Things To Do In Igatpuri – A Complete Travel Guide

Sahyadri Hills in the Western Ghats include the gorgeous hill station of Igatpuri, a fascinating beauty that has grown in popularity over time due to its breathtaking scenery and captivating vistas. Naturalists and thrill-seekers will delight at Igatpuri, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Fortresses, mountain ranges, waterfalls, and a nice environment combine to create this paradise on earth, giving you multiple options for your ‘Igatpuri places to visit ’ itinerary.

Igatpuri has a slew of fascinating attractions that will have you wishing you could stay and explore the whole city forever. In order to get there, you may take one of the following routes: 

By Air: The nearest airport is Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport, which is located in the city. Igatpuri is accessible by road or rail from Mumbai.

By Train: The Igatpuri Railway Station is the most convenient railhead in the area. It has excellent connections to all of the main cities in India.

By Road: Igatpuri can be reached easily by bus from Mumbai. This option is also available if you’d like to go 37 kilometres away to Shahapur. Shahpur has more buses than Igatpuri, making it easier to go about. Igatpuri is around a two-hour drive from Mumbai.

Take a look at the following Igatpuri tourist spots, all of which should be included in your schedule whether you are planning a trip to the area or if this is your first time in Igatpuri.

13 best Igatpuri tourist places for a marvellous trip

Tringalwadi Fort

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In the shadow of the Ghatandevi Temple is where you’ll find the Tringalwadi Fort, perched at an elevation of 3000 metres above the ground. The path between Konkan and Nashik may be seen in its entirety from the heights of the fort. The fort, which is said to have been constructed in the tenth century, is popular among people who like hiking and trekking.

The pinnacle of the fort at Tringalwadi, which resembles a turban and looks out across the whole mountain range, is a popular tourist attraction. At the base of the hill that surrounds Tringalwadi Lake is where one may see a temple dedicated to Hanuman. A little distance away from here is where you’ll find Talegaon Lake, which was created when the minor dam was built.

You may access this location between 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Tringalwadi is easily accessible by car, owing to the area’s superb network of roads. It’s located at a distance of 10.4 km and takes around 30 minutes from Igtapuri to the summit of the fort.

See also: Top 15 places to visit in Maharashtra

Vihigaon Waterfall

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Near Nashik, you’ll find the Vihigaon Waterfall, a destination ideal for a rejuvenating weekend escape amidst nature’s wealth. The waterfall is well-known for the mesmerising natural beauty that surrounds it as well as the 120-foot drop that tourists may rappel down for around half an hour. The portion of the journey through the woods that leads up to the waterfalls is also extremely intriguing.

The monsoon season in India, which lasts from July to October, is the ideal time to go to Vihigaon falls. However, there are no restaurants or hotels in the town. In the village, there are just a few locals who are willing to let visitors use their restrooms and provide them with traditional meals.

Vihigaon Waterfall is located at a distance of 13.5 Km from Igtapuri. In order to get there, You have to get on the CST, Mumbai local train on the central line and go in the direction of Kasara. Once you have arrived in Kasara, you will need to hire a local cab to finally reach this spot.

know about: shahapur

Kalsubai Peak

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The Sahyadri Ranges are home to a number of mountains, the most notable of which is Mount Kalsubai. In Bhandardara, one of the most breathtaking sights is the magnificent mountain that can be seen in the distance. Due to the fact that it is the highest point in the state of Maharashtra, it is often referred to as the “Everest of Maharashtra.”

The hike is rather arduous, and even the most experienced hikers frequently have some trouble making it to the peak. If you don’t want to go up to the summit, there are now steps you may use. On the other hand, it is not too difficult to climb the hills close to the Kalsubai summit.

Igatpuri is linked to Mumbai by National Highway 3, which rises from Mumbai all the way to Agra. Once you have arrived in Igatpuri, the trip to the main village will take you only one hour.

Because the temple of Kalsubai is only able to accommodate three people at once, lodging may be found in the base village. Another option is to set up a camp near Bhandardara Dam. The base town has a variety of food options. 

