Igatpuri Hill Station

I Igatpuri hill station, situated in the Nashik district in the state of Maharashtra, gather a place among the most popular hill stations in India. Situated along the Western Ghats, I am known for the Vipassana international academy; where many people come to learn Vipassana, an ancient form of meditation. I am surrounded by the highest peaks of the Western Ghats. I am considered to be a heavenly place for the trekkers. You would be glad to know that most of the Indian movie outdoor scenes specially the songs are shot here.

I am famous for my scenic beauty and various type of foods like vada pao and idly. I am one of the best places in Maharashtra to visit during the monsoons. The Igatpuri railway station is one of the major railway stations of the country. The international centre for Vipassana popularly known as the Dhammagiri is supposed to be the largest Vipassana center. The major places of attractions are the Bhatsa river valley, Kalsubai peak, Arthur Lake and the Amruteshwar temple. The Bhatsa river valley is located at a place known as the Thal Ghat. It is a picturesque spot filled with lush green vegetation and majestic rocks that are formed by the river flowing through it. The Kalsubai peak is the highest peak among the mountain ranges there located at a distance of 35 kilometers from Igatpuri. The Arthur lake is another significant place of attraction located a few kilometers away from Igatpuri which is formed by the waters of two rivers namely Pravara and Bhandardara. The amruteshwar temple is a temple of lord Shiva built in the 11th century. The temple is beautifully surrounded by green fields.

Sightseeing In Igatpuri :                                                                                                              

 

Sightseeing In Igatpuri - Igatpuri boasts of some breathtaking valleys and waterfalls such as the Bhatsa River Valley at the fag end of the Thal Ghat & lush ravines are a part of the view. The renowned Camel valley, so called, because of its shape, catches the eye. One could even possibly stumble upon many waterfalls & creeks that fall over 1000 feet onto the base of the valley. Those who go there also pay their respects to the goddess of the Ghats at the Ghantadevi Mandir. A little further from Ghantadevi, a 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.

Another such valley is the Konkankada valley & its falls & Randha falls not so far away which is best enjoyed in the monsoon season when in full force.

Tringalwadi Fort can be accessed through a small path on the mountain adjoining Igatpuri & trekking a bit further would take one straight to the Tringalwadi lake & the Talegaon lake. The Wilson Dam mentioned earlier is built on the Pravara river close by & from the dam one can see the highest peak of that range Mount Kalsubai.

The Trimbakeshwar Temple, another highlight of this region is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of the world. The extraordinary feature of the Jyotirlinga located here is that it has three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu & Lord Mahesh (Shiva). The temple is known for its appealing architecture & sculpture & is at the foothill of a mountain called Brahmagiri. Godavari River originates on the Bramhagiri mountain & meets the sea near Rajamundry.

The Amruteshwar Temple is another attraction known for its intricate carvings in the Hemadpanti style. Other places to see are the Agasti Rishi Ashram, the Ratangad Fort. & the Davebandh Ganesh Temple. 

Igatpuri, 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, & splendid knolls, Bhatsa River Valley is blessed with an exquisite charm. An intense wood cover created by the tributary on this valley is an enjoyable spectacle, & the unsullied atmosphere has the power to console the carcass & the mind.

With a striking depth of blissful shrubbery & rocks that jog downwards the road & the glimpse of the majestic hills, this valley is having a mesmerizing appeal. A must see location which is endowed with many tourist assets, this river valley is an ideal place to explore the nature’s splendor 

Ghatandevi Mandir, Igatpuri - An 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. Bounded by the massive Western Ghats, the temple for the Goddess of Ghats presents an eye-catching spectacle to the devotee. The majestic peaks of Harihar, Durvar Utvad and Trimak poses as an imposing backdrop to this elegant shrine.

A pretty shrine in a serene, tranquil atmosphere is definitely wakes up the faith in divinity to anyone. A lovely temple in a gorgeous valley, Ghatandevi Mandir is a worth for a watch.

Camel Valley, Igatpuri - 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. The enthralling scenery of a waterfall, which cascades from a height of 1000 feet, is really stunning.

Monsoon in its natural vista is at its best in this region. Everything around will be wrapped under lush greenery and one will be enthralled by rejuvenating walk through the lakeside in a soothing atmosphere. More adventurous people can try the challenges of river crossing and rafting and others can enjoy the marvel of soaking in the cascading waterfall.

An imposing spot with unsurpassed beauty, Camel Valley in Igatpuri is an ideal tourist destination for water enthusiasts.

Tringalwadi Fort, Igatpuri - 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. Being in an elevated position, this massive fortress houses the picturesque scenery of the whole locality, especially the view of the peaks from this fort is incomparable.

The small path, which leads to the fortress itself kindle one’s curiosity. It is amazing to notice that the surrounding area of this fort will be fully cultivated during the Monsoon season and one have to voyage kilometers to reach to the base of this colossal structure. A magnificient temple dedicated to lord Hanuman makes a marvelous setting to this stunning fort.

