Tungareshwar is a beautiful place in Vasai area. The temple is situated in the scenic area of Sativali village east of Vasai on the hills of Tungareshwar, about 2 hours away from Mumbai. Located at a distance of about 10 km from Vasai Road railway station, this temple and its surroundings are worth a visit. To reach here, share rickshaws are available from Vasai Road station to Tungareshwar fork, which is seven kilometers away, and if you don't want to walk further, private rickshaws take you directly to the doors of Tungareshwar. From here, crossing the stream two to three times on a dirt road, we reach the temple of Mahadev within an hour. Situated in the midst of Tungareshwar Mountain, this restored Shiv temple is ancient and famous. The Shiv temple of Tungareshwar, located within the sanctuary, is crowded with Shiva devotees. This temple, which is surrounded by thick trees, is crowded every Monday during the month of Shravan. ... There is a legend about this place that the demon Vimalasur asked Shankar to come and stay here as a penance and he installed the Shivlinga given by Shankar at this place. Tungareshwar is a part of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Many small waterfalls are formed here due to the stone steps on the spring flowing near the temple. Tourists flock here to take a dip in this water. There is one more place in the dense forest of Tungareshwar and that is the Tungareshwar Falls. This waterfall is just 10 minutes away from the temple. This place in Vasai taluka is a special attraction for tourists during monsoon due to its natural beauty and waterfalls. Peacocks are seen around the Sadanand Baba temple here. Many people walk from the foothills to here. It is a distance of about an hour's walk but the natural beauty on the way does not make the walk tiring. As there are small eateries in the temple area, tea and breakfast can be provided here. Temples, forests and waterfalls can all be enjoyed here. If you still want more adventure, you can do a short easy trek from Tungareshwar to Parashuram Kund on the top. Many varieties of butterflies and insects can be seen in the forest on this path. An hour's drive from Mumbai, a trip to Tungareshwar forest makes for an enjoyable monsoon trek.
© Suresh Nimbalkar