Vipassana Centre

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The Dhamma Giri Meditation Centre, founded by S. N. Goenka, is a mutt that provides meditation classes based on Buddha’s teachings. Igatpuri’s main entrance is distinguished by a massive golden pagoda that also serves as a marker for the Center. The mutt attracts tourists from all around the world, including India. The best time to visit the Vipassana Centre is between 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM. 

The town of Igatpuri, where Dhamma Giri is located, is around 137 kilometres from Mumbai through Mumbai-Nasik Central Railway. Taxis and three-wheeled taxis (autos) are available for Dhamma Giri from the Igatpuri railway station. From the train station, it would take ten to fifteen minutes to walk there.

 

Bhavali Dam

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The Bhavali Dam is a mammoth dam constructed on the Bham River in the Bhavali locality situated in Igatpuri, Maharashtra. The embankment is a well-known destination for vacationers in the area due to its dimensions of 111.5 feet in height and 5090 feet in length. People come here to take in the picturesque natural splendour, and it is also a well-liked location for picnics in the surrounding area. 

In addition to that, the water that is stored behind the dam is used in the areas that surround it for irrigating crops and for drinking. This Igatpuri tourist place, characterised by an aura of calm and stillness, is accessible by ascending a staircase of around one hundred steps.

It is strongly suggested that you pay a visit to Bhavali Dam in Igatpuri during the monsoons. Nevertheless, a trip there on cold nights is just as enjoyable to take. Driving distances along NH160 from Nashik to Mumbai are, respectively, 50.2 and 120 kilometres. From the Igatpuri Railway Station, you may take a cab or an auto-rickshaw to reach Bhavali Dam.

 

Bhatsa River Valley

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Just before you approach Igatpuri from Mumbai, you’ll find the picturesque Bhatsa River Valley. Spectacular rock formations and lush foliage abound towards the edge of Thal Ghat. Tourists go to this place to visit Igatpuri to take in the breathtaking views of the Bhatsa River and its neighbouring valleys from atop a cliff overlooking the route. It is ideal to visit the place between 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Igatpuri Railway Station is located 5 kilometres away from the Bhatsa River Valley Viewpoint.

 

Sandhan Valley

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Sandhan Valley, situated in Ahmednagar, North Maharashtra, in the Sahyadri area, is well-known for being referred to as “Maharashtra’s Grand Canyon”. It is characterised by a deep rock situated in the middle of two mountain ranges. Away from the hustle and bustle of other visitors, this place is perfect for anybody who enjoys an active lifestyle or maybe simply wants to challenge themselves by doing something outside of their normal routine. However, in order to be able to embark on this difficult journey, one has to have a significant amount of previous trekking experience in addition to a high degree of physical fitness and endurance.

Sandhan Valley is at a distance of 67.7 km and reachable by road in a period of around three hours from Igtapuri. There is a shortage of public transit in this area. It is advised that you go by cab or by vehicle. There are not a lot of options for vacationers looking for lodging. Many people go with the option of staying in local homestays.

Trekking in Sandhan Valley is best done between November and February, avoiding the heat and monsoon seasons. Trekking may be difficult in the summer because of the high humidity and heat. Rainfall during the monsoon makes it difficult to access the valley.

Kasara Ghat

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The hilltop destination of Kasara Ghat is nestled at an elevation of 585 metres, and it is encircled on all sides by hills covered with verdant vegetation and breathtaking natural scenery. The mountain pass is located in the Sahyadris range and serves as a connection point for both roads and trains running between the eastern and western parts of the country. The location is often well-liked by those who have an appreciation for the outdoors and a thirst for adventure.

The adjacent waterfalls are a sight to see and may be reached by a short hike through the hills. At first glance, it seems to be a piece of paradise on earth, blanketed in fog. Many visitors come here to escape the city’s busyness, while others come to enjoy a peaceful picnicking with their family members in the middle of a beautiful setting and breathtaking vistas. It is located at a distance of 18.3 km from Igtapuri and will take you around 26 mins to reach there via local buses. 

 

Myanmar Gate

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Igatpuri, Maharashtra is home to the renowned Vipassana Meditation Centre and  Dhamma Giri Math. The entrance to these two institutions is known as Myanmar Gate. You will arrive at the gate, adorned with architectural excellence and artistic embellishments, after travelling down a winding, narrow route. 

