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Igatpuri

''Igatpuri is a beautiful hill station in Nashik District of Maharashtra State. Situated in the hills of Sahayadris at a height of 1900 feet above sea level, it is popularly known as the queen of sahayadris. One of the less publicized hill stations of the state, it is 130 km from Mumbai.
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.

BEST TIME 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.

PLACES AROUND IGATPURI

Bhatsa River valley - The Bhatsa River valley is situated at the end of the Thal Ghat, just before entering Igatpuri from Mumbai.The valley lies in the basin of the majestic Bhatsa River.

Arthur lake - A few kms from Igatpuri, lies a huge, placid and breathtakingly beautiful Arthur Lake, set like a huge jewel amidst the dense greenery.

Amruteshwar Temple - Built in 11th century AD, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Constructed in a distinct Hemadpanti style, the temple is surrounded by lush green fields and Mount Kalsubai the highest mountain in Maharashtra.

Dhammagiri - Founded by S.N.Goenka, Dhammagiri is a math which offers courses in Vipasana (insight meditation) a technique taught by the Buddha in India, 2,500 years ago. The large Golden Pagoda, the central theme of Dhammagiri serves as a landmark for Igatpuri.

Ghatandevi Temple - Just ahead of Igatpuri, after crossing the camel Valley, comes across a small road, which leads to the Ghatandevi temple. According to the locals belief, Ghatandevi is the Protector of Ghats. The mountains of Durrar Utvad, Trimak and Harihar forms a spectacular backdrop. Behind the temple lies the Tringalwadi Fort.

Tringalwadi Fort - It is situated at an altitude of 3,000 feet above the sea level. Since it is located very high, the fort offers picturesque scenery of the whole locality, especially Kulang and Kalsubai mountain ranges.

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 and one have to walk over and look down to find a slop that falls over 1, 000 ft. The waterfall is the chief attraction of this place.

CLIMATE

The climate at Igatpuri is majorly pleasant and salubrious throughout the year. The short period of summer can be hot and parched. Travelling is generally avoided during this time. The Monsoons that follow are a welcome change from the heat.

During this time, Igatpuri transforms into a green paradise with milky white waterfalls enriching the entire experience of sight-seeing. Winter is also a nice time to visit this place with the temperature being just apt for travelling, trekking and sight-seeing.

HOW TO REACH THERE

Air: The Chattrapati Shivaji Airport in Mumbai is the closest International Airport to Igatpuri. It is 119 km away. The Gandhinagar Airport at Nashik is 55 km away and is the nearest Domestic Airport to Igatpuri.

Rail: The Tapovan Express travels regularly from Mumbai to Igatpuri. The Kasara Railway Station is the nearest major railway point which connects to other cities in Maharashtra. It is about half an hour away by cab.

Road: The state owned Maharashtra Buses links Igatpuri to other cities and towns in Maharashtra. There are tourist buses available too, which cost about Rs. 500 on an average but may differ according to the buses you choose.