Igatpuri is in the western ghats of India in the Nashik district of  Maharashtra. Igatpuri is a town and a hill station known for Vipassana International Academy, where the antiquated technique of meditation called Vipassana is taught. This place is perhaps the best to visit in Maharashtra during the rains.

Districts/Region

Nashik district, Maharashtra, India.

History

Igatpuri is encircled by the highest peaks in Sahyadri, the  Western Ghats, the vