All About Igatpuri
A small town, Igatpuri is beautiful hill station and one of the most popular weekend getaways from Mumbai as well as Pune. Located in the district of Nashik in Maharashtra, Igatpuri is nestled between the lush greenery of the Western Ghats. The pleasant climate, quaint old fort, waterfalls and majestic mountains make Igatpuri an ideal place for a relaxed vacation. The beauty of this place increases many folds during monsoon when its dense forest becomes greener and the waterfalls get revived. Igatpuri attracts nature lovers and trekkers. With many forts in the surrounding region, it is a paradise for hikers and trekkers.
The hill station is located on the NH3 Mumbai-Agra highway and is just 130 km north of Mumbai and 47 km south of Nashik. Igatpuri is close to Thal Ghat, which is a gateway to Nashik and Pune. The ruins of forts around Igatpuri is proof of it was situated at a strategically important location. It has gained popularity among those who seek peace and spiritual rejuvenation, as Igatpuri is home to the Vipassana International Academy. This meditation center offers training in the ancient technique of meditation, Vipassana. It is a major attraction in Igatpuri and is also called Dhammagiri. This vipassana center is considered to be the world’s largest meditation center. Ten-day meditation courses are offered by the academy.
Igatpuri is among the best places to indulge in activities like rappelling, rock climbing and trekking. The Ratangad forts and Tringalwadi Fort are famous tourist spots. Amruteshwar and
Ghatandevi temples also attract many visitors. Although you can visit Igatpuri throughout the year but the best time to visit this place is from June to September and November to March.
Sightseeing in Igatpuri. Located on the Mumbai-Shirdi route, Igatpuri is one of the popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. The place is a heaven for nature lovers and adventure sports enthusiasts. This beautiful hill station comes alive during monsoon. The gushing waterfalls, mist and the lush greenery make this place a must visit during the rains. Here is a list of places to visit in Igatpuri.
PLACES TO VISIT
Vaitarna dam: Vaitarna dam or the Upper Vaitarnna dam is constructed across the Vaitarna River. This gravity and earthfill dam is a famous tourist attraction. The dam was built in the early 50’s and is the main source of water and electricity for several parts of Mumbai. It offers a stunning view of the surrounding area and the Western Ghats. Surrounded by dense forest, quaint lagoon near dam is a must visit place in Igatpuri. You can visit this dam on all days of the week from 9 am to 4 pm.
Bhatsa River: Located just before entering Igatpuri and at the end of the Thal Ghat, Bhatsa River Vally is beautiful spot. This picturesque valley lies in Bhatsa River’s basin. Covered in thick greenery with river flowing through it, the valley will take you away from the crowd and pollution of the city. There are interesting rock formations in this valley created by the river flowing through it. The lustrous foliage, the woods, the river and the misty hills, make this valley a must-visit. This unsullied valley will rejuvenate your body and calm your mind. Bhatsa River Valley has a temple dedicated to the goddess of the Ghat called Ghatandevi Mandir. To see this place in its full glory, you must visit during the monsoon season. The valley lies near the Camel valley.
Camel valley: Located just about 4 km from the main Igatpuri town, Camel valley is one of the best kept secrets of the town. The valley lies near the picturesque Bhatsa River Valley. One of the major attractions in this valley is a roaring waterfall that gushes down from 1000 ft height. The valley becomes greener and comes alive with many waterfalls during the monsoon, which is the best time to visit the valley. The beautiful valley covered in a blanket of clouds is a treat for your eyes. You can also indulge in some adventure sports like river crossing and river rafting. The valley is also the perfect place to just relax and soak in it natural beauty. Camel valley is an ideal place for photographers and nature lovers. Visit this valley for a perfect holiday to relax and rejuvenate.
Tringalwadi Fort: One of the major tourist attractions in Igatpuri, the Tringalwadi Fort is an architectural marvel located at a height of about 3000 ft amidst the Sahayadri hill range. The fort offers a sweeping view of the surrounding region. This fort is popular among hikers and trekkers along with the nearby Kalsubaia nd Kulang mountain ranges. The top of the Tringalwadi fort looks similar to a turban. The exact time of this fort’s construction is not known, however, it is estimated that the fort is present since the 10 th century. Mughals took over the fort in the year 1688. Today the fort is in ruins but it is worth a visit. To reach the fort you will have to walk to the Tringalwadi Lake via a narrow pathway. The fort houses a small temple dedicated to Hanuman. From the fort, you can also see the Kulang and Kalsubai mountain ranges. Monsoon is the best time to go for a trek to Tringalwadi Fort.
Another attraction here is the Pandav leni caves, which are located at the foothill of the fort. Inside the caves, there is a statue of Gautam Buddha. You will come across many caves on your way up to the fort.
