Are you looking for a vacation in a resort in Igatpuri? Igatpuri is filled with both spiritual significance and beautiful landscapes? Igatpuri is a mountain town, home to some of India’s oldest meditation practices. But the city is steeped in culture, and a visit offers several opportunities for activities.
Whether you stay at Manas resort in Igatpuri or trek up the tallest mountain in the Western Ghats, there is something great to experience for everyone.
Continue reading for the best things to do in Igatpuri:
About Igatpuri
History of Igatpuri
Igatpuri is a hill town in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Located high up in the mountains, the town was built as a refuge for people to escape the summer heat. At an elevation of 600 meters, Igatpuri is surrounded by beautiful views of the Sahyadri mountain range.
The mountain range is difficult to navigate. The majority of traffic coming into Igatpuri must take a long train ride to Igatpuri train station. One can easily access it by road from all the main cities in India. Because of this, the town is known for its peacefulness and reverence.
Igatpuri Climate
Since this is a hill station, the climate in Igatpuri is pleasant for the larger part of the year. While the winters are very cool and the monsoons are splendid, the summers don’t feel as hot as the city either.
Given its meandering rivers and lakes, the winter months are chilly here. But its cascading waterfalls and lush mountains come alive in the monsoon, which makes it the go-to place for trekkers. Thanks to the altitude and the greenery of the town, the climate is cooler and provides just the respite a traveler looks for in the summer.
The temperatures generally remain between 15° to 30° throughout the year during Mornings and Evenings. So, just like the comfort of Manas Resort, the climate in Igatpuri is always welcoming you to unwind in the lap of nature.
Igatpuri is beautiful to visit in the winter months. The weather is cool and pleasant during December, January, and February, typically reaching temperatures of 12 degrees Celsius. Many people visit Igatpuri during this season, so expect bustling streets and excited crowds.
The summer months in Igatpuri are cool and wet. Many days feature rainy or overcast weather. As such, visiting the hill town during this season may offer an experience with fewer tourists. During June, July, and August, the mountain ranges burst with color. For trekkers willing to get wet, this season may offer the most spectacular excursions.
Population of Igatpuri
The locals stay secluded in their respective villages, and the total number of people stays relatively small. Igatpuri has an estimated population of 300000 plus people spread out as of 2022. During the tourist season, those numbers swell. The state of Maharashtra saw over 149 million tourists in 2019.
Distance of Igatpuri From Major Cities
Igatpuri’s train station offers popular routes to many large cities in the surrounding area. For those making a day trip out of the hill town, there are several options nearby.
Mumbai:The capital of India, well known for its Bollywood films. Take a visit to the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace. Igatpuri’s distance from Mumbai is 121km.
- Surat: The textile hub of India. The city is known for its major cotton mills. Spend time at Surat Castle and the Surat Textile Market. Igatpuri’s distance from Surat is 294km.
- Vapi: Holds significant religious importance. The city is home to many ancient temples. Don’t miss Vadodara, one of Vapi’s major temples. Igatpuri’s distance from Vapi is 180km.
- Nashik: The host city of the Kumbh Mela, one of the Hindu pilgrimage sites. Be sure to see the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple Sita Gufaa. Igatpuri’s distance from Nashik is 46km.
Igatpuri is nearby to many other prominent cities in India. You will find comfortable day trips to Lonavala, Khandala, Bhimashankar, and Shirdi.
Explore the Natural Beauty
Vihigaon Waterfall
Some of Maharashtra’s most prominent features are its waterfalls. At nearly 37 meters The Vihigaon waterfall is a must-see. Also known as the Ashoka waterfall, these falls are seasonal and fed during heavy monsoons.
Deep in the forest, adventurers have great opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and rappelling. Challenge yourself to descend this massive waterfall using high-quality ropes and harnesses for an experience unlike any other.
