“Our way is unplanned and our path is unknown. Yet our journey is made whole when we travel as one”
– Anonymous
Sometimes, life gives us sudden surprises. It depends on how we react to those situations and how calmly we try to handle something which has gone wide of the mark. We can either make the most of it or waste time cribbing and throwing tantrums. Something similar happened when we started for the most awaited trek of the year, “The Dudhsagar Waterfall and Jungle Trek”.
They say, the best things in life always come unplanned. So, instead of trekking via Dudhsagar Waterfall, we went for jungle trek to Tamdi Surla Waterfall. And, an entire new itinerary added to Trek Mates India’strekking schedules.
History and Facts:
The Tamdi Surla Waterfalls (The Hidden Falls) is at a distance of 32 kms from Margao, 22 kms from Kulem and 65 kms from Panajim, the capital of Goa. It is situated deep in an area that has to be trekked. The last stop before reaching the place is Darbondora village from where visitors have to trek through dense forest and several streams which makes the walk very refreshing.
The Tamdi Surla temple is considered the most ancient temple in Goa. The intricate design and architecture is best example of a 12th century classic marvel. There are some interesting details about the construction which has led to debates about the actual origins of the temple. The size of the temple is quite small as compared to the size of an average Goan temple.
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| The Tamdi Surla Temple |
The beautifully carved and perfectly proportioned black basalt temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is reminiscent of the temples at Aihole in neighboring Karnataka. The temple has survived Muslim invasions and Portuguese persecution, in its almost perfect condition mainly due to its remote location in a clearing deep in the forest at the foot of the Western Ghats which surround the site in a sheer wall of impenetrable vegetation.
The temple is located at the foot of the Anmod Ghat, which connects Goa to the state of Karnataka. It is considered to be the only specimen of Kadamba-Yadava architecture in basalt stone preserved and available in Goa. The Kadamba dynasty ruled Goa between the 10th and 14th centuries and built the temple from finest weather-resistant grey-black basalt.
The temple is protected as a National Heritage Monument by Archeological Survey of India (ASI).
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| By ASI |
The river Surla flows nearby and can be reached via a flight of stone steps.
The Trek:
Please read the journey ahead in Tripoto.
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| Outside Pune Station |
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| The Dudhsagar Waterfall- As seen during night |
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| Timepass at Kulem |
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| Crossing the Stream |
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| The TS Waterfall |
Trekmates- Keep trekking, keep adventuring and keep smiling.
**Click on the pictures for better resolution
Picture Credits – Sandesh, Amrita, Vaibhav, Kunal, Arun, Shilpa and Rajesh Prabhu
Share your thoughts with me at dipanwiita@gmail.com
Share your thoughts with me at dipanwiita@gmail.com
Interesting to see this 12th century temple that survived invasions and persecutions and remains intact.
Loved reading your experience in this trek. It was amazing. Great pictures. And whenever I read your stories of trekking, I feel to go on a trek right then. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Wow, Dipanwita! After a long time! A great post.
Yes Somali. The temple is really beautiful and very well maintained.
Purba, I can relate to your feeling. Gald you liked the post. Thank you dear. 🙂
Yes Rakesh. Was completely tied up last month so not written much.
Thank you 🙂
Glad to know about the temple. Its a beauty though it appears as if it has been planted there without any connection to the surrounding
Nice post
Nice pics as well
That makes the place more beautiful. A small basalt temple surrounded by greens. The place is very serene and peaceful.
Thank you Kaustubh 🙂
Thanks 🙂