SO[u]LE MATES
The 13th-century black basalt Mahadev Temple at Tambdi Surla, surrounded by forest
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Tambdi Surla

A forest walk to Goa's oldest surviving temple.

Photo: Mahabalaindia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Moderate

Difficulty

5 km

Distance

2-3 hours

Duration

200 m / 656 ft

Elevation

Post-Monsoon, Winter

Best Season

Why This Trek

Tambdi Surla

Tambdi Surla is less about distance and more about what the forest has kept intact - a 13th-century temple that survived centuries of upheaval simply because it was too far into the trees to be found easily. The walk from the temple to the waterfall beyond it is short, but it moves through real sanctuary forest, with stream crossings and a canopy that stays cool even in the middle of the day.

Before You Book

  • Forest access may require a valid permit.
  • Authorised guide support may be mandatory.
  • Departure depends on current route availability.
  • Weather and wildlife conditions may affect access.
  • Route and timings can change for safety reasons.
  • Camping is only offered where currently permitted.
  • Government ID may be required for permit registration.
  • Final confirmation is issued only after operational verification.

The Trail

The trail begins at the Mahadev Temple and follows a forest path toward a seasonal waterfall roughly 1.5 km further in, crossing a couple of shallow streams along the way. The ground turns rocky and uneven in patches, which is where the moderate grading comes from despite the short distance. The route sits inside Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, so access and trail conditions follow current Goa Forest Department rules.

  • Goa's only surviving Kadamba-era temple, carved entirely in black basalt
  • A short forest trail through the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary buffer
  • A stream-fed waterfall a short walk beyond the temple

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Temple to waterfall and back

    Visit the Mahadev Temple, then follow the forest trail in to the waterfall and back out the same way. A relaxed morning or afternoon outing rather than a full trekking day.

    5 km

Who Is This Trek For?

Fitness level required: moderate. Group size runs 4–12 people. Age range: 8–60 years.

What to Carry

  • Trekking or grip-soled shoes
  • Insect repellent
  • 1L water capacity
  • Modest clothing for the temple visit

Safety

  • Trek leader carries a first-aid kit
  • Rocks near the stream and waterfall get slippery - footing is checked before any water crossing
  • Weather-based rescheduling takes priority over the itinerary

Permits

Tambdi Surla sits inside Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, which requires a Goa Forest Department entry ticket. Availability and access rules are set by the department and can change - always confirm current requirements before booking.

Cancellation Policy

A ₹1,000 Booking Advance secures your booking request. Final confirmation is issued only after operational and permit verification. The advance is non-refundable and non-transferable, as it blocks your spot in the group.

If we cancel a trek due to weather, safety, or forest department restrictions, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.

Sustainability

The trail runs through active sanctuary forest around a protected monument - small groups and a no-plastic rule keep both the temple site and the forest undisturbed.

From the Trail

Frequently Asked Questions