There is always something to explore on a mountain as you drink in the soft mountain air and the fragrance of mountain flowers, you tread down untraveled paths and gaze up the lofty peaks with their clouds of mist. If such a picturesque place lies not far, far away, but within an easy drive from the cities, it would be one of the most interesting vacation spots for any holiday goer.

Igatpuri, formerly known as Egutpoora, is a hill station that is located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. Set near the beautiful hill station of Bhandardara and quite accessible by the Mumbai – Nashik Highway, Igatpuri is a fine holiday destination that is preferred not only for the scenic mountain top forts and ample nature but also for the Vipassana Meditation Centre where one could detox from the monotony of city life and stress with yoga and meditation.

If you are planning a trip to Igatpuri, our travel and tourism guide should help you plan a good trip.

Igatpuri has easy and direct access by road and rail and the most preferable trip is by road, through charming and most picturesque landscapes.

By Air:

The nearest airport is Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport that caters to both domestic and international flights to a number of cities. Nashik Airport that has flights to Pune, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad is the closest domestic airport.

By Rail:

Igatpuri Railway Station has a number of long distance trains chugging in from Pune, Mumbai and Nashik enroute other significant cities. Local trains from Mumbai halt at Kasara and you could get a cab from Kasara to Igatpuri.

By Road:

There are several buses that run to Igatpuri from Mumbai, Pune and Nashik. The other option would be a lovely drive or ride to Igatpuri from the city.

Getting Around:

There are auto rickshaws and cabs for a drop as well as hired cabs that can be fixed for a day’s sightseeing trip. Buses could also be used for a drop at specific destinations.

You can enjoy vacationing in Igatpuri, with sightseeing, trekking and a lot of adventure if you choose the ideal season. The most idyllic seasons are monsoons and winters, where the landscape turns lush and panoramic.

Summer (March – May):

Summers are considerably hotter and dry than the rest of the months, and are off season for tourism. But you could visit Igatpuri in summer if you just need a tranquil trip, with not many of outdoor adventures in your itinerary.

Monsoon (June – September):

You could expect heavy rains during monsoon months, but the landscape turns picturesque, with waterfalls and brooks putting on their best shows. Monsoons are good for trekking as well.

Winter (October – February):

Winters are charming months, not very cold, but pleasant and breezy. You can go for long drives or treks. Check out the treks to Mt. Kalsubai in winter.

Trekking Trails:

It’s a dream of any avid trekking enthusiast who visits Igatpuri during the monsoons – trek up Mt.Kalsubai, the highest peak of the Sahyadri ranges in Maharashtra.

Sandhan Valley:

Carved about 200 ft. deep by the constant flow of waters, the Sandhan Valley, which is made of deep gorges, pools of water and rocky cliffs is the height of adventurism in Igatpuri.

Birding:

Visit the lakes, waterfalls and streams for a lovely birding tour. Check out the exotic water birds and the birdies of the lush grasslands and slopes of Igatpuri.

Trip to Bhandardara:

Drive to the picturesque hill town of Bhandardara, nestled among the fertile, lush mountain peaks of the Western Ghats. A short drive away from Igatpuri, Bhandardara promises wholesome nature and lots of fun.

Bhavali Dam:

Surrounded by a vast expanse of fields and bounded by the mountain peaks, the Bhavali Dam is best visited during monsoon. Revel in the glory of nature with a day’s trip to Bhavali dam and waterfall.

River Valleys:

Just another reason why one of Igatpuri’s best seasons is monsoons. Take a break at the lush Camel and Bhatsa River Valleys and watch the valleys come alive with the monsoon rains.

The hills of Kalsubai:

One of the most adventurous places near Igatpuri where you could trek up the mighty peak of Mt.Kalsubai, go off on a safari ride into the forests as well as stay in the jungle lodgings.

Reverse Waterfall:

Did you know about the Reverse Waterfall of Sandhan Valley in Bhandardara? Check out the waterfall while you go on a rock climbing and trekking trip to Sandhan Valley.

A Trip to Anjaneri:

One of the best known trekking and pilgrimage sites of Maharashtra, Anjaneri hills said to be the birthplace of Hanuman is lush and green in monsoons and carpeted with wild flowers in winter. Anjaneri is lovely for a trek up the Anjaneri Fort.

Across the Karoli Ghat:

Monsoons are the best months of the year to drive through the light showers across the Karoli Ghat road, made more spectacular with brooks and waterfalls littering the peripheries.

Igatpuri being an oft visited tourist spot has a variety of cuisines, be it Maharashtrian, North Indian, South Indian, Jain, Chinese or Continental food. The town is well known for its delicious and spicy sea food and due to being a popular tourist destination has many a number of food stalls and restaurants to suit every budget. You could check out the vada pav, pav bhaji, missal pav, delicacies made of the fish caught in the local streams, chicken masala and Shrikhand, plenty of it.

Check out the creamy, hot Masala Malai milk in the street food kiosks at night as well as the samosas, bhajji and pokadas. Strolling through the lanes of Igatpuri town busy with the sounds and smells of pav and masala dosa, munching on the hot street food and washing it down with a glass of malai masala milk before turning in for the night, is the perfect way to finish off a day’s sightseeing.

The hill station has very limited options for keepsake hunting. Check out the Vipassana Research Institute’s bookshop for books of Vipassana meditation in various languages as well as picture post cards and other souvenirs. You could buy gift packs of dry fruits like almonds and cashewnuts, chocolates, spices and bhakarwadi to be carried back home.

If you feel in the mood to travel, check out the shopping zones of Nashik where you have a much wider choice of things to buy. You could buy handicrafts, brass metal statuettes, wine and chivda grapes, white painted pottery, a variety of pots and pans, electronics and woolen from the Tibetan Market as well as artificial jewelry and flowers etc. If you are visiting Bhandardara, do check out the inlaid bidriware work done on plates and bowls.