Igtapuri is a small village which falls on the way to
Nashik and is the first place after crossing the Thal
Ghat. It is located at a height of 1900 feet above sea
level. Yet it is known to the people only as a major
railway junction.
The beauty of Igatpuri is still untouched by the consequences
of civilization. Mornings are greeted by magnificent
sunrise, when the skies are painted with hues of gold,
orange and yellow. The grass is wet with morning dew
and birds begin their song.
Far much cooler than other hill stations of this area
such as Khandala, this land boasts of many places of
tourist interest, within and on the outskirts of the
village.
Bhatsa River Valley – The Bhatsa River Valley
is located just before entering Igatpuri, at the end
of the Thal Ghat. A dense tree cover formed by
the river on this valley is a pleasant sight, and the
fresh air is soothing to the mind and body.
Camel Valley - A few metres away from Bhatsa river
Valley, on the right is the camel valley. On the other
side of the valley is a spectacular waterfall formed
by the rain waters, which fall from a height of 1000
ft onto the base of the valley. The waterfall is the
chief attraction of this place.
Ghatandevi Temple (temple of the Goddess of Ghats)
- Just before entering Igatpuri, after crossing the
camel Valley, towards the right hand side, one comes
across a small road, which leads to the Ghatandevi temple.
This temple is half a kilometer away on this road. Behind
the temple lies the Tringalwadi Fort. The mountains
of Durvar Utvad, Trimak and Harihar, stand behind, forming
a spectacular backdrop.
The Five Waterfalls - A little further from Ghatandevi,
the rough road leading to the railway line begins. Across
the railway line, while climbing down, falling one below
the other, are five waterfalls that form a breathtaking
sight. The path to this place is a little difficult
and the best time to visit is the rainy season.
Lakes of Igatpuri – Igatpuri is home to many
lakes, namely the lake owned by the municipality, the
railway’s lake, the Talegaon Lake and so on. The
lakesides are the best places to spend a peaceful and
soothing evening.
Tringalwadi Fort - Behind the Mahindra Company in
Igatpuri, a turban like peak of the Tringalwadi Fort
can be spotted. A small path on the edge of the mountain
adjoining Igatpuri leads to this fort. The steps and
walls of this 3000ft high fort still stand in fine condition.
Behind the fort, on the edge, is a Hanuman temple. The
secret path is a must see. From atop the fort, the mountain
range from Kumpan to Kalsubai can be seen in a row.
The peaks of Utvad and Harihar can also be spotted.
A picturesque scene is formed on the eastern side of
the fort where the lake can be seen down in the valley.
This is a great place to do some cycling.
Dhammagiri - On the base of the mountain, located at
the outskirts of the village, is a ‘math’
(house of saints). This place is known for the ‘Vipassana’-
a Buddhist style of meditation and attracts people from
various parts of India as well as abroad. ‘Vipassana’
has made Igatpuri famous throughout the world, and the
famous pagoda of Dhammagiri serves as a landmark for
Igatpuri.
Seasons to Visit
Igatpuri is pleasant throughout the year. Summers
are mild, while winters are very pleasant and the nights
get chilly. Occasionally, the temperatures reach 5 degrees
on a cold night. Igatpuri experiences heavy rainfall
during the monsoons, so this time is suitable only for
those who enjoy the wet season.
Getting There
Igatpuri is located at a distance of 135 kms. from
Mumbai. It takes approximately three and a half hours
to cover the distance. As it is an important railway
junction, all trains halt here. State transport buses
for Nasik-Manmad also stop here.
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