Igatpuri is a popular and beautiful hill station in Maharashtra‘s Western Ghat Mountains, in western India. It falls in the Nasik District in Maharashtra and lies between Mumbai and Nashik Road on the Central Railway. This hilly town occupies a major section of the Western Ghats, located at 1900 ft. above the sea level. A dense forest,comes along with rugged terrain, which is a major reason why people want to visit Igatpuri. Another major tourist attraction the town offers is its numerous ancient temples. There are many resorts in igatpuri to book online and other attractions that attracts tourists in the country. The breath-taking scenic beauty of the mountains and the plains alongside a pollution-free environment offer enjoyment simultaneously.
How to reach Igatpuri
There are many ways of reaching Igatpuri, which means you can choose the most convenient one for you. Firstly, you can reach Igatpuri by train as it is a major railway station where all trains stop for 20 minutes as the locomotive engine gets changed here. One good thing about trains to Igatpuri is that almost all of them are mostly on time. From Mumbai, it is about 145Km from Mumbai and 45Km from Nashik. Secondly you can also reach Igatpuri by air. The closest airport is Mumbai’sChatrapatiShivaji airport terminal from where it is a 3 hours drive to Igatpuri. Thirdly, you can get to Igatpuri by road in your own private car or hire a cab or bus.Going by road gives you the chance to watch the elegant scenery of the town. It may be expensive but is very convenient especially for those who want to travel in their own private space.Also, several buses, connects to Igatpuri, from all the major cities around. There are few private car services, but the most common service is provided by the MSRTC, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation.
Things to see and do in Igatpuri
Igatpuri offers endless sightseeing and things to do. Igatpuri is a hill station famous for its beautiful lush green landscape and a pollution free environment. All nature lovers and people who want a break from their daily monotonous life find respite in the peaceful surroundings of this hill station. The place also abounds in historical forts most of which were built by the satavahana dynasty, the most popular being the tringalwadi fort which everyone must visit. Igatpuri is also famous for housing the internationally famous Vipassana International Academy, where the ancient technique of meditation known as Vipassana is taught, and the meditation course lasts for 10 days.
Another major attraction of Igatpuri is its beautiful waterfalls. Hundreds of visitors flock to the town every month due to the remarkable sight offered by the numerous waterfalls.
Located a few kilometres from the Ghatandevi Temple, the waterfall system comprises of five beautiful waterfalls that overlap each other as they fall down the rocky topography of the Western Ghats. You can easily see the waterfalls from the railway line that cuts through the area. This is also a common picnic spot for local residents and tourists in Igatpuri.
The highest peak in Nashik district of Sahyadri’smountainis the Kalsubai Peak (1646 meters) lies on the border of igatpuritaluka and Ahmednagar district. The ideal time to visit kalsubai peak is at the Navratri occasions, many stalls are set up near the NavratriUtsav for the puja materials during the Navratri period for all the nine days. It is also a great adventure spot for trekkers.If you wish to do more trekking, the Camel Valley is one of your best options. It’s a long extension of hill ranges covered with a blanket of trees and shrubs. On some days, fog forms around the area gets draped with fog and you feel as if you are the only person there.
Lakes at Igatpuri
Igatpuri has numerous beautiful lakes which are situated in proximity to the railway station of igatpuri. The bigger lake, known as Railway Lake, is located near Girnare village and is a beautiful attraction of the place.
The Ghatandevi Temple is dedicated to Goddess “Ghatandevi”, the protector of Ghats. Peaks of DurvarUtwad, Trimak and Hariharforms the background of the temple. Most people visit this temple while on their waythroughNashik-Mumbai NH-3 Highway or while driving through KasaraGhat.
Where to stay in Igatpuri
There are many quality resorts in Igatpuri that suits all kinds of budgets ranging from small, comfortable and affordable resorts to 5-star resorts offering opulent, world-class services and amenities. Depending on your choice and budget, you can go backpacking across the beautiful nature trails of Igatpuri where you can rent A Luxury Villa, Bungalow or stay at a luxurious resort with wonderful amenities and services, Therefore, whether you are looking for a relaxing stroll in the midst of nature or looking to indulge in exotic spas and massages in a weekend of self-love, Igatpuri offers the best of both worlds.
PLACES TO VISIT NEAR IGATPURI
Trimbakeshwar: Located approximately 57 km north of Igatpuri, Trimbakeshwar is famous for having one of the unique and most popular Shiva jyotirlings. The name of the town is Trimbak, but it is known as Trimbakeshwar because of the famous temple located here. The temple has a one of a kind jyotirlinga with three faces on it and these faces denote Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. The lingam is carved of black stone. The complex of the temple consists of a pond, which is the source of Gidavari River. The temple walls are adorned with figures of various gods, goddess and intricate sculptures. The pillars are carved intricately and beautifully. It is said that the temple was constructed by PeshwaBalajiBaji Rao. Trimbakeshwar is an ideal place for people seeking spiritual solace.
Igatpuri is a beautiful weekend destination for all those who love nature, history and peace. It has everything that will offer you relaxation, peace and an intimate time with your loved ones, away from the noise and pollution of the city. So Igatpuri must be your next go-to destination. You and your loved ones will cherish the time spent here all your life.
