5 Popular Igatpuri Places You Should Visit

Long Weekend? And we Mumbaikars get a reason to head out of the concrete jungle. The most famous and top of the list is Lonavala and Khandala, very popular among tourists, and often found very crowded. A monsoon getaway is the best If you really the rainy season and enjoy getting wet. This time round we wanted to try some place else, so we got into travel gear to take off to Igatpuri places. I just wanted to enjoy the lush greenery and breathe the fresh air of the hills.

Igatpuri is well connected with highways and roads however the best way to reach this place is by train. It’s cheapest and fast, with some beautiful views of beautiful Indian landscapes. There is a direct train between Mumbai and Igatpuri, Nandigram Exp which takes you 1h 35m to reach.

The Resort You Should Not Miss When you Visit Igatpuri

There are more than 30 hotels and resorts at Igatpuri. The famous Manas Resort is one of them, but you can look for other options too. Look out for something that has

• Good rooms with affordable prices ( ask for the off season discount )
• Swimming Pool and kids area
• Free WIFI ( very important )
• Multi cuisine with option of veg meals

  

  

  We narrowed down on Tropical Resort and Spa, an upcoming resort with good rooms and a beautiful pool. It has a gym and multi cuisine kitchen. We did face a few hiccups as the resort not fully complete yet. But this place has some real warm and helpful staff on board.

The 5 Must Visit  Igatpuri Places

1. Visit Bhatsa/ Camel Valley

The Camel valley lies in close proximity of the great Bhatsa River Valley. The view of the valley is like a picture postcard, I was too fascinated with this picture postcard view. A little stream flowing below was the river that looked dried up waiting for some heavy showers to fill up again. We all took a stroll by the edge to rejuvenate ourselves amidst the lush greenery of the Camel Valley. It was so thrilling to see the different shades of green and breathe clean fresh air.  A treat for the lungs .

2. Vippasana Centre

This little hill station has been put on the map by a Vipassana Academy, that practices the old art of Vipassana meditation. The true meaning of living life with positivity, I have learnt from here when I visited 10 years ago. A large Golden Pagoda also serves as its main landmark. Beautiful Buddhist painting can be seen here.

3. Ashoka Falls

The sound of water cascading from a height of about 120 feet into a pool was truly magical. This is one of the best natural waterfalls of Maharashtra and also a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Nashik. The fall rose to fame after many shots of the film, Asoka, starring Shahrukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor were picturized here, hence also got its name.

4. Ghatandevi Mandir

The locals come to this shrine and worship the idol of Goddess Ghanta Devi, who they believe is their protector. But after taking blessing from the Goddess, my eyes fell on a small gate that said ” Paryavatan Udyan “. On venturing inside we were enthralled at the serenity and tranquility of the place. There was a point where we could see the Goods train ruffing and puffing through the mountains. Wooden tree log swings and chirping birds greeted us. A light shower got us wet but I was loving this rainy day even more. The pristine aura and mesmerizing panorama, makes the visit worthwhile.

5. Vaitarna Dam

The Vaitarna Dam is built in the Vaitarna River and is one of the most beautiful places in Igatpuri. This Dam was built in the mid 50’s. Situated in a very picturesque domain, it attracts several nature lovers. This is the main water body that supplies water to half of Mumbai. The Vaitarna Dam proffers a dazzling panorama, which is the rocky crest of the Western Ghats.

My Gang of Girls

We are truly blessed to have experienced fog with clouds hanging so low, I could reach out and touch them. With my Aunts and sisters, there was never a dull moment. Singing, dancing, games and crazy moments filled up two days. Taken back beautiful memories and promised to meet up real soon.

Until next time, keep enjoying, keep traveling…. 

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