Igatpuri Travel Essentials

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Igatpuri Tourism

Igatpuri is a hill station and a city in the Western Ghats located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, 130kms from Mumbai. Located on the Mumbai-Agra National Highway, Igatpuri is a heaven for nature lovers. It also has some of the highest peaks of the Sahyadri range. 

Igatpuri is primarily known for the Vipassana International Academy, the headquarters of the world's largest Vipassana meditation institute. It teaches the strict form of meditation first taught by Gautam Buddha in the 6th century BC. A popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune, Igatpuri is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra in monsoon. It is also a major railway station in Maharashtra connecting surrounding major cities. 

Apart from old forts, majestic waterfalls, and tall mountains, Igatpuri is also a great place to indulge in activities like rock climbing and trekking. For photographers and nature lovers, Igatpuri offers Bhatsa River Valley, Camel Valley, Konkankada valley and the Randha falls, decorated with rivers and waterfalls. For trekkers, Igatpuri houses Trngalwadi Fort, placed at an altitude of 3000ft. You can cherish a mesmerising view from the fort.

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Vipassana International Academy - Hill of Dhamma

Dhammagiri, translating to 'hill of Dhamma', is one of the largest Vipassana centres in the country. This insight meditation centre offers courses in Vipassana and is the most visited destination in Igatpuri. Established in 1976 by S N Goenka, the centre is known for teaching the ancient technique of meditation known as Vipassana. It was first taught by Gautam Buddha in 6th century BC and then reinstated to India by S N Goenka in 1960s.

The academy offers ten-day residential courses held throughout the year. Available on advance booking, 600 people can take part in this course at a time with basic accommodation, food and meditation instructions given free of charge. Donations are generously accepted as the institution runs solely on the donations given by the teachers or the attending students.

Religious Significance of Igatpuri

Igatpuri has its religious significance along with the natural beauty sprinkle. Set against the backdrop of the mountains of Durvar Utvad, Trimak and Harihar, Ghantadevi Temple is believed to be the protector of the ghats of Igatpuri. You could also visit a very ancient Hemadpanti style temple (since 11 A.D.), Amruteshwar Temple. Igatpuri also houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of the world - the Trimbakeshwar Temple. Embodying the three deities of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, in its three faces, it dots on the foothill of the Brahmagiri mountain, on which originates the Godavari River.

Restaurants and Local Food in Igatpuri

The local cuisine of Igatpuri is dominated by Maharashtrian food with a blend of South and North Indian cuisines. From Idli-Dosa to Parathas and Tandooris, you can find them all here. Vada Pav is a speciality of this region and is a must-have. Due to the influx of tourists and trekkers, there are many hotels and restaurants along the way to suit every budget.
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How to Reach Igatpuri

How to Reach Overview

Igatpuri is well-connected to nearby cities in Maharashtra and the rest of the country by rail and road. The Igatpuri Railway Station is a major railway station in Maharashtra connecting the surrounding major cities. Situated on Mumbai-Agra NH-3, 45 km from Nashik and 130 km from Mumbai, buses and taxis are also a popular mode of transport for reaching Igatpuri.

How to reach Igatpuri by flight

Mumbai (135 km), Aurangabad (236 km), Pune (238 km) are the nearest major airports to Igatpuri. Taxis are readily available from all the major airports. You could take a local train or a bus too.

How to reach Igatpuri by road

NH-3 connects Igatpuri directly to Agra and therefore surrounding cities. You can either drive directly to Igatpuri or reach Kasara and then take a bus to Igatpuri.

How to reach Igatpuri by train

The Igatpuri railway station is a major railhead in the region, with regular trains from Mumbai, Howrah, Guwahati, Delhi and other major cities. Kasara bound local train is as far as the local trains go, you can get down at Kasara and take a bus to Igatpuri or take a long-distance train from Kasara to Igatpuri.

