Harvalem Waterfall

Harvalem Waterfall sits in the hills above Sanquelim about two kilometres out of town. Water tumbles over a dark rock face into a pool at the bottom, with thick greenery on both sides. Rudreshwar Temple stands right beside it, and a flight of stone steps runs down alongside the fall from the temple grounds. During monsoon season, and for a few weeks after, the falls are at their strongest. They tumble over the ridge in a full sheet and loud, you can hear it before you see it. During the dry months you'll find a thin trickle winding its way down the rocky wall instead. So ideally aim your shooting adventure from July through to around October. The temple steps will give you a variety of angles. Partway down you can frame the falls with the pool below and trees on either side, and then from the bottom of the steps you can shoot straight up the face. Overcast monsoon light creates soft and even tones, which saves you fighting the gap between white water and dark rock. Bring something to keep spray off your gear because it carries further than you'd think. The rock stays slick and green with algae most of the year, so test your footing before committing to a position. Arvalem Caves sit a few minutes away, five rock cut cells from around the sixth century, cool and dim inside and a complete change of subject. Buses run as far as Sanquelim, but you'll want your own transport or a taxi for the last stretch. If you time your visit during a weekday in the wet season there's a good chance you'll have it to yourself. (Sanquelim, Goa, India)