Amruteshwar Temple: Dedicated to Shiva, Amruteshwar temple was constructed in the 11 th century. This quaint little temple has Hemadpanti style of architecture and is famous for delicate carvings. With Mount Kalsubai in the backdrop, the temple is a must visit for people interested in history and nature. The Ratangad Fort, which is yet another tourist attraction in the region, is near Amruteshwar temple. You can reach the temple by boat across the Arthur Lake or take a road to the temple.
Ghatandevi Temple: Surrounded by three beautiful peaks of Harihar, Durvar Utvad and Trimak, Ghatandevi temple is dedicated to the goddess or the protector of the Ghat. People visit this temple to calm their mind and forget about the noise, pollution and hustle bustle of the city. The serene vicitnity of the temple attracts many visitors. The temple is open on all days of the week from 6 am to 6 pm.
How to reach Igatpuri from Mumbai
If you are travelling from Mumbai, there are state-run buses starting from Dadar (West). You can a also travel to this beautiful hill station by Central Railway ‘Suburban Local’ trains running between Kasara and Mumbai CST. From Kasara, take a bus or cab to Igatpuri, which is around 18 km away from Kasara.
Places to visit near Igatpuri:
Trimbakeshwar: Located about 57 km north of Igatpuri, Trimbakeshwar is home to one of the unique and most popular jyotirlings of Shiva. The name of the town is Trimbak, but it is known as Trimbakeshwar after the famous temple located here. The temple has a unique jyotirlinga with three faces on it and these faces symbolize Shiva, Vishnu and
Brahma.: The lingam is made of black stone. There is also a spire with a golden trident. The temple complex has a pond, which is the source of Gidavari River. The walls of the temple are decorated with figures of vaiorus goddess and god and intricate sculptures. The pillars are beautifully carved. It is believed that the temple was constructed by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao.
Trimbakeshwar is a perfect place for people seeking a spiritual getaway or nature lovers.
Bhandardara: Located 45 km south of Igatpuri, Bhandardara is a beautiful hill station. This place sits on the bank of the river Pravara. Bhandardara has several forts and trekking trails criss-crossing its lush green terrain. Kalsubai Mountian here is the highest peak in Maharashtra and very popular among trekkers. Other popular places are the Ratangad Fort, which is around 200 years old, and the Harishchandragad fort. Monsoon is the best time to visit this hill station as during this season many waterfalls gushes down from the hills and the entire region is covered in greenery.
A small town, Igatpuri is beautiful hill station and one of the most popular weekend getaways from Mumbai as well as Pune. Located in the district of Nashik in Maharashtra, Igatpuri is nestled between the lush greenery of the Western Ghats. The pleasant climate, quaint old fort, waterfalls and majestic mountains make Igatpuri an ideal place for a relaxed vacation. The beauty of this place increases many folds during monsoon when its dense forest becomes greener and the waterfalls get revived. Igatpuri attracts nature lovers and trekkers. With many forts in the surrounding region, it is a paradise for hikers and trekkers.
The hill station is located on the NH3 Mumbai-Agra highway and is just 130 km north of Mumbai and 47 km south of Nashik. Igatpuri is close to Thal Ghat, which is a gateway to Nashik and Pune. The ruins of forts around Igatpuri is proof of it was situated at a strategically important location. It has gained popularity among those who seek peace and spiritual rejuvenation, as Igatpuri is home to the Vipassana International Academy. This meditation center offers training in the ancient technique of meditation, Vipassana. It is a major attraction in Igatpuri and is also called Dhammagiri. This vipassana center is considered to be the world’s largest meditation center. Ten-day meditation courses are offered by the academy.
Igatpuri is among the best places to indulge in activities like rappelling, rock climbing and trekking. The Ratangad forts and Tringalwadi Fort are famous tourist spots. Amruteshwar and
Ghatandevi temples also attract many visitors. Although you can visit Igatpuri throughout the year but the best time to visit this place is from June to September and November to March.
Sightseeing in Igatpuri. Located on the Mumbai-Shirdi route, Igatpuri is one of the popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. The place is a heaven for nature lovers and adventure sports enthusiasts. This beautiful hill station comes alive during monsoon. The gushing waterfalls, mist and the lush greenery make this place a must visit during the rains. Here is a list of places to visit in Igatpuri.
PLACES TO VISIT
Vaitarna dam: Vaitarna dam or the Upper Vaitarnna dam is constructed across the Vaitarna River. This gravity and earthfill dam is a famous tourist attraction. The dam was built in the early 50’s and is the main source of water and electricity for several parts of Mumbai. It offers a stunning view of the surrounding area and the Western Ghats. Surrounded by dense forest, quaint lagoon near dam is a must visit place in Igatpuri. You can visit this dam on all days of the week from 9 am to 4 pm.
