Mainapi and Savri (Neturlam) waterfalls are two beautiful waterfalls hidden inside the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. After basking under the sun and soaking up enough Vitamin D on the beaches of Goa, we decide to explore something else. #GoaBeyondBeaches.
In this article, we travel to the tranquil waterfalls named Mainapi and Savri waterfalls. These falls from South Goa are worth every second of your time, and today, we’ll take you through how you can reach the place and what you can do at the falls. Let’s get started!
Mainapi & Savri Waterfalls Hiking Guide
Table Of Contents
- How To Reach?
- Network Availability
- ATM Availability
- Languages Spoken
- Parking Availability
- Restroom Facilities
- Best Time To Visit
- Where To Eat?
- Where To Stay?
- Things To Do In Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
- Hiking Details
- Important Things To Remember
- Essential Things To Carry
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Posts
How To Reach?
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary can be reached only through roadways. Located in Southeast Goa, just 35 Km from the Palolem beach and 49 Km from Margao, the place is not accessible via public transport or buses.
The only possible way to reach the sanctuary is by using your private vehicle. So you can go via a cab or rent a two-wheeler/four-wheeler based on your convenience. When you reach the entry gate, you must pay the fee and get your bags checked for flammable and other prohibited items.
Mainapi Waterfall
Just a few hundred meters away from the forest checkpost office, you’ll find direction boards to the Mainapi waterfall. You’ll need to go on the path to your left.
You will find another small checkpost just a stone’s throw away, beyond which you cannot take your vehicle. Park your vehicle at this checkpost and start your hike to Mainapi waterfall. Continue on the 60 feet-wide straight route for about 4 Km.
Name boards are installed every 500 meters on the route. You can see how much distance remains and the species you might come across during your hike. You will climb uphill on this trek for the most part.
For the last 500 meters, you will climb down a series of steps made of tree branches and nails. You simply need to follow this trail until you reach the waterfalls. You must access the same route while returning.
Savri Waterfall
Once you spend some time at the Mainapi waterfall, you can start your hike toward the Savri waterfall.
Move for a few Km until you see a signboard on your right (as shown in the picture). Unlike the Mainapi waterfall, the Savri waterfall is ideal for families and people with minimum fitness levels.
Walk straight for about a Km and take a left on the visible route, which splits from the trail you were on.
Climb down about 250 steps to reach the waterfalls. While returning, you can hike through the same route.
Both waterfalls are located in a place you can only see at the end of your hike. So be patient and keep moving. As long as you’re following the route and the direction markers, you’ll be fine. Now that you know about the hike, let us get to functional but vital information.
Related: Top 5 non-touristy things to do in Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Network Availability
Netravali Wildlife sanctuary has very bad or zero connectivity in most parts. We did not find any signal reception in both Jio or Airtel. So if you’re going with a group, ensure you go together.
ATM Availability
No ATMs are available in this region. The nearest ATM can be found about 20 Km away. Have enough cash with you, as digital payments are not accepted due to the poor network in the area.
Languages Spoken
The people in the region mostly speak Hindi and Konkani. Many people can converse in English as well.
Parking Availability
For Mainapi waterfall, parking space is available; for Savri waterfall, you’ll have to park on the side of the road.
Restroom Facilities
No restrooms are available. Come prepared, as you will need to answer nature’s call outdoors.
Related: Use these super helpful public restroom tips during your travels.
Best Time To Visit
Although the waterfalls of Netravali can be visited throughout the year, there are a couple of things you must know. The water flow is minimal, and the humidity will make the hike more taxing during summer. During monsoons, the water flow is pretty high, and you aren’t allowed to go underneath the falls. Furthermore, the route might be more marshy, and you’ll only see the falls from a distance.
The best time to visit the waterfalls is the post-monsoon season (Between October and January). The climate is conducive to your experience, and the water flow is optimum during this time.
Where To Eat?
One small vendor was selling bottled water bottles and a few fruits at the entrance of Savri waterfall. Besides him, we found no other people, shops, or eateries inside the sanctuary premises. So, ensure you bring snacks, energy bars, and liquids for the hike.
Where To Stay?
