“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’s
trekking 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 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 |
**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.
ReplyDeleteYes Somali. The temple is really beautiful and very well maintained.
DeleteLoved 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 :)
ReplyDeletePurba, I can relate to your feeling. Gald you liked the post. Thank you dear. :)
DeleteWow, Dipanwita! After a long time! A great post.
ReplyDeleteYes Rakesh. Was completely tied up last month so not written much.
DeleteThank 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
ReplyDeleteThat makes the place more beautiful. A small basalt temple surrounded by greens. The place is very serene and peaceful.
DeleteNice pics as well
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
DeleteThank you Kaustubh :)
ReplyDelete