Highlights of Igatpuri
Igatpuri is a major station on the Mumbai-Agra Highway as well as the Central Railway. It is also a natural city situated in the Sahyadri range on the Ghats. There are mountains on both sides of the city. It has the highest rainfall of any city in Maharashtra. Therefore, Igatpuri is also known as the Cherrapunji of Maharashtra. White waterfalls cascading down from the high mountains, the lush green nature attracts the tourists.
WEATHER:
- The average annual rainfall during June to September is 3400 mm.
- The average temperature is 18 degrees Celsius during June to March.
- Teak Pimpal, Wad, Deodar, Maad etc. Trees are found in large numbers
here. - The city of Igatpuri is situated at an altitude of 1900 feet above sea level.
DAMS:
Not one or two, but there are 12 dams in this taluka. These dams in Igatpuri are the source of quenching the thirst of such a large region as Nashik, Mumbai, Thane, Ahmednagar, Marathwada.
What is special is that most of the dams in Thane district are filled with water carried by the high Igatpuri area. The most major attractions in case of dams are Bhavli Dam, Darna Dam, Kadwa Dam, Vaitarna Dam, Mukne Dam and more!
RIVERS:
Igatpuri is a place of perennially flowing rivers set amidst nature in a way that feels like a slice of heaven. These rivers, along with their practical use for the local public, stand strong as an extreme attraction for tourists to visit and enjoy the scenery. Darna river, Bhima river, Vaitarna river, Bhatsa river, Landi rivers are the major new ones in Igatpuri taluka.
These rivers flow all year round and open up the beauty of the taluka.
WATERFALLS:
Igatpuri has multiple waterfalls that have over the years become a major highlight for all visitors from nearby as well as faraway areas. These locations are fairly popular in the monsoon, as the scenic beauty definitely strikes a chord with everyone. Some of these are few examples of the waterfalls in the vicinity of Igatpuri.
- Bhavli Fall
- Vaitarna Fall
- Ashoka Fall
- Pammagiri Falls
VALLEYS:
Igatpuri is situated in the foothills of the Sahyadri. Some of these famous Danya Thalghat: The scenic Thalghat adjacent to Igatpuri is about 10 km away. It is also known as Kasaraghat. On the way from Utdari to Igatpuri from Mumbai, Thalghat ends and the passengers are immediately welcomed on the right by a camel. On arrival, many travelers at times enjoy the breathtaking views of nature in this valley. Sandhan Valley is just 20 km from Igatpuri. In the distance is this famous valley. Along with the famous Hindi film Rowdy Rathod, many other films have also been shot in this valley. Ghatandevi’s Ghat This road was constructed a few years ago from Ghatandevi adjoining Jawahar Road as an alternative to the National Highway in Kasara Ghat.
FORTS:
Tringalwadi Fort is 3238 feet high. The 10th century Jain temple and Jain cave are at the foot of the fort. Such a historic fort is just 2 km from Igatpuri city. To reach the fort, one has to cross Baghoba Pass. At the mouth of this is a beautiful temple of Saptashrungi Mata. There are springs of fresh water on this mountain. Goods unloading at Chaul Kalyan port used to reach Nashik market via Thal Ghat. The fort was built to protect the trade route. Kavanai Fort is 10 km from Igatpuri. It has historical significance. The fort is located at an altitude of 2500 feet above sea level. The fort is still in good condition and the towering hills of Kalsubai, Trimbakeshwar and Tringalwadi forts are clearly visible from here. Alangad, Madangad, Kulanggad in Sahyadri are the most difficult to climb. Similarly Mordhan fort, Pattagarh Bitangad are also famous forts in this taluka.
ADIVASHI DANCE:
Igatpuri, located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, India, is known for its beautiful landscapes and cultural richness. One of the significant aspects of this region’s cultural heritage is the Adivasi (tribal) communities and their traditional dances. The Adivasi dance forms are an integral part of their cultural identity, reflecting their customs, rituals, and way of life. Adivasi groups in Igatpuri have their own routine of group dancing. The dancing is mainly footwork, movement in circles and formations. These dances are integral to cultural and religious ceremonies, reflecting their folklore and daily life. Performers wear colorful traditional attire, accompanied by indigenous instruments like the tarpa and dhol. Efforts are ongoing to preserve these cultural heritages through local festivals and events.
RAAN MEVA:
Rice is a major crop here as Igatpuri is a region with the highest rainfall. The water required for paddy cultivation is spread all over the fields during monsoon. Seeing this panoramic view, tourists feel like the earth is covered with a blue blanket of water.
Wild fruits are another specialty here where we see fruits like jamun, karvande, gavthi mango, cashew, jackfruit, etc. A rare wild fruit full of variety can be tasted in Igatpuri. The favorable climate and fertile soil contribute to the abundance and quality of these agricultural products. The wild fruits of Igatpuri are a testament to the region’s rich natural heritage and continue to be a valuable resource for both nutrition and traditional medicine.
FAMOUS PLACES:
Dhammagiri is the world famous Vipassana center at Igatpuri. Seekers from all over the world come to this center throughout the year. They have branches in more than 140 countries. Its main center is in the city of Igatpuri. The center is spread over an area of more than 100 acres. Famous Hotels such as Manas Hotel, Golden Resort, Mystic Valley Resort, Hotel Ashwin, Rain Forest Govind Pam, Shagun Resort, Meghdhanushya, Ganaka. Samruddhi Highway is the biggest plus point in visiting Igatpuri as Nashik district is connected to the highway, it can be easily accessible to people from many parts of Maharashtra. This highway will definitely put Igatpuri strongly on the map and change the landscape of tourism in Igatpuri drastically in the near future.