About Netravali Waterfall
Discover the Hidden Gem of South Goa
Nestled within the protected limits of the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Waterfall (often accessed via trails leading toward cascades like Savari and Mainapi) is one of Goa’s most captivating, off-the-beaten-path wilderness destinations. Away from the sun-drenched beaches and buzzing night markets of Northern Goa, this sanctuary opens a portal into the ancient, emerald world of the Western Ghats mountain range.
Visitors to Netravali Waterfall are treated to a thrilling multi-sensory eco-adventure. The journey involves trekking under a thick canopy of moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forest, listening to the echoing calls of exotic birds, and stepping over babbling mountain streams. As you near the waterfall, the gentle hum of the forest gives way to the thunderous roar of fresh mountain water plunging into a crystal-clear natural basin.
The splash pool at the bottom of the waterfall provides a cool, refreshing dip for weary hikers. Surrounded by towering rock formations draped in moss and delicate ferns, it feels like an undiscovered sanctuary straight out of a tropical fairy tale. The air here is exceptionally pure, rich with the fragrance of damp earth and wild foliage.
Rich Flora and Fauna
The wildlife sanctuary surrounding the waterfall is spread over roughly 211 square kilometers and forms a vital ecological corridor connecting the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. While trekking toward the falls, nature lovers can spot rare orchids, medicinal herbs, giant wood spiders, colorful amphibians, and if lucky, wildlife such as the Malabar Giant Squirrel, Indian Bison (Gaur), and rare butterfly species like the Malabar Tree Nymph.
History
Ecological Heritage & Conservation History
Unlike historic monuments built by ancient dynasties, the legacy of Netravali lies in its deep ecological roots and indigenous traditions. Named after the local Netravali (or Neturlim) River, which originates in these pristine hills and serves as a major tributary to the Zuari River, this region has sustained local rural communities for centuries.
In 1999, recognizing the immense ecological vulnerability and extraordinary biodiversity of this segment of the Western Ghats—a UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity hotspot—the Goa state government officially notified the area as the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. This designation aimed to halt deforestation, curtail illegal mining, and protect crucial natural watersheds.
Historically, the forest has been protected by indigenous tribal communities, predominantly the Gaonkar and Velip tribes. These communities have long maintained 'Devrai' (sacred groves)—patches of primary forest dedicated to local village deities where harvesting wood or hunting was strictly forbidden. This centuries-old indigenous conservation philosophy played a major role in preserving the dense forest cover that feeds Netravali Waterfall today.