The waterfall is 14km from Igatpuri. If you’d like to visit the Vihigaon waterfall, you’ll take a long bus ride into the remote Vihigaon village. Consider packing food and supplies, for the village outside the falls only has basic amenities.
Kalsubai Peak
Located in the Western Ghats mountain range, Kalsubai Peak is the tallest summit in Maharashtra. Trekkers will reach an elevation of 1646m while covering 3km.
While the first part of the trek is moderate in difficulty, the trail becomes steeper toward the summit. In the second half of the trek, you’ll have to climb 5 steep ladders to overcome difficult passes.
Those completing the trek will enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Spend considerable time observing the Kalsubai Temple that is built on top of the summit.
This trek is best experienced during the monsoon months when the landscape bursts with color. The flowering season is between September and October when you’ll see over 850 species of wildflowers.
You can see many of these views from the villas at Manas Resort in Igatpuri.
Tringalwadi Fort
The Sahyadri ranges are well known for their hill forts. Built right into the landscape, many of these forts have an ancient history. You can get a feeling of what it was like to live in these mountains long ago.
The most popular of these in Maharashtra is the Tringalwadi Fort. At over 900 meters in elevation, this is a popular destination for avid trekkers.
The path to the fort is decorated in historic architecture and stone sculptures. Trekkers will get to experience these ancient human structures alongside overlooks of the area.
The trailhead to Tringalwadi Fort is 10km from Igatpuri and tour guides provide easy access.
Discover Your Inner Peacefulness
Igatpuri’s remoteness in the Sahyadri mountains makes it the ideal place to connect with the inner spirit. Maharashtra is home to several of India’s most prominent temples. Here are some opportunities to find deep levels of peacefulness.
Vipassana International Academy
The Vipassana International Academy, called Dhamma Giri, is one of the world’s largest meditation centers. The academy teaches vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique that guides people through the process of self-observation. Those studying vipassana will practice breathing and concentration to arrive at universal truths.
The academy offers 10-day courses for those interested in having a vipassana experience. the courses are funded from donations, so those participating will have no fee except to donate for their vipassana introduction. However, because the practice is sacred, only students are allowed in the Dhamma Giri center.
The Vipassana International Academy is located right in the city, making it a quick destination for those coming from Igatpuri resorts.
Amruteshwar Temple
If you’re looking for a temple with deep historic significance, you may consider visiting the Amruteshwar Temple. Built in 900CE the Shiva temple features intricately carved pillars and statues. Those interested in religious architecture will find the temple’s Hemadpanthi style to be impressive.
Amruteshwar Temple is located in the small village of Ratanwadi. Just under 60km from Igatpuri makes this a manageable day trip. You’ll find the temple relatively uncrowded, so you can enjoy the sanctity alongside its artistic framework.
Ghatandevi Temple
For a more local spiritual experience, you might consider visiting the Ghatandevi Temple. The Ghat natives would worship Ghatandevi, the protector of the villages in the area. Today, its reverence is still felt, and people visit the temple to escape the noise and pollution of the city.
The Ghatandevi Temple is a 5km train ride from Igatpuri train station. For those looking to fill a day with adventure, the Tringelwadi Fort is just behind the temple. Consider an early morning at the Ghatandevi temple and fill your day with a history-filled trek to Igatpuri’s most popular fort.
Experience the Firefly Festival
In early June, just before the monsoon season arrives, you can spot millions of fireflies in the woods of Purushwadi. During their mating season, fireflies light up in bioluminescence to attract mates. For weeks, the village of Purushwadi celebrates this event.
The locals host camping excursions into the forest to witness the natural light show. The camping trips are enhanced with local culture and food. Many events also offer educational courses on the phenomenon.
The Igatpuri train station connects to the village of Purushwadi. Those wishing to camp in the forest for the firefly festival will travel 70km from the city. Remember to take in the farming lifestyle in Purushwadi as you experience the natural event.
