Igatpuri

Igatpuri is a beautiful hill station located in the incredible Western Ghats of Maharashtra. The town is situated in the district of Nashik, about 228 km away from Pune. It is located near the Thal Ghat, which is a gateway to Mumbai and Nashik. Igatpuri’s all-year round pleasant climate, its cascading waterfalls, lush greenery, secret valleys and majestic mountains make it one of the most popular destinations for an unforgettable holiday with family and friends.

Monsoon and winter are the best seasons to visit Igatpuri. During monsoon, the entire landscape of Igatpuri transforms with an abundance of refreshing greenery, cooling breezes, misty atmosphere and spectacular waterfalls. The rains create a romantic ambience in Igatpuri, perfect for a memorable honeymoon. It is also the ideal location, where one can just relax and bond with family and friends amidst tranquil natural settings.

There are numerous attractions in Igatpuri where one can soak in its picturesque beauty. Boating in the serene Arthur Lake or enjoying a lakeside picnic near the backwaters of Vaitarna Dam is an amazing experience. One can also visit the Bhavali Dam, which is blessed with waterfalls during monsoon. Igatpuri’s magical Bhatsa River Valley is another big attraction. One can spend hours here, marveling at the dense forest and the gorgeous river that flows through the valley. Also, worth visiting is the nearby Camel Valley, which is covered in a thicket of green and is home to a huge waterfall.

Besides its amazing natural splendor, Igatpuri is well-known for the Dhamma Giri – Vipassana International Academy, one of the world’s largest meditation centers and the headquarters of the rapidly growing global Vipassana organization. Vipassana is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation, a universal remedy for universal problems. Those seeking peace of mind and inner rejuvenation can enroll themselves for a Vipassana course at this wonderful academy.

Igatpuri is also home to the Kalsubai Peak, the highest peak in the Sahyadris and in all of Maharashtra. Hiking up the Kalsubai Peak, which is also known as the ‘Everest of Maharashtra’ is an exciting and unforgettable experience for trekking enthusiasts. In addition to the Kalsubai Peak, there are several other peaks, hills and forts around Igatpuri. Most of these ancient forts were built during the rule of the Satavahana Dynasty.

One of the main attractions in Igatpuri is the approx. 3000 feet high Tringalwadi Fort, a fabulous spot for a trekking adventure. The fort is in ruins now, but worth exploring. The views from the top of Tringalwadi Fort are simply breathtaking. The Kalsubai Peak and the Kulang Fort can be easily spotted from the top. The ancient Jain and Buddhist caves situated at the foothills are another major highlight of Tringalwadi Fort.

There are two wonderful temples in Igatpuri. The Ghatandevi Temple, located near the Camel Valley is dedicated to Ghatandevi or ‘the Goddess of the Ghat’. The 11^th century Amruteshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is an acrchitectural marvel and its Hedampanti style construction makes for some stunning photographs. Near the Amruteshwar Temple is the Ratangad Fort, which another marvelous trekking destination.