Best Places to Visit in Igatpuri in 2024

Igatpuri - a haven of serenity, lush green landscapes, and breathtaking vistas in the Western Ghats of India. Every traveler dreams of uncovering the untouched, pristine spots of this beautiful hill station, hoping to capture memories that last a lifetime. But there’s a catch: with the overwhelming array of options and an avalanche of online resources, pinpointing the top 15 must-visit places in Igatpuri in 2024 becomes a herculean task. How do you sift through countless reviews, blog posts, and recommendations, only to find that you’ve missed out on a hidden gem? Fear not! This blog aims to eliminate that very problem. We’ve put in the legwork, collected local insights, and curated a list so you can experience Igatpuri’s essence without the hassle of information overload. Dive in to discover your next unforgettable adventure!  

Exalted at 914 meters, Tringalwadi Fort is one of the major Igatpuri places to visit. Said to be constructed long back in the 10th century, Tringalwadi Fort is quite famous among trekkers and hikers. Looking at the Fort from a distance, you’ll notice that the top of the mountain is like a turban. The forts overlook the Nashik-Konkan area and at the foothills of the Fort is a cave that has a stone idol of Rishabha Natha.  

It takes around 3.5 – 4 hours to trek (two-way). Once you reach the top, have a look at the beautiful Kulang and Kalsubai mountain ranges. However, the beauty of this place exaggerates during the rainy season and makes it one of the finest places to visit in Igatpuri during monsoon.  

The shrine of Ghatandevi is situated on the outskirts of Igatpuri at a distance of 5km from the Igatpuri railway station. And behind the temples lies one of the most significant places to visit in Igatpuri, The Tringalwadi Fort.  

At Ghatandevi temple, devotees pray to the goddess Adishakti – The protector of Ghats. It is quite an important place among the locals.  

With eye-catching views of the Durbar, Utvad, Trimbak, and Harihar peaks in the backdrop of the holy shrine feel the essence of calmness and peace in the atmosphere. This temple is also one of the brilliant tourist places to visit near Igatpuri for photographers and history buffs.  

Time: 6 AM – 6 PM  

Vipassana Institute/Centre also known as Dhammagiri Meditation Centre is located at a distance of 2km from the Igatpuri railway station. It is a renowned Vipassana meditation centre in the world therefore making it one of the best things to do in Igatpuri.  

Vipassana Institute of Meditation was founded by S. N. Goenka in the year 1976 AD and is known to endeavor various curricula on Vipassana, an ancient form of meditation technique discovered by Gautama Buddha about 2500 years ago to treat illness.  

The Vipassana meditation caters to the purification of mind and body, starting from focusing on the breathing pattern, and gradually in the process, one starts to experience mental peace, resilience, and ego lessness.  

And the best part of this meditation is that everyone can participate and perform, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, and gender.  

Inside the Centre, you’ll come across several cells for individual meditation. The academy offers a 10-day course and people from afar visit this place to participate.  

In this course, no participant is allowed to talk with another and complete disconnection with the outside world. These 10 days bid the opportunity to concentrate on yourself and find inner peace.  

Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM  

Situated on the Mumbai – Agra National Highway, Camel Vallet Viewpoint is one of the finest sightseeing places at Igatpuri and top among the 6 places to visit in Igatpuri. From the railway station, it is about 4km and a kilometre from the gorgeous Bhatsa river.  

Camel Valley is considered the hidden gem of this small town. The valley got its name from the two gigantic cliffs which from a distance looks like a camel head. Behold the panoramic views overlooking Bhatsa river valley and the roaring waterfall which avalanching from a height of 1000 feet.  

Post-monsoon or during the monsoon season the surroundings looks like Tè Fiti (an island Goddess) from the movie Moana. Entrust yourself to the natural beauty of the valley.    

Following the Camel Valley viewpoint, the Bhatsa River is yet another gorgeous viewpoint located at a distance of 5km from the Igatpuri railway station. It is one of the major attractions among the tourists visiting in and around Igatpuri.  

Standing in the river valley, one can’t appreciate enough the beauty of the free-lowing Bhatsa river enhanced by the surrounding ghats and plains. As it is on the Mumbai – Nashik National Highway, people going to and from visits the place especially during the monsoon when the valley looks lush green and comes alive with waterfalls surrounding the area. It is a must-visit location amongst the places to visit near Igatpuri in the monsoon.  

The green blanket over the dewy mountain is a sight to cherish forever. There are also several majestic rock formations.  

The river, the woods, the dewy hills, and the glowing leafage, make Bhatsa river valley one of the famous places in Igatpuri. Enjoy the perfect self-time or spend some fantastic moments with your partner.  

A very famous weekend destination from Mumbai and Nashik, Vihigaon Waterfall is a seasonal waterfall located at a distance of 13.5 km from Igatpuri. It is known to be one of the best natural falls in the Vihigaon village which comes under the Thane district of Maharashtra.  

Cascading down from 120 feet in the ground, Vihigaon is specifically a monsoon waterfall. To reach the waterfall, one has to hike through the opaque and misty woods and get to witness some unique birds along the way.  