A favourite tourist spot in the Igatpuri Region, Tringalwadi Fort also provides excellent opportunities of trekking.

Tringalwadi Lake, Igatpuri - 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. The lakeside is ideal destination to squander a quiet and comforting evening. Though small in size, this lake houses panoramic scenery of the massive fort and the majestic mountains. During monsoon the lakeside offers a haunting site to the tourists.

Walking through the banks of this pretty watercourse, in a pleasant evening is a rejoicing feeling. The gentle breeze, chirping of birds, and the music of the gushing water, Tringalwadi Lake offers the nature at its best.

Vaitarna Dam, Igatpuri - 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 .A lovely lagoon with a vast extend of black waters, flanked by deep woods, makes this dam site a delight for the tourists.

Besides its panoramic beauty, the importance in the dam is that, it is the chief source of water and electricity to the Mumbaikers. Considering the increasing demand, a new dam is planned to be constructed on the Vaitarna River, was commissioned in 2011. This is the second highest dam in the state.

Bhandardara Sight Seeing Places - One of the less famous hill stations in the Western Ghats, but nevertheless charming and peaceful, amid lush forests, Bhandardara is located in Maharashtra.

In the lap of the Sahyadri Hills, Bhandadra is famous for its high mountains, picturesque waterfalls and abundant greenery. Apart from its serenity and closeness to nature, Bhandadara’s other claims to fame are the Arthur Lake, one of the country’s largest lakes; Wilson Dam, one of the oldest dams in Asia (built in 1910) and the largest earthen dam in the country; Mount Kalsubai, the highest mountain peak in Maharashtra (1,646 metres) from where there is a grand view of the lake and the dam; and cascading waterfalls during the monsoons – the renowned Umbrella falls and the Randha falls.

Besides, its proximity to the pilgrim city of Shirdi makes it a perfect stopover.

Arthur Lake : The pride of Bhandardara id the huge, placid and breathtakingly beautiful Arthur Lake, set like a huge jewel amidst the dense greenery. The lake is formed by the waters of the Pravara River.

Wilson Dam - The Wilson Dam also known as Bhandardara Dam is India’s is the largest earthen dam in the country and one of the oldest dams in Asia. It was built in 1910 on the Pravara River and boasts a height of 150m. At the base of the dam is a circular garden and a swimming pool. The cool placid waters of the river run by for miles.

Mount Kalsubai - Towering over Bhandardara like a watchful sentinel is Mt. Kalsubai, at 1,646 meters the highest peak in the Sahyadri range. During Maratha rule, this peak also served as a lookout point.

Amriteshwar Temple - An 8-km boat ride on the Arthur Lake takes visitors to the historical Amriteshwar Temple, which houses the idol of Lord Shiva. It is famous for its intricate carvings, in the Hemadpanti style, which can be traced 1,200 years back in history.

Ratangadh - A top favourite with trekkers, this historical fort gets its name from the resident deity, Ratneshwaridevi. It was captured by Chhatrapati Shiivaji Maharaj and was one of his favourites. It has a breathtaking view from its ramparts.

Umbrella Falls - This artificial waterfall is formed when one of the sluice gates from the Wilson Dam is opened (when water levels rise above acceptable limits during the monsoons or whenever water is needed for irrigation) It is vaguely umbrella-shaped as it fans out over the rocks. A pathway takes you from the park at the foot of the dam to within drenching distance of the falls.

Agasti Rishi Ashram - According to the Ramayan, the Agasti Rishsi Ashram, situated on the bank of the Parvara River, was visited by Ram, Laxman and Sita. It was the magical arrow given by Shri Agasti Rishi to Ram that was used to kill Ravana. Legend has it that the rishi meditated here for a year, living on water and air.

  Nearby Attraction :

  Sula Wines – 51 kms

  Coin Museum – 22 kkms

  Trimbakeshwar Temple – 20 kms

  Archery Museum – 45 kms

  Gliding Club – 45 kms

  Shirdi – 110 kms

  Bhandardhra – 47 kms

  Shagun Water Park – 25 kms

  Kalsubay Peak, Highest Peak of Mahashtra – 35 kms

  Vaitarna Dam – 2 kms

How to reach

In order to reach Igatpuri you will either have to take a long distance train or take a bus on reaching Kasara. You can avail trains and buses from Mumbai to go to Kasara. Either take Tapovan Express to Igatpuri or any local train to Kasara from CST. Then take a bus or a taxi from Kasara that will take you to Igatpuri. It takes about 2.5 hrs in train and about 30-40 minutes by road from Kasara to Igatpuri. 

Weather

Weather in Igatpuri is generally pleasant throughout the year. Major Attractions in Igatpuri Tourists generally enjoy this calm and quite place by walking and climbing the hills. The valleys here will definitely inspire one to fall and roll on them. Many people Visit Igatpuri for trekking to the mountains. The lively waterfalls and streams adds to the beauty of the place.