for a few moments. Photo by Harish Kumar (Harish Kumar)
One of the many spectacular glimpses you would get to see here! Photo by Harish Kumar (Harish Kumar)
First view of Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Photo by Harish Kumar (Harish Kumar)
A sharp toot alerted us about a arriving train and we see the WDG-4 #12037 leading the Veraval – Trivandrum Express downhill. Photo by Harish Kumar (Harish Kumar)
And away she goes into the mist! There were huge cheers from the train as it passed the waterfalls. What a scene! Photo by Harish Kumar (Harish Kumar)
[OT] The mighty Dudhsagar in full glory. On a side note, just by the trees on the right hand side is the water tank that supplies water to DDS and Sonalium Railway stations. Photo by Benher (Harish Kumar)
A water cannon salute to 8047 HWH-VSG Amaravati Express! Vasco bound Amaravati is the next train to head down the Ghats. Gooty WDM-3a twins #14034 and #14057 carefully negotiates the viaduct across the dudhsagar falls. Photo by Benher (Harish Kumar)
Closer look of the Gooty twins on the viaduct. Photo by Benher (Harish Kumar)