About Tambdi Surla Falls
Tambdi Surla Falls is a forest cascade on the Surla stream in the heart of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, flowing past the most extraordinary cultural monument in Goa — the 12th-century Tambdi Surla Mahadeva temple, the oldest surviving temple in Goa and one of the finest examples of Kadamba-Yadava architecture in India. The falls and the ancient basalt temple together create one of India's most evocative combinations of natural and cultural heritage, in a forest setting of remarkable ecological richness.
The Tambdi Surla temple was built in the 12th century in a forest so deep that it was never discovered by the Portuguese colonisers who destroyed most of Goa's Hindu temples — the forest protected it for 500 years. Today the surrounding forest of the Bhagwan Mahavir sanctuary still protects the temple and the falls, and the area is one of Goa's finest wildlife habitats with gaur, leopards, and the Malabar giant squirrel regularly seen. The combination of ancient architecture, forest waterfall, and wildlife makes this one of Goa's most rewarding half-day experiences.
July–November for best flow; the ancient temple in the forest beside the falls creates unique shots at any time of year.
Include the 12th-century basalt temple in your composition — the contrast between the ancient carved stone and the living waterfall is extraordinary. Soft overcast light works best.