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Hiranyakeshi Temple, Amboli

Temple · Sawantwadi, Sindhudurg

A small temple at the source of the Hiranyakeshi river near Amboli, set in the forest beside a cave where the river begins.

A few kilometres from Amboli, the Hiranyakeshi river begins its journey from a cave in the forest. A temple of Goddess Hiranyakeshi stands at the source, and the spring that flows from the cave is treated as sacred.

The walk to the temple passes through green forest and along the young stream, and the place is cool and quiet for most of the year. Many visitors combine it with Amboli's viewpoints and waterfalls.

The area is rich in wildlife, and naturalists visit the forest and the stream to look for frogs, fish and insects, especially in and after the monsoon.

The path can be wet and slippery. Wear good footwear, keep the source clean and do not disturb the stream.

Best time to visit

All year; greenest from July to November.

How to reach

Near Amboli, above Sawantwadi. Nearest railway station: Sawantwadi (Madure).

Places nearby

• Amboli Hill Station
• Sawantwadi Palace

Facts: Wikidata (CC0) and OpenStreetMap; map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.