Marleshwar Cave Temple & Waterfall
मार्लेश्वर
A cave Shiva temple in the Sahyadri hills, beside the Dareshwar Waterfall. The waterfall carries plenty of water in the monsoon, making it a popular rainy-season destination on the Konkan coast.
Marleshwar lies on the Sahyadri foothills about 50 km east of Ganpatipule, reached via Sangameshwar. From the parking area, climb about 500 steps to the Shiva temple inside a natural cave in the cliff face. Legend says snakes often appear inside the cave and are considered auspicious. Beside the temple, the Dareshwar Waterfall drops about 70 m from the clifftop and is most spectacular in July–October. Every mid-January, during the Makar Sankranti festival, a fair celebrates the 'wedding' of Shiva and the goddess. The steps are slippery in the rainy season, so watch your footing. In the dry season the waterfall carries very little water.
Opening hours
Approx. 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (free)
Nearby sights
- Thibaw Palace
- Thiba Point
- Aare Ware Beach
- Lokmanya Tilak Birthplace
- Bhatye Beach
- Pawas (Swami Swarupanand Ashram)
- Mandavi Beach
- Prachin Konkan Museum