Tambdi Surla waterfalls

Goa, the smallest state in India is rich with its cultural heritage, churches, beaches and world heritage architecture. The culture of the state has been largely influenced by the occupation of the Portuguese when they first landed on the beaches of Goa in the 16^th century. There are churches that are built according to the Portuguese architecture and the vault of St. Francis Xavier, where the mortal remains have been laid to rest.

Goa is rich in flora and fauna owing to the presence of the Western Ghats which is a rich biodiversity hotspot.

HISTORY

Goa had also been referred to in the great epic, Mahabharatha as Goparashtra or Govarashtra which means’ a nation of cowherds’. The state had also been mentioned in some of the sacred texts such as ‘Hariyansa’ and ‘Skanda Purana’ as ‘Gopakapuri’ and ‘Gopakapattanam’. The Greek geographer, Ptolemy had mentioned about Goa as ‘Aparantha’ in the third century BC and it was also mentioned as ‘Nelkinda’ by the later day Greeks in the 16^th century.

There is sufficient proof that Goa had been inhabited 20000 to 30000 years back as there is presence of rock art engravings. Cones, stone axes and choppers of inhabitants 10000 years ago have also been unearthed.  There are sufficient proofs to state that the Maurya Empire ruled the area during the 3^rd century BC and later by many other dynasties like Chutus of Karwara feudatories and Satavahanas of Kolhapur. There was a brief reign by the Delhi sultanate followed by the Vijayanagara Empire and later by the Bahmani Sultanate. The Portuguese came in by 1510 and were there till 1987.

NATURES GIFT

Goa has a few rivers like the Mandovi, Zuari, Terekhol, Chaporakushavathi and the Sal with tributaries that run a large network throughout the state. These are the lifelines of the state. There are rocks that are 3600 million years old. There are a number of beaches which account for the popularity of Goa especially by foreigners who come in droves to escape from the harsh winter in their countries.  Tourism to a great extent is based on the coastal area. Another beautiful sight is the waterfalls that are magnificent within the virgin forest areas. One of the most fascinating waterfall is Tamdi Surla.

The Tamdi Surla Waterfalls is at a distance of 32 kms. from Margao and 65 kms. from Panaji, the capital of Goa. It is situated deep in an area that has to be trekked. It takes 45 minutes of brisk walking to reach the place. There is a temple known as the Tamdi Surla temple which has been made under the Kadamba style of architecture. The last stop before reaching the place is Darbondora village from where visitors will have to walk to the falls. The trek is to be made through dense forest and several streams which makes the walk very refreshing and enjoyable. The waterfall can be heard before it is reached by the roar of the water that cascades down from the heights.

 WHEN TO GO

The climate of Goa features the tropical monsoon variety and is hot and humid most of the year. Summers are hot and the hottest month is May where temperature goes up to 35⁰C. The rains visit the state from June till September.  Winters are mild from mid December to February when the temperature remains between 21⁰C during the night to 28⁰C during the day.

REACHING THERE

Tamdi Surla can be reached from Bolcomem village which is 13 kms. away or from Darbondora Village. There is an airport in Goa at Dabolim near Vasco-da-Gama. This airport largely caters to all international and domestic flights apart from chartered flights. The public transport system is not adequate and people resort to small taxis and motorcycle taxies. The National Highway 66 passes through Goa and is connected to many major metros and cities in the country. The state is linked by South Western Railway and the Konkan Railway and the station is at Vasco-da-Gama. Goa also had a harbour at Mandovi that catered to passenger steamers.

PEOPLE

The people of Goa are a boisterous lot with a hearty cheer and they welcome all people with a smile. Generally non-vegetarians, there are Hindus, Christians and Muslims in that order and speak Marathi, Konkani, Kannada and English. There are people who speak Portuguese also.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION

There are some eateries near the Mahadev Temple at Tamdi Surla where there are light refreshments. Accommodation is available in Tamdi Surla but is limited.  Margao is not far and there are accommodations that will fit every pocket. Reserve in advance if Goa is being visited during seasons.

PRECAUTIONS

1. Visitors will have to watch their step next to the waterfall. The rocks are slippery and treacherous.
2. There is no way that a visitor can have a bath in the stream below the waterfall. The current is too strong.