Galteshwar Mahadev Temple

 

Visit Galteshwar Mahadev Temple in Timba Village: A Spiritual Retreat by the Tapi River

On the auspicious occasion of Shravan, seeking blessings from Mahadev is truly special, and one such place where you can experience divine peace is Galteshwar Mahadev Temple. Located in Timba Village, this revered temple sits on the serene banks of the Tapi River and is a must-visit for spiritual seekers and nature lovers alike.

How to Reach Galteshwar Mahadev Temple

The temple is approximately 31 km from Surat Railway Station, accessible via Kamrej Highway. Its tranquil location amidst nature makes it a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat.

Key Highlights of Galteshwar Mahadev Temple

One of the most unique features of this temple is its 62-foot-long idol of Mahadev, which radiates a sense of divine calm and tranquility. Just gazing at the idol brings a deep sense of inner peace.

Behind the Mahadev idol, you will find a stunning replica of Mount Kailash, which adds to the temple's spiritual ambiance. Inside this replica, there is a museum dedicated to the 12 Jyotirlingas that are located across India. This museum offers a fascinating insight into the sacred shrines. Visitors can enter the museum from the left side of the idol and exit from the right. While there is no entry fee to visit the museum, photography is strictly prohibited, including mobile phone photography.

Sacred Kunds for a Holy Dip

Behind the Mahadev idol, you will also find four sacred kunds filled with water from the holy Triveni Sangam of the Tapi River, Mahisagar, and Gupt Ganga River. These kunds are visited by devotees who come here for a holy bath to purify the soul.

For those wishing to take a dip, there is an entry fee of ₹50 per person. The temple has separate bathing sections for men, women, and children, along with changing room facilities for added convenience.

Additional Attractions at Galteshwar Mahadev Temple

In addition to the main temple and the sacred kunds, Galteshwar Mahadev Temple also features two separate temples where visitors can offer their prayers. The temple complex is spread over a large area, complete with benches and shaded spots where you can relax while enjoying the scenic view of the Tapi River.

A small shop located near the temple sells Mahadev idols, bracelets, and chains, allowing devotees to take home a token of their visit. Within the temple campus, there is also a canteen that serves refreshments for all visitors.

For those planning to stay longer, rooms for accommodation are available, making it a perfect spot for an overnight spiritual retreat.

Parking and Accessibility

If you're traveling by private vehicle, there are parking facilities available with a nominal charge:

• ₹10 for 2-wheelers
• ₹30 for 4-wheelers

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Galteshwar Mahadev Temple is between July and February, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploration. Visitors can easily spend 2-3 hours here, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and the spiritual atmosphere.

Temple Timings

The temple is open every day from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and there are no entry fees to visit the temple, apart from the parking charges. You can visit at any time during these hours to soak in the tranquility and divine blessings.

Special Attractions at Galteshwar Mahadev Temple

• Holy Water of the Triveni Sangam – Take a dip in the sacred kunds, filled with water from the Tapi River, Mahisagar, and Gupt Ganga River.
• Massive Mahadev Idol – Marvel at the awe-inspiring 62-foot Mahadev idol, which radiates divine energy.
• Museum of the 12 Jyotirlingas – Explore the fascinating museum dedicated to the sacred Jyotirlingas of India.

Precautions for Visitors

• Carry an extra pair of clothes if you plan to take a holy dip in the kunds.
• Avoid littering the area—please do not throw plastic wrappers or bottles around the temple premises.

Conclusion

A visit to Galteshwar Mahadev Temple is not just about seeking blessings; it’s also about experiencing peace and serenity in a beautiful setting. With its spiritual ambiance, stunning views of the Tapi River, and well-maintained facilities, it promises a fulfilling and enriching experience for every visitor.

Kalibel Waterfall: A Hidden Gem Near Saputara

Kalibel Waterfall: A Hidden Gem Near Saputara

If you're planning a trip to Saputara during the monsoon, make sure not to miss the serene and peaceful Kalibel Waterfall. Tucked away in the Dang District, this hidden waterfall is a perfect escape into nature, offering a quiet retreat away from the crowds.

How to Reach Kalibel Waterfall

Kalibel Waterfall is located around 100 km from Surat, accessible via Vyara Bypass. The waterfall is just 2 km from Kalibel Village, and along the way, you may even come across another stunning waterfall—Koshmal Waterfall, which is about 10-12 km from Kalibel.

To reach the waterfall, you'll need to take a short 5-10 minute walk from the main road. There's no official parking lot, but you can safely park your vehicle along the roadside without any parking charges. While the waterfall is visible from the main road, it's worth exploring the trail to fully experience the natural beauty and peaceful ambiance of this hidden spot.

Best Time to Visit Kalibel Waterfall

The monsoon season (July to September) is the best time to visit Kalibel Waterfall, as the lush greenery surrounding the waterfall is at its peak. During this time, the area is transformed into a vibrant green paradise, with the waterfall flowing in full force, making it the perfect time for nature lovers and photographers.

