Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla - Goa's Oldest Stone Temple

Goa, GoaTEMPLE

A 12th-century basalt stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located inside the forests of Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. It is Goa's oldest surviving temple.

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TEMPLE

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1-2 hours

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

No Parking

Photography

No Photography

About the Destination

Overview

Located deep within the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, the Mahadev Temple at Tambdi Surla is a remarkable example of 12th-century architecture. Made entirely of grey-black basalt, it stands apart from other temples in Goa. The temple is built in the Kadamba-Yadava style and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visitors first notice its remote and quiet setting, surrounded by forest and with the Surla River flowing nearby. The structure itself is compact but full of detail.

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Location & Address

Near Tambdi Surla village, Sanguem, inside Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Tambdi Surla, Goa, Goa, India

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Best Time to Visit

The best period to visit is from October to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant and dry, making the drive and exploration comfortable. The post-monsoon months of October and November are particularly beautiful, with the surrounding forest at its greenest. Summer, from April to May, can be very hot. The monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rainfall, which can make the forest roads slippery and the area prone to leeches.
Peak Crowd: October-January, weekends, and during the Mahashivratri festival, when many local devotees visit.
Moderate Crowd: February-March and on weekdays during the tourist season.
Low Crowd: April-September, due to the intense summer heat followed by heavy monsoon rains.

How to Reach

Air

Goa International Airport (GOI) in Dabolim is the nearest major airport, located about 65 km away. The drive from the airport takes approximately 2 hours by taxi.

Train

The nearest major railway station is Madgaon Junction (MAO), about 45 km away. Kulem (QLM) is a smaller station closer at 12 km, but with fewer train connections. Taxis are available from Madgaon.

Road

The temple is around 65 km from Panjim and 50 km from Margao. It is best reached by car or scooter, taking the turn-off from National Highway 748. The final stretch is a scenic drive through the forest.

Local Transport

Renting a scooter (around ₹400-600 per day) or a car is the most flexible option. Taxis can be hired for a round trip, but ride-hailing app services are not reliable for pick-up from this remote location.