Eat Like a Local
Vada Pav is one of Igatpuri’s most popular street foods. As you travel through the city, you’ll find plenty of vendors offering Vada pav. When you visit Igatpuri you must try the spicy potato sandwich that is so easy to eat.
Most street vendors prepare this hand food with deep-fried potato patties. The patty is sandwiched between burger buns and dressed with garlic and chutney. The whole meal is vegetarian, which is fairly common in Maharashtra.
Vada Pav is bite-sized, and people will eat it any time of the day. However, it is considered quick food, and its deep-fried potato patty makes eating several of these a heavy meal.
Another authentic dish to try in Igatpuri is the idli. This is a rice cake that is typically served for breakfast. It is made using fermented lentils and rice as the base for the batter. The batter is then steamed and served with sambar or chutney.
Idli is made similar to dosa. Using the same preparation method, dosa typically features more rice in its batter. This often makes dosa cakes crispier. Depending on your preference in texture, you have your choice between idli and dosa for breakfast.
For a meal with more protein, Igatpuri is known for its excellent Tandoori chicken. This dish is prepared by marinating the chicken in yogurt and roasting it in a cylindrical clay oven called a Tandoor. The dish is typically served as the main course in a meal and is served with naan flatbread.
For great local cuisine, The Woodpecker is one of the best places to eat in Igatpuri. This farm-to-table restaurant features these dishes as well as other local favorites, such as Maharashtrian, Punjabi, and South Indian.
Best time to visit Igatpuri
If you want to go on a trip without much planning, you can easily make your way to Igatpuri. Given the lovely hill station weather, any time is a good time to be here.
The winter months, especially November to February, are chilly and the climate is pleasant, making you pull out your sweaters and enjoy warm food.
Monsoon is the best time to visit Igatpuri and specially Manas Resort as it’s the only resort, which is engulfed with fog throughout the rainy season. It is tucked between majestic mountains & the Camel Valley, overlooking Manas Resort.
You can also catch the scenic views of the many peaks. Since Igatpuri is home to many waterfalls, you can imagine how the water comes gushing down during the monsoon. Besides, the place is surrounded by a few dams too.
All in all, the nature trails are a lively green and the slopes of the hills are perfect for trekking, so for the adventure traveler, June to September is the best time to visit Igatpuri. You are sure to lose yourself to the enchanting beauty of nature here.
Stay At the Best Resort in Igatpuri
The Manas Resort in Igatpuri offers villa-style accommodations with views unlike any other. Spend the evening overlooking the valley below, or take in the stunning mountain range in the distance. The resort also offers rooms at several price ranges for people from all over.
The Manas Resort takes it upon itself to grow its organic fruits and vegetables. The resort believes that guests eating clean and wholesome food are happier and healthier.
The organic farm is set up as a benefit to help visitors separate from the busy city. The garden brings guests closer to nature and closer to the food they eat.
The organic farm also helps sustain the community. The Manas Resort recycles food and animal waste into compost reducing the amount of garbage it creates.
The Manas Resort is also home to the first petting zoo in India. The resort is dog friendly and is home to several domestic and exotic animals including:
- Dogs
- Exotic Birds
- Rabbits
- Ducks
- Nigerian Goats
- Miniature Horses
- Turtles
- Fish
Because the resort cares so much for its animals, the petting zoo is only available to guests. The petting zoo’s caretakers handle the animals and keep the space safe for visitors. Guests can even feed the animals with treats which are provided for free.
In addition to the petting zoo, Manas Resort offers a variety of activities and amenities. resort guests can enjoy their time roaming the gardens, swimming in the infinity pool, or relaxing at the spa. There are also indoor and outdoor games for guests to play any time of day.
How to See All the Best Places in Igatpuri
You’ll want several days to spend time at all the best places to visit in Igatpuri. Manas Resort in Igatpuri caters to your big vacation in India. With the train station connecting to many large cities and remote villages, Igatpuri is the ideal place to travel from. Contact Manas Resort to schedule a reservation.