Bhatsa River: Located just before entering Igatpuri and at the end of the Thal Ghat, Bhatsa River Vally is beautiful spot. This picturesque valley lies in Bhatsa River’s basin. Covered in thick greenery with river flowing through it, the valley will take you away from the crowd and pollution of the city. There are interesting rock formations in this valley created by the river flowing through it. The lustrous foliage, the woods, the river and the misty hills, make this valley a must-visit. This unsullied valley will rejuvenate your body and calm your mind. Bhatsa River Valley has a temple dedicated to the goddess of the Ghat called Ghatandevi Mandir. To see this place in its full glory, you must visit during the monsoon season. The valley lies near the Camel valley.
Camel valley: Located just about 4 km from the main Igatpuri town, Camel valley is one of the best kept secrets of the town. The valley lies near the picturesque Bhatsa River Valley. One of the major attractions in this valley is a roaring waterfall that gushes down from 1000 ft height. The valley becomes greener and comes alive with many waterfalls during the monsoon, which is the best time to visit the valley. The beautiful valley covered in a blanket of clouds is a treat for your eyes. You can also indulge in some adventure sports like river crossing and river rafting. The valley is also the perfect place to just relax and soak in it natural beauty. Camel valley is an ideal place for photographers and nature lovers. Visit this valley for a perfect holiday to relax and rejuvenate.
Tringalwadi Fort: One of the major tourist attractions in Igatpuri, the Tringalwadi Fort is an architectural marvel located at a height of about 3000 ft amidst the Sahayadri hill range. The fort offers a sweeping view of the surrounding region. This fort is popular among hikers and trekkers along with the nearby Kalsubaia nd Kulang mountain ranges. The top of the Tringalwadi fort looks similar to a turban. The exact time of this fort’s construction is not known, however, it is estimated that the fort is present since the 10 th century. Mughals took over the fort in the year 1688. Today the fort is in ruins but it is worth a visit. To reach the fort you will have to walk to the Tringalwadi Lake via a narrow pathway. The fort houses a small temple dedicated to Hanuman. From the fort, you can also see the Kulang and Kalsubai mountain ranges. Monsoon is the best time to go for a trek to Tringalwadi Fort.
Another attraction here is the Pandav leni caves, which are located at the foothill of the fort. Inside the caves, there is a statue of Gautam Buddha. You will come across many caves on your way up to the fort.
Amruteshwar Temple: Dedicated to Shiva, Amruteshwar temple was constructed in the 11 th century. This quaint little temple has Hemadpanti style of architecture and is famous for delicate carvings. With Mount Kalsubai in the backdrop, the temple is a must visit for people interested in history and nature. The Ratangad Fort, which is yet another tourist attraction in the region, is near Amruteshwar temple. You can reach the temple by boat across the Arthur Lake or take a road to the temple.
Ghatandevi Temple: Surrounded by three beautiful peaks of Harihar, Durvar Utvad and Trimak, Ghatandevi temple is dedicated to the goddess or the protector of the Ghat. People visit this temple to calm their mind and forget about the noise, pollution and hustle bustle of the city. The serene vicitnity of the temple attracts many visitors. The temple is open on all days of the week from 6 am to 6 pm.
How to reach Igatpuri from Mumbai
If you are travelling from Mumbai, there are state-run buses starting from Dadar (West). You can a also travel to this beautiful hill station by Central Railway ‘Suburban Local’ trains running between Kasara and Mumbai CST. From Kasara, take a bus or cab to Igatpuri, which is around 18 km away from Kasara.
Places to visit near Igatpuri:
Trimbakeshwar: Located about 57 km north of Igatpuri, Trimbakeshwar is home to one of the unique and most popular jyotirlings of Shiva. The name of the town is Trimbak, but it is known as Trimbakeshwar after the famous temple located here. The temple has a unique jyotirlinga with three faces on it and these faces symbolize Shiva, Vishnu and
Brahma.: The lingam is made of black stone. There is also a spire with a golden trident. The temple complex has a pond, which is the source of Gidavari River. The walls of the temple are decorated with figures of vaiorus goddess and god and intricate sculptures. The pillars are beautifully carved. It is believed that the temple was constructed by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao.
Trimbakeshwar is a perfect place for people seeking a spiritual getaway or nature lovers.
Bhandardara: Located 45 km south of Igatpuri, Bhandardara is a beautiful hill station. This place sits on the bank of the river Pravara. Bhandardara has several forts and trekking trails criss-crossing its lush green terrain. Kalsubai Mountian here is the highest peak in Maharashtra and very popular among trekkers. Other popular places are the Ratangad Fort, which is around 200 years old, and the Harishchandragad fort. Monsoon is the best time to visit this hill station as during this season many waterfalls gushes down from the hills and the entire region is covered in greenery.