Usually, Nethravali Wildlife Sanctuary is visited as a day trip from regions in south Goa like Palolem or Margao. So you can find hotels, homestays, hostels, or resorts in those areas.
There is no accommodation for visitors inside the reserved forest. But about 10 Km away from the sanctuary, there are places for you to stay. However, these resorts and hotels are generally pricier.
Things To Do In Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Hiking to the waterfalls of Mainapi and Savri is a popular activity in the region. Beyond exploring the falls, you can do other unique activities near the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary.
Hiking Details
Distance: 35 Km from Palolem, 49 Km from Margao.
Entry Fee: Rs. 100 per adult, Rs. 30 for child/ student (ID card mandatory). For vehicles, Rs. 50 is charged for two or three-wheelers, and Rs. 100 for four-wheelers. Extra charges for the camera.
Registration: No registration or pre-online booking is required.
Permission: Since Mainapi and Savri waterfalls are located in the Netravali wildlife sanctuary, permission is required to enter.
Timings: From 8 AM to 4 PM. The last entry to Mainapi waterfall is at 2 PM. So, we recommend you first visit the Mainapi waterfalls and then go to Savri.
Duration: 2-3 hours the ascend and 1-2 hours to descend to Mainapi waterfall, whereas 15 mins descend through steps and 30 mins climb to the Savri waterfall.
Hike Distance: 5 Km one way for Mainapi and 1 Km walk plus around 250 steps for Savri waterfall.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate – highly subject to your fitness level.
Terrain: Open grasslands, forests, streams, cemented paths, tree roots, stones, and boulders.
The Waterfalls:
Forest officers will be present at both of the waterfalls. In Savri waterfall, swimming is allowed only if a life jacket is worn.
Mainapi waterfall is a three-tired cascading waterfall falling from a huge height. A pit of sand just a few meters away adds to this picturesque landscape. Enjoy the view of the magnificent waterfalls from a height and soak it in before you descend to reach the bottom tier of the waterfalls. Like Mainapi, the Savri waterfall is a multi-layered cascading waterfall you can experience on your visit to the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary.
Important Things To Remember
- A guide is not required to hike the waterfalls of Netravali.
- The use of plastics and smoking is strictly prohibited. As a hiker, it is incumbent on you to be responsible and not litter. Collect and bring back the waste and dispose of them in proper bins.
- Illegal trekking is strictly prohibited, and trespassers will be prosecuted.
- There are a couple of freshwater streams found en route to Mainapi waterfall. You can refill your water bottle from there. You can also buy bottled water from vendors near the entrance of the Savri waterfall.
- Wear good hiking shoes and be careful. The terrain is slippery during monsoons.
- Monkeys are found near the Savri waterfall. Beware of your belongings, and do not feed them. Read the blog to learn how to deal with the monkeys.
- Leeches can be found during the rains. Learn how to treat leeches the right way.
Essential Things To Carry
- Ensure you carry at least 1L of water per person.
- Take energy bars and snacks.
- Keep your first aid kit close.
- Cap, sunscreen & sunglasses are essential to ward off the summer heat.
- Carry a poncho or raincoat in case it rains.
- Buy sticks or bring hiking poles for support, especially if you are a beginner.
- Above all, ensure you wear comfortable shoes with good traction and grip.
Read the blog to know more about what we usually carry for day hikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a guide required for the Mainapi waterfall hike?
The probability of getting lost is nil. There are boards and distance markers installed along with the route. The straight visible route will lead you to the waterfall. Thereby, a guide is not required to hike to the falls.
Is camping allowed in Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary?
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is a reserved forest area. Camping is strictly prohibited on the forest premises.
Is a GPS file required to hike Mainai and Savri waterfalls?
Although the signal is weak or nil, you don’t require a GPS file. The trail is often tread by other tourists and hikers and leads straight to the falls. So you will be able to manage on your own.
If this blog has helped you with planning a trip to the waterfalls of Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, do let us know what other hikes, trails, and destinations we should cover. Comment your answers below. For more extensive hiking guides such as this and travel tips, guides, and itineraries, make sure to subscribe to the newsletter and follow us on social media – Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.