You can easily spend 2-3 hours here, soaking in the tranquility and capturing beautiful photos amidst the breathtaking scenery.

Important Tips for Visiting Kalibel Waterfall

• Offline Maps: Since the area is a no-network zone, it's advisable to download Google Maps offline or ask locals from Kalibel Village for directions to the waterfall.
• Food: There are no food stalls or eateries near the waterfall, so be sure to carry your own snacks and refreshments.
• Best Visiting Hours: The waterfall is open 24/7, but it's recommended to visit during the daylight hours for the best experience and views.

Special Attractions

• Cool Water of the Waterfall: Feel the refreshing coolness of the water as it cascades down the rocks, offering a serene spot for relaxation.
• Peace and Serenity: Away from the usual crowds, Kalibel Waterfall provides a quiet, peaceful escape where you can enjoy the untouched beauty of nature.

Precautions to Keep in Mind

• Heavy Rainfall: During heavy rains, the flow of the waterfall may become stronger, so be cautious when near the water.
• Slippery Trails: The walking trail can be slippery, especially after the rain, so tread carefully.
• Respect Nature: Please make sure to not litter the area—dispose of plastic wrappers and bottles properly.

Conclusion

Kalibel Waterfall is one of Gujarat's hidden gems that offers both adventure and tranquility. If you are a nature enthusiast or someone seeking a peaceful retreat, this waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and cool waters, is the perfect spot to visit. Whether you want to relax, take photos, or simply enjoy the natural beauty, Kalibel Waterfall is a must-visit destination near Saputara.

Read it in Gujarati

Mahal ECO Campsite

Mahal Waterfall

Explore Mahal Eco Campsite: A Hidden Paradise Near Surat

If you're looking for a peaceful escape from the busy life of Surat and want to relax in nature, Mahal Campsite is the perfect destination. Nestled in the lush greenery of the Dang district, this eco-campsite offers breathtaking views, adventure activities, and a chance to unwind in the lap of nature.

Where is Mahal Campsite?

Mahal Campsite is managed by the North-Dang Forest Division and is located in Mahal village, right on the border of Purna Wildlife Sanctuary. It is about 120 km from Surat and can be reached via Vyara Bypass and Saraiya Bypass.

Once you reach Temka village, the journey takes you through dense forests, with a scenic river flowing alongside the road. Along the way, you will see waterfalls cascading down hills, deep valleys, and serene landscapes.

What to Expect at Mahal Campsite

As you enter Mahal village, you will see a sign for Mahal Eco Campsite. The entrance is just 300 meters from a bridge over the Purna River, offering stunning views in every direction.

Inside the campsite, you will find bamboo cottages for accommodation, providing a unique and cozy stay in nature. These need to be booked online in advance.

Adventure Activities

The campsite offers thrilling activities, including:
✅ Hanging ladder
✅ Commando net
✅ Zip line

Trekking & Wildlife Experience

One of the main attractions is the Karanjwa Trek, which takes you through dense forests filled with teak and bamboo trees. You will hear the soothing chirping of birds and see colorful butterflies along the way.

A local guide is mandatory to ensure you don’t lose your way in the forest.

Waterfall Experience

During the trek, you will come across a gushing waterfall. Visitors can climb down the stairs and take a refreshing bath under the waterfall. Sitting on the rocks, you can enjoy the peaceful sounds of flowing water and the beauty of nature.

Nearby Attractions

📍 Mahal Falls (2-3 km from the campsite)
📍 Raspathar Falls
📍 Purna River Bank

Important Tips for Visitors

⚠️ Avoid visiting during heavy rains
⚠️ Respect wildlife – Do not disturb animals
⚠️ No plastic waste – Keep the area clean
⚠️ Avoid using flash photography – It can disturb animals
⚠️ Do not carry loud sound systems – Enjoy the natural sounds

Best Time to Visit

🗓️ July to September (Monsoon season) – The lush greenery and waterfalls are at their best!

Special Attractions

✨ Bathing under the waterfall
✨ Staying in bamboo cottages
✨ Experiencing pure nature

Plastic-Free Surat 🌿♻️

Surat Municipal Corporation has installed a stunning Plastic Devil Statue at Dumas Beach, one of Surat’s top tourist attractions. This eco-friendly sculpture is crafted entirely from discarded plastic bottles, highlighting the importance of recycling and environmental conservation. The initiative serves as a creative awareness campaign to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability.

Let’s pledge to reduce plastic use! 🛑🚯
Plastic Devil Statue – Made entirely from used plastic bottles by Surat Municipality Corporation to spread awareness against plastic pollution. 🌍💚

The Environmental Impact of Plastic Bags and Sustainable Alternatives

Plastic bags have long been recognized as a major environmental hazard. They are made from crude oil, a non-renewable resource, and their production consumes nearly 100 million barrels of oil annually worldwide, according to the Natural Environment website. The extraction and processing of crude oil contribute significantly to pollution, making plastic bags an unsustainable choice.