Local transport in Igatpuri

Travelling from Mumbai or anywhere in Maharashtra, you can avail all public transport facilities. There are regular local buses that go to Igatpuri connecting Mumbai - Igatpuri - Nashik. You can also hire a private vehicle or a cab for an entire day. Local trains are the best way of commuting if you're travelling light. It is also the fastest and cheap. You can also take a long distance train directly to Igatpuri.

Igatpuri Photos

Igatpuri, Maharashtra
Vipassna Centre (Dhamma Giri Meditation Centre)
Tringalwadi Fort
Sandhan Valley

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photos

FAQs on Igatpuri

What are the places near Igatpuri?

The top places near to Igatpuri are Bhandardara which is 28 km from Igatpuri, Suryamal which is located 23 km from Igatpuri, Ratanwadi which is located 26 km from Igatpuri, Nasik which is located 41 km from Igatpuri, Mumbai which is located 99 km from Igatpuri

What are the things to do in Igatpuri?

The top things to do in Igatpuri are Bhatsa River Valley, Camel Valley, Tringalwadi Fort, Ghatandevi Temple, Kalsubai Peak, Vipassna Centre. You can see all the places to visit in Igatpuri here

What is the best way to reach Igatpuri?

Igatpuri is well-connected via air, rail and road. However, more convenient through rail and road. The nearest airport to Igatpuri is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai which is distanced at 135 km. Igatpuri has its own railway station which makes it easily accessible from different states in the country. NH-3 connects it directly to Agra and therefore surrounding cities.
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What is the local food in Igatpuri?

The local cuisine here is the dominated by Maharashtrian food with a blend of South and North Indian cuisines. From Idli-Dosa to Parathas and Tandooris, you can find them all here. Vada Pav is a specialty of this region and is a must have.
Due to the influx of tourists and trekkers, there are many hotels and restaurants along the way to suit every budget.
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What is the best time to visit Igatpuri?

Nestled in a cosy spot in Maharashtra, Igatpuri is home to a breathtaking scenic beauty that is ideal for nature buffs and the adventurous at heart. The best time to visit this place is during the monsoons and winters. In the former, the flowers are in full bloom and the sprawling meadows are a brighter shade of green, while the latter opens up a wide range of opportunities for the ones seeking adventure. Summers are scorching and should ideally be avoided.
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Who should visit Igatpuri?

It is a paradise for travellers and photographers/filmmakers. It is also good for people looking for a weekend getaway and yoga enthusiasts since it houses an international meditating centre which teaches insight meditation, Vipassana.

What is not so good about Igatpuri?

Not ideal for long vacation.

What is famous about Igatpuri?

Unexplored hill station near Mumbai which makes it less crowded. It is a very serene and picturesque destination with natural abundance.

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Popular Questions And Answers on Igatpuri

Q. How is the penthouse and other facilities at the mystic valley resort in igatpuri?

Kaveesh Nair

5 years ago
The� Mystic Valley Spa Resort� at Igatpuri is one of the most popular resorts in the hill town. The 90 suits in the resort are brilliantly constructed with wide and spacious area of 50 square met (Read More)ers. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the misty valley from the windows of your rooms as well as the terrace. The interiors are furnished in rich wooden decor and cozy accessories.
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Igatpuri Reviews

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FARAZ USMANI

3 years ago
Best place to visit in monsoon...not Igatpuri but places around Igatpuri is are the best i have seen in Maharashtra.... combination of green mountains and blue lakes is the best one could ask for.... (Read More)... someone who loves nature can see its wonder visiting this place...its better than Alibaug, Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala where I have visited....

Rohit Shroff

5 years ago
- In case you're planning to stay in Igatpuri, book hotels in advance during the monsoon season.
- Prefer using bottled water for drinking purposes.
- Carry Windcheaters instead of umbrellas du (Read More)ring monsoon season for trekking.
- Preferably carry backpacks for comfort while trekking, good rubber sole shoes is a must.

Brindaban Aadhikari

on Vipassna Centre 4 years ago
It's wonderful place to meditate here on the leap of the nature. Wonderful positive vibration & U Ba Khin village is an outstanding place. Near the meditation center their are many caves where u can (Read More)meditate. I did that . It's once in a lifetime experience...
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