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When talking about lesser-known destinations in Maharashtra, Tungareshwar Temple stands out as one of the names. The temple is located inside the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, adding to the charm and the natural beauty of the place. If you are in the mood for adventure and a whole lot of spiritual and religious significance, Tungareshwar Temple is one such destination. This Shiva temple, surrounded by lush greenery, is truly a sight to behold. As you are planning your itinerary around Maharashtra, Tungareshwar Temple in Vasai is a non-negotiable.
Quick Details About Tungareshwar Temple
Tungareshwar Temple Address: CW82+HJ7, Tungareshwar Rd, Thane, Sativali, Maharashtra 401303
Tungareshwar Temple Timings: 5 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: June to February
Trek Duration: 2 – 3 hours from the base
Trekking Difficulty: Easy to moderate
About Tungareshwar Temple
Photo: Anurag bhatu / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tungareshwar Temple is a popular shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated on the Tungareshwar Hills near Vasai. The spiritual experience of the temple is enhanced by the dense forests. The serene design and architecture of the temple heighten the beauty. However, what makes the entire experience stand out is the journey you have to embark on to reach the temple. The trek, starting from Vasai, takes you through a picturesque route filled with streams, waterfalls and scenic forested paths. The views of the waterfalls and the surrounding area increase multiple fold during the monsoon season, adding to the experience. The temple holds great significance for devotees, especially during the festival of Mahashivratri when thousands of pilgrims undertake the trek to offer prayers.
How To Reach
Photo: PIYUSH P PUJARI / Wikimedia Commons
Though relatively lesser known, reaching Tungareshwar Temple is quite convenient. Various modes of transportation can get you to the temple with ease:
By Air: Since the temple is located in Vasai, Maharashtra, your nearest airport is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. Once you reach the airport, there are taxis available outside to take you to the temple.
By Rail: Vasai Road Station is your nearest railhead from the temple, which is well-connected to both Western Railway and Central Railway networks. From Vasai, the temple is about a 30-minute drive, so you can opt for shared cabs or even take autos.
By Road: Tungareshwar Temple is located approximately 10 kilometres from Vasai city. You can drive via the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway (NH 48). Then, follow the route leading towards Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary to reach the base of the hill, from where the trek usually starts. If you aren’t driving, there are autos and local buses available too.
Things To Do
Beyond offering your prayers at the temple, there are numerous other activities that you can immerse yourself in when you are visiting the Tungareshwar Temple:
1. Trek To Tungareshwar Temple
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The trek to Tungareshwar Temple is one of the main highlights of a visit here, offering a perfect combination of adventure and spirituality. Starting from the base near Vasai, the trail winds through a beautiful forested area, a part of the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. This moderate trek takes about 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and fitness level. During monsoon season, the beauty and charm of this trek come to life. It’s advisable to start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and to carry enough water and snacks for the journey.
2. Visit The Tungareshwar Waterfall
Photo: Ravi Kant / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another activity that you can experience around the temple is to witness the beauty of the nearby Tungareshwar Waterfall. The waterfall is located a short walk from the main trekking route. The best time to visit the temple is during the monsoon season, between June and September, since the views are breathtaking. Also, during your trek to the temple, you can stop by and relax around the waterfall to catch a break from the tiring ascent. You can also capture amazing shots of the surrounding greenery and the view of the waterfalls from there, adding to the charm.
3. Explore Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: William Warby / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Since the Tungareshwar Temple is located within the wildlife sanctuary, that is another activity that you have to immerse yourself in. The sanctuary is part of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s extended area and is known for its biodiversity. While walking through the forest, you may spot monkeys, deer, peacocks and a wide range of bird and butterfly species. Beyond that, the sanctuary also has numerous hiking trails winding around the area, enabling you to have the time of your life.
4. Participate In Mahashivratri Celebrations
Photo: Pranayraj1985 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Since the Tungareshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the celebrations come to life during Mahashivratri. The temple is decorated with flowers and lights during this festival and thousands of devotees flock to the temple to seek blessings from the deity. The atmosphere is filled with devotion, and the rituals performed during the festival offer a unique spiritual experience. Many devotees even indulge in fasting and then break their fast after the puja and darshan are done.
Places To Visit Around Tungareshwar Temple
After you finish offering your prayers at the Tungareshwar Temple, you can then take your time to explore these surrounding sightseeing spots:
1. Vajreshwari Temple
Photo: Guptaele / Wikimedia Commons
Head to Vajreshwari Temple, one of the most significant Devi Temples in the area. The temple is dedicated to goddess Vajreshwari, a form of Goddess Parvati. Beyond the religious aspect, the temple is equally renowned for its hot springs, which are located nearby. The hot springs are said to provide relief for ailments such as arthritis and skin diseases. Also, the temple is located on a hilltop, so you have to indulge in some physical activity to get to the top.
Distance From Tungareshwar Temple: 27.5 km
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9 PM
2. Ganeshpuri Ashram
Photo: Nichalp / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Ganeshpuri, located near Vajreshwari, is famous for its ashram dedicated to Swami Nityananda, a respected spiritual leader. This place has a peaceful ambience that attracts people looking for spiritual retreats and meditation. The ashram offers various programs related to yoga, meditation and spiritual teachings. Ganeshpuri also has its own set of hot springs that are popular among visitors for their therapeutic properties.
Distance From Tungareshwar Temple: 27.9 km
Timings: 4 AM – 9:15 PM
3. Vasai Fort
Photo: Gladson777 / Wikimedia Commons
Vasai Fort, also known as Fort Bassein, is a historical site located about 18 kilometres from Tungareshwar. The fort has a rich history dating back to the 16th century when it was a prominent Portuguese stronghold. At present, the ruins of the fort remain and they tell a story of the past. You can also witness the stunning towering walls and the ancient structures, which add to the architectural significance of the place.
Distance From Tungareshwar Temple: 18 Km
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Where To Stay
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If you are considering extending your stay around the temple to explore some of the nearby sightseeing spots, you will find numerous hotels and resorts in close vicinity. Some of the most popular accommodations include the Golden Chariot Vasai Hotel, Hotel Imperial Mumbai, Rudra Shelter International Hotel and Hotel Sai Residency.
Where To Eat
Photo: Ashwini Chaudhary(Monty) / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
There are numerous eateries and restaurants around Tungareshwar Temple that you can check out. These offer a variety of dishes from vegetarian to non-vegetarian and traditional Maharashtrian to international cuisine. A few of the highly rated options are Rudra Shiv Sagar, Sai Vihar Restaurant, Hotel Citizen Restaurant and Green Chilly Restaurant.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: SuvadipSanyal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- Wear comfortable shoes as the trek can be slippery during the monsoons.
- Carry enough water and snacks for the trek, as there are limited food options en route.
- Apply insect repellent, especially during the monsoon season.
- Avoid littering; keep the sanctuary clean and respect wildlife.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowd.
A visit to the Tungareshwar Temple in Maharashtra is a must if you are interested in experiencing a blend of spirituality with adventure. Be it the trek or the nature around, the temple truly leaves you spellbound and feeling fulfilled. So, the next time you are planning a trip down to Vasai with TripXL, be sure to include this temple and the wildlife sanctuary in your itinerary.
Cover Photo: Mumbaipsytrance / Wikimedia Commons