One of the biggest concerns is their slow degradation process. Most plastic bags are non-biodegradable and break down into microplastics rather than completely decomposing. These tiny plastic particles contaminate land, rivers, lakes, and oceans, leading to severe ecological damage. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a floating mass of plastic waste twice the size of the USA, continues to grow, showing no signs of disappearing.

Despite growing awareness, improper plastic disposal remains a problem. Many individuals still discard plastic irresponsibly, contributing to widespread pollution. Marine life, such as sea turtles and seabirds, often mistake plastic for food, leading to fatal consequences. Studies estimate that over 100,000 marine mammals and countless birds die each year due to plastic ingestion. This issue also extends to land animals, affecting ecosystems and ultimately impacting human health.

While recycling is often promoted as a solution, it is not entirely effective, as plastic production still continues, and recycling itself consumes energy. The best solution is to reduce dependency on plastic bags altogether. Opting for reusable bags or crafting eco-friendly alternatives from scrap materials can significantly help in reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment.

Sunrise Photogrphy

Location :  Surat, Gujarat

 Hello friends. I like nature photography. Currently I am living in Mumbai for job as iOS Developer, but for a sometime I went to my sweet home Surat. At there, I woke up early in morning, go to my balcony(my home at 6th floor road side) and eagerly waiting for sunrise. I like to watch sunrise and sunset too much. I had clicked of some sun rise photos, those I have posted here.

See photographs, What you can notice about sunrise? I have described my notice things after photographs. But try to notice some thing from all following images.

Have you notice that, sunrise point is different in each pics?

Sun change the risen, point each day. See following pic in which I have uploaded two photos with date, for comparison of sunrise point at different season. Following 2 photos were of first week of January and last week of February, So in 2 months sun risen point changed drastically. This drastic change you can see mostly in Winter. You all konw story of  Makar-Sankrat, sun entering into Makar(Capricon zodiac).



Enjoy Environment, Save Environment.

In following pic, you can see photo of morning 6.00 a.m photo. It is just before 10 mins of sun was going to be risen. At 6.00 a.m, also moon is seen easily in east-south side. I have also seen sun and moon same time at morning. Some times, moon is seen till around 8.00 a.m.

Sunrise from Different Place : 

Sunrise on Tapi River Bank

If you like my sunrise photography,  please comment and share it.

Birds with Sky Photography

Caption : Birds with Sky

Info : I have captured some flying, eating, sitting(or standing, I don't know what to tell) birds. I loved to take photos of nature like birds, animals, sky, sun, etc. Seeing those images gives us pleasant to mind. Some pics are clicked when I went to my building terrace for taking sunset scene.

 

EMR can destroy the birds eggs and embryos. The huge reduction of house sparrow populations, that of the red-whiskered bulbul, brahminy kite, and the spotted dove is alarming.

There are several reasons this happens:

1. Lack of proper food or fruits.
2. Disappearance of grasslands.
3. Expansion of industrialisation.
4. Harmful EMR.
5. Modernisation.
6. Unlimited use of wireless cell phones.

Albert Einstein said: “I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots.”

At the very end , I must too say this: No birds, no lives, save birds, save ourselves.

Give water to birds, fed them, If they are alive then only we will alive, otherwise we also start dying like birds due to cutting trees and radiation .

Comment below how you like my clicks...

Sunset Photography

Sunset, also known as sundown, is the daily disappearance of the Sun below the horizon due to Earth's rotation. As viewed from everywhere on Earth, the equinox Sun sets due west at the moment of both the Spring and Autumn equinox. As viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, the sun sets to the northwest (or not at all) in the Northern hemisphere's spring and summer, and to the southwest in the autumn and winter; these seasons are reversed for the Southern Hemisphere.

Some amazing sunset clicked by me :

Sunset at Dumas Beach, Surat with CocaCola Bottle

As a ray of white sunlight travels through the atmosphere to an observer, some of the colors are scattered out of the beam by air molecules and airborne particles, changing the final color of the beam the viewer sees. Because the shorter wavelength components, such as blue and green, scatter more strongly, these colors are preferentially removed from the beam.

Sunset at Dumas Beach, Surat - Sun looks below electricity tower

Sunset at Manali

We can enjoy watching sunset by boating in Nakki Lake, Mount Abu.

Amazing sunset at Sunset Point or Honeymoon Point, mount abu

There are many sunset points in India where we can see amazing sunsets.

Top 12 sunset points in India.

1. Sunset View Point Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
2. Taj Mahal, Agra
3. Palolem Beach, Goa
4. Leh Ladakh
5. Fort Cochin
6. Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, Andaman
7. Ghats of Varanasi
8. Varkala, Kerala
9. Umiam Lake, Meghalaya
10. Dal Lake, Srinagar
11. Sunset Point, Mount Abu, Rajasthan
12. Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

My wish to go all above sunset points to click sunset points.