Igatpuri
Igatpuri is a town and a Hill Station municipal council in Nashik District in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is located in the Western Ghats. Igatpuri railway station lies in Nashik District between Mumbai and Nashik Road on the Central Railway. Igatpuri is known for Vipassana International Academy, where ancient technique of meditation is taught called Vipassana. Trains on this route usually change locomotives on this stop and also change the guards and drivers. The place is one of the best places to visit in Maharastra in monsoon. It is a hill station on busy Mumbai-Agra NH-3 only 45 km from Nasik and 130 km from Mumbai.
The station is famous for its scenic surroundings, wada pao and idlis sold by vendors to commuters traveling in the train. The exit of Igatpuri railway station signals the proximity of Mumbai on down route.
Igatpuri is surrounded by the highest peaks in Sahyaadri i.e. Western Ghats, most of them are forts built in Satavahana dynasty. It’s heavenly for trekkers and hikers, Most Indian (Hindi) movie outdoor scenes specially songs are shot in Igatpuri region. Igatpuri is a place of significance in terms of Vipassana meditation. The International Centre for Vipassana meditation called Dhammagiri, supposedly the largest Vipassana Center, is located here.[1][2] This region consists of those mountains which are accessed by trains going from Mumbai CST to Kasara and Igatpuri. Local trains only go up to Kasara, and don’t climb the Thal Ghat from Kasara to Igatpuri. Hence to go to Igatpuri, one has to either take a long distance train or reach Kasara by a suburban train and then take a bus uphill.
How to Reach:
Mumbai to Igatpuri 126 km
Pune to Igatpuri 245 km
Hyderabad to Igatpuri 699 km
Nagpur to Igatpuri 700 km
Bhopal to Igatpuri 700 km
By Road :- Maharastra road Transport Corporation connects Igatpuri to all neighboring cities. Buses connect Mumbai, Nasik and Kasara. Tourist buses are available from Mumbai to Kasara.
By Rail :- Igatpuri railway station is connected to Mumbai VT station by Tapovan express. Major railhead is at Kasara, which is connected to many cities through rail link.
By Air :- Nearest airport is Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, which is nearly 140 km from Igatpuri. Mumbai (Bombay) is well connected to all major cities in India and also connected to many cities abroad. Taxi services are the one direct travel possibility from Mumbai to Igatpuri.
Accommodation:
MTDC Resort is available at Panhala having A Cottages & Standard Room.
1.Hotel Ashwin
Opp, Mahindra & Mahindra, Talegaon,
Ashwin Nagar Rd, Igatpuri, MH
02553 243 720
2.Golden Resort
Khalifa Abdul Haee Marg Igatpuri, Maharashtra,422403
098 22 334254
3.Manas Resort
Plot No.303/A, National Highway 3, Talegaon, Igatpuri, Nasik, Maharashtra 422403
02553 301 111
4.Tourist Inn Hotel
637, Post Office Panhala, Near Panhala Club
Panhala
02328 235 072
5.Manas Lifestyle Resorts & Spa, Igatpuri
National Highway 3
Igatpuri, MH
Tourist Attractions:
Tringalwadi Fort:
Situated at an altitude of 3,000 feet above the sea level, Tringalwadi Fort at Igatpuri is an architectural marvel. Entire locale of Igatpuri is nested by the majestic Sahyadris and Tringalwadi Fort is also besieged by this stunning mountain ranges.
Vaitarna Dam:
Situated in a pictorial environment, Vaitarna Dam in the Vaitarna River offers the stunning scenery of the undulating stony peaks of the Western Ghats. Constructed in the early 50’s, this dam site commenced an era of concrete dams in India.
Bhatsa River Valley:
An imposing spot in Igatpuri, Bhatsa River Valley is placed in the basin of the majestic Bhatsa River. A pictorial spot with lustrous foliage, and splendid knolls, Bhatsa River Valley is blessed with an exquisite charm.
Camel Valley:
Camel valley in Igatpuri is situated adjacent to the majestic Bhatsa River Valley. An impressive cataract created by the rainfall, it is the prime attraction of this pretty location.
Tringalwadi Lake:
Igatpuri is the abode of numerous lakes, and the prominent among them all is the Tringalwadi Lake, which is under the control of Igatpuri municipality.
Ghatandevi Mandir:
Am impressive structure, Ghatandevi Temple is situated in a scenic place just ahead of Igatpuri. A unique shrine of its own, its deity is Ghatan Devi, believed to be the protector of ghats by the locals.
Weather:
Igatpuri climate is mixed with temperatures ranging between the extremes 42°C and 4°C. Summer during March to May is very dry and scorching with hot sun, the Monsoon season from June to November is accompanied with heavy showers. Winter is the pleasant season here during December to February, with cool climate all through.
Igatpuri celebrates all Maharashtra festivals with much fanfare and attractive fairs. The festivals celebrate include Deepavali (October), Ramnavami (March) and Holi (February/ March).
Best season to visit Igatpuri is September and November to February.
