Igatpuri is a census town and a hill station municipal council in Nashik District of Maharashtra. Igatpuri is the place of tourist attractions and also it is the place of medical tourism. Igatpuri is place where Vipassana International Academy is located.
Geography of Igatpuri
Igatpuri is bounded by the highest peaks in Sahyaadri that is Western Ghats, most of them are forts built in Satavahana dynasty. It`s wonderful for trekkers and hikers.
Location of Igatpuri
Igatpuri is located in the Western Ghats Mountain Range in India. This place lies in Nashik District between Mumbai and Nashik Road on the Central Railway.
Education of Igatpuri
The Holy Family Convent High School is the oldest English medium school running in the town. Other English schools are "Wonderland High School and Junior College". There are Arts, commerce and Science Colleges too.
Demography of Igatpuri
According to the Population Census in year 2011, Igatpuri had a population of 31,572. Males constitute 52 percent of the population and females 48%. Igatpuri has an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80%, and female literacy is 67%. In Igatpuri, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age. People of Agri community can be found in the city, they are also called Patharvat.
Attractions of Igatpuri
Following are the places which are most visited by people:
Arthur Lake: A few kilometres from Igatpuri, there is a huge and peaceful Arthur Lake. The lake is shaped by the waters of the Pravara River in the Bhandardara region.
Bhatsa River Valley: The Bhatsa River valley is located at the end of the Thal Ghat, just before inflowing Igatpuri from Mumbai. The valley lies in the basin of the majestic Bhatsa River.
Amruteshwar Temple: It was built in 11th century AD; it is devoted to Lord Shiva. Constructed in a distinct Hemadpanti style, the temple is surrounded by lush green fields and Mount Kalsubai. One can reach this temple by road or an 8 kilometres boat ride on Arthur Lake.
Kalsubai Peak: About 35 kilometres from Igatpuri is the maximum peak in the sahyadri ranges.
Ghatandevi Temple: According to the belief of the locals, Ghatandevi Temple is the shield of Ghats. The mountains of Durrar Utvad, Trimak and Harihar form an amazing background. Behind the temple lies the Tringalwadi Fort.
Tringalwadi Fort: It is located at a height of 3,000 feet above the sea level. The fort attracts trekkers also. The top of the fort is shaped like a Turban. A temple devoted to lord Hanuman is nearby.
Vipassana International Academy
Igatpuri is known for Vipassana International Academy, where the ancient technique of meditation is taught called Vipassana. The trains on this route usually change locomotives on this stop and also change the guards and drivers. The place is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra in monsoon. It is a hill station on busy Mumbai-Agra NH-3 only 45 kilometres from Nasik and 130 kilometres from Mumbai.
Igatpuri Railway Station
Igatpuri is a major railway station with all trains stopping for 20 minutes as there is a change of locomotive engine. There is a major presence of the Indian Railways within this small town. Igatpuri is famous for its scenic surroundings. Vada pao and idlis are sold by vendors to commuters travelling in the train. The exit of Igatpuri railway station signals the proximity of Mumbai on down route.
Visiting Information
Igatpuri is well connected by rail and road. One needs to travel by NH-3 to Agra and by, Central Railway to Mumbai, Howrah, Guwahati and New Delhi. It is a major railway station. The local trains only go up to Kasara. One has to either take a long distance train or reach Kasara by a suburban train and then take a bus uphill.