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Temple in the Sea

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Historical site
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Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)

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The Temple in the Sea, located in Waterloo, Trinidad, is a remarkable testament to the perseverance and spiritual devotion of Sewdass Sadhu. An Indian indentured laborer, Sadhu initially built a temple on land in 1947, but it was demolished by the colonial government as it was situated on state-owned property. Undeterred, he spent the next 25 years of his life hauling stones and dirt into the Gulf of Paria to create an artificial island, thereby bypassing land ownership restrictions. The current octagonal structure, which was completed and consecrated in 1995 to mark the 100th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Trinidad, stands as a symbol of cultural resilience. Visitors reach the temple via a 150-meter long pier, where they can observe the colorful murtis and intricate Hindu architectural elements against the backdrop of the sea. Today, the site serves as a place of worship and a significant cultural landmark that honors the history of the Indo-Trinidadian community.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262627282827272727272726
Rain mm100615256117222202202141176213178

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Temple in the Sea at Waterloo is a Hindu structure standing directly in the sea, accessible via a causeway. Visitors can view the temple and its surroundings.
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Typical hours
The temple is typically open daily, but exact hours may vary. It is recommended to visit during daylight.
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Photography
Photography is allowed outside and inside, but avoid flash in the prayer hall. Respect worshippers and their rituals.
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Time needed
A visit usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, including the walk on the causeway. The sea view is particularly appealing.
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Combine with
Combine the temple visit with a stop at the nearby beaches of Waterloo. The sugar plantations in the region are also worth seeing.
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Getting there
The temple is located on the coast at Waterloo and is accessible by car or taxi. Parking is available near the causeway.
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Insider tip
Visit at high tide when water washes up to the base. Shoes should be easy to remove as the entrance is often wet.

History & landmarks

1947

Geography

Coordinates
10.48330, -61.46670

Facts

  • Sewdass Sadhu spent 25 years building the artificial island by hand using a bucket and a bicycle.
  • The original temple built on land was demolished by British colonial authorities in 1947.
  • The current structure was completed in 1995 for the 100th anniversary of Indian arrival.
  • A 150-meter long concrete pier connects the shore to the temple in the sea.
  • The temple's octagonal design features several colorful statues of Hindu deities.
  • It is located in Waterloo on the western coast of Trinidad, overlooking the Gulf of Paria.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Waterloo TempleWaterloo Temple<1 km · NEExplore →
Hanuman StatueHanuman Statue2 km · NExplore →
CouvaCouva4 km · NWExplore →
Caparo RiverCaparo River5 km · NExplore →
CaliforniaCalifornia5 km · WExplore →
Caroni Bird SanctuaryCaroni Bird Sanctuary5 km · EExplore →
ChaguanasChaguanas6 km · NExplore →
Caroni RiverCaroni River6 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Temple in the Sea (2)

Indian Caribbean Museum of Trinidad and Tobago📍 landmark

The Indian Caribbean Museum displays the history and culture of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago.

Carapichaima📍 landmark

Carapichaima is a town in central Trinidad, known for its sugar cane plantations and Hindu temple.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Temple in the Sea?
A Hindu temple built in the ocean by a single devotee.
What is the historical background?
It symbolizes the perseverance and faith of the Indian immigrants.
Does visiting cost anything?
No, the visit is free, please behave respectfully.
What is the dress code?
Shoulders and knees should be covered; remove your shoes before entering.
What is the best time of day?
At low tide, the causeway to the temple is particularly easy to walk.
Temple in the Sea: where is it located?
Temple in the Sea is located in Trinidad and Tobago.
Temple in the Sea: what is there to see?
Highlights include Indian Caribbean Museum of Trinidad and Tobago, Carapichaima.
Temple in the Sea: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Temple in the Sea: why is it worth visiting?
The Temple in the Sea, located in Waterloo, Trinidad, is a remarkable testament to the perseverance and spiritual devotion of Sewdass Sadhu.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Nearby cities

Chaguanas — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Chaguanas
The largest municipality of Trinidad, known for its vibrant markets.
San Fernando — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
San Fernando
The most populous city in the Trinidad region.
Port of Spain — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Port of Spain
The capital and third largest municipality of Trinidad and Tobago.
Arima — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Arima
A major commercial hub in eastern Trinidad.
Scarborough — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Scarborough
The capital and largest city of the island of Tobago.

History & landmarks

Waterloo Temple — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Waterloo Temple
An important Hindu temple in the coastal area.
Hanuman Statue — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Hanuman Statue
A massive statue of the Hindu deity Hanuman located in Carapichaima.
Hanuman Statue — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Hanuman Statue
An impressive statue of the deity Hanuman.
Caroni Bird Sanctuary — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Caroni Bird Sanctuary
A protected mangrove area for migratory birds.
Memorial Park — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Memorial Park
An important memorial park in the capital.
Brian Lara Promenade — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Brian Lara Promenade
A popular public area in the heart of the city.
Scotiabank Building — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Scotiabank Building
A prominent modern office building in the business district.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
A prominent Catholic cathedral.

Nature

Caroni River — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Caroni River
The largest river in Trinidad, emptying into the Caroni Swamp.

More places

Historic Sugar Refinery — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Historic Sugar Refinery
Remains of a refinery.
Spanish Chapel — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Spanish Chapel
Historic religious site.
Historic Sugar Mill — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Historic Sugar Mill
Old mill of a sugar plantation.
Fort Gros Islet — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Fort Gros Islet
Historic fortification near Port of Spain.
Old Courthouse — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Old Courthouse
Historic justice building from colonial times.
Spanish Garrison — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Spanish Garrison
Historic station for Spanish soldiers.
Old Port Office — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Old Port Office
Historic administration building at the harbor.
Slave Market Site — Temple in the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago)
Slave Market Site
Memorialized site of the slave era.