The gate in and of itself is a well-known destination for tourists and takes its design cues from the architectural style of Thailand. The gate is not only located in what is often considered among the most attractive spots in the area but is also framed in the background by some really stunning mountains. In addition, there is a small garden not far from the location, which guests and sightseers use in order to rest and unwind.

 

Camel Valley

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The Camel Valley may be found on the right side of the road only a few kilometres before reaching the Bhatsa river valley and 4.2 km from the Igtapur city. The waterfalls, which are the primary draw for visitors to this location, may be found on the other side. It is imperative that you pay a visit to the Five Waterfalls, which include five distinct water sources falling one after the other. Even from the train, one can see the superstructure. 

Kulanggad Trek

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A hill fort known as Kulanggad may be found in the Indian state of Maharashtra, located at a distance of 17.8 km from Igtapuri. The peak of this hill fort rises to a height of about 4800 feet, making it the highest point of any hill fort in the state and will take you a day to reach there. The fort offers a breathtaking panorama of the mountains and peaks located in its immediate vicinity.

From the highest point of the fort, one may look out in a number of different directions and see mountains with names like Dhakoba, Kalsubai, and Naneghat. There are still ruins of vast chambers inside the fort, which were most likely utilised as storerooms in the past. On the right-hand side of the passage leading into the stronghold is a cave that is rather substantial in size. In addition to the water reservoirs, the upper level provides access to water cisterns as well. Steps chiselled precisely into the rock provide access to the fort’s upper levels.

Due to the significant amount of time that will be spent on the walk, the hikers are strongly encouraged to bring their own food supplies with them. In addition, there is catering accessible in the base village. At the very top of the fortification is a large cave that has enough room for around twenty-five individuals all at once.

Bitangad Trek

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Maharashtra is home to the hill fort known as Bitangad. It is one of the several forts of this kind in the area of Nasik, and it is elevated to a height of around 3500 feet above the ground. The highest point of the hilltop is now rather insignificant, and there is not much that can be found there. 

It is about 50 kilometres to the east of Igatpuri and may be accessed through Ghoti on National Highway 3 to get to the main village of Bitanwadi. There are buses that go from Igatpuri to the main village, passing via Taked Phata and the community of Ekdara on the way.

On the ascent, there is a cavern, and at the peak, there are several water storage cisterns. The peak’s plateau, enveloped in tall grasses and providing a breathtaking view of the Kalsubai range’s peaks, is located at the very top of the mountain.

The Bitangwadi base community does not have any food available for purchase. Because the journey may take some time, you should bring your food supplies with you. It is impossible to fit more than one person inside any of the caverns that are located within the fort. It is possible to make suitable arrangements for shelter at the base village or in the Hanuman temple that is located in the village.

Amruteshwar Temple

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The stunning Amruteshwar Temple is made entirely of stone and was designed specifically to honour Lord Shiva. The distance between the main city and the Amruteshwar Temple is 64.7 km. It is possible to get there from Igatpuri via the Bhandardara dam since it is located near the little community of Ratanwadi. 

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Igatpuri?

The months of June through October, which fall within the monsoon season, and the months of November through January, which fall within the winter season, are the finest times to go to Igatpuri. Igatpuri's surrounding meadows are at their most beautiful during the monsoon season when an abundance of colourful flowers are in full bloom and the landscape is at its most lush and green.

How can I navigate the city of Igatpuri?

If you're coming from Mumbai or anyplace else in Maharashtra, public transportation is a great option. Regular local buses link Mumbai with Igatpuri and Nashik at Igatpuri. Alternatively, you might rent a private car or take a taxi for the day. If you don't have a lot of luggage, using the local train is the best option for commuting.

What is the native cuisine of Igatpuri?

Who should come to Igatpuri?

It is a dream destination for tourists as well as photographers and filmmakers. Since it is home to a worldwide meditating centre that teaches enlightenment meditation, commonly known as Vipassana, it is also an excellent choice for individuals who are searching for a weekend retreat as well as yoga fans.