During the monsoon, when every tree and foliage are at their best, you get the chance to rappel between them. This destination is the best for those who seek adventure yet want to get as close as possible to nature. And did you know? This was the waterfall shown in Asoka starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahrukh Khan.  

Overall, this place makes the perfect getaway destination for the weekends. This is one of the places to explore in Igatpuri where can stroll around the village and get the feel of the Adivasi community.  

Also known as the Upper Vaitarna Dam, it is a manmade water reservoir and one of the main dams in the state of Maharashtra making it one of the popular places to see in Igatpuri. It is located at a distance of 30 km from the town center.  

It was constructed in the year 1973 near Saturli village over the river that goes by the same name. This dam is the main source of electricity and water for some areas in Mumbai.  

With the panoramic view of the far-stretching backwater, mystical woods, and the beautiful Western Ghat, the dam makes an amazing spot for a picnic or a day–out for the residents living in Pune, Nashik, and Mumbai.  

You can also set camps and enjoy the serene beauty. There is various transportation options available to reach the Vaitarna Dam or one can easily take their vehicle i.e., bike and/or car.  

Time: 9 AM – 4 PM  

It lies in the Sahyadri mountain range near the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary.  Elevated at 1646 meters, the Kalsubai Peak is the highest mountain in the state of Maharashtra.    

It is significantly an important place to visit in Igatpuri for all the nature enthusiasts and trekkers out there. The hike is quite difficult but once you reach atop, the breathtaking views of the verdant valley will make it all worth it. The beauty of the place is accelerated during the rainy season and therefore one of the best places to visit in Igatpuri during the monsoon.  

One of the oldest Shiv temples in the Igatpuri region. The area is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and is amongst the popular tourist sightseeing in Igatpuri. It is about 1200 years old temple constructed by the Shilahara dynasty, many Shiva devotees come here to pay their respects and boost positivity.  

The whole temple is built by engraving a rock and several black and red stones were also used in the completion of the temple. Do notice the amazing murals on the wall and the ceilings of the temple.  

Why dream about visiting the Grand Canyon in the USA while you can visit the Grand Cayon of Maharashtra? One of the must-have things to do in Igatpuri for the trekker because of the thrill and fun that it offers. During the monsoon, the trek’s difficulty level rises but it is what makes it one of the unique places to visit in Igatpuri.    

Hedged by several mountain ranges like Madan, Kulang, Ratan gad, and Alang this a beautiful place to spend some time with your friends.  

With a height of 28m and 1634m in length, Darna Dam was built in 1916 by the British Government with a catchment area of 404 sq. km. As the name suggests, it has been built over the Darna River as a gravity Dam and is one of the best places to visit near Igatpuri.  

The lagoon gets filled with water during the rainy season, making it the best time to visit and enjoy the untouched nature surrounding the Darna Dam. If you’re in luck then you might get to see how the water flows through the dam.   

It is a dam built in Igatpuri which offers picturesque views of the Western Ghats. It is one of the offbeat places to visit in Igatpuri. The silence around the place is what makes it an attractive place and also quite famous amongst the locals.  

This site is perfect for camping and star-gazing during the night. The mystical lake, enchanting hills, and a sky full of the glittering sky will refresh your soul, body, and mind.  

Perched at an elevation of 4300 feet, lies the Avandha Fort in the Sahyadri mountain range of the Western Ghats. From rock-cut caves to five big ponds along the way is what makes it an amazing place for trekking. The trek starts from the Kadwa and Girwadi colony.  

Avandha Fort has emerged as a newly attractive tourist spot in the last few years. Although, a considerable amount of fitness is required to complete the trek. From atop you can get to see some other eminent places like the Aad Fort, Patta Fort and Mhasoba Mountain.  

It lies in the Kalsubai range and it is known for Madangad Fort. Bring out your adventur ous side and head to Madangad Mountain. It is about 4700 feet in height and is surrounded by the Sahyadri mountain of Western Ghats. You get to experience rock climbing (20m climb) and tracking.  

Do visit the Madangad Fort once you reach the top of the hill. One can also spot the Madangad Fort from the Mumbai-Nashik road.  

Want to enjoy a long and scenic drive? Then one of the best places to visit in Igatpuri is Karoli Ghat. The beauty accelerates when you drive through the area and it starts pouring. Everything around you would seem like a dream. It is also a great place for trekking. Hike through the woods to reach the top of Karoli Ghat.  

Although, remember that the trekking trail is quite difficult and not suitable for everyone. Take proper precautions while trekking here.  

I hope you understand the allure of Igatpuri now, a jewel nestled in the Western Ghats. From historic forts and serene temples to breathtaking viewpoints and invigorating treks, Igatpuri offers a unique blend of experiences for every traveler. This curated list of the top 15 places in Igatpuri is designed to ensure you don't miss out on any of its charms. So, whether you're an avid trekker, a history enthusiast, or someone just seeking peace amidst nature, Igatpuri beckons. If you have any doubts or want to learn more about it, feel free to get in touch, we would be happy to help you plan your perfect getaway.