| -Pragya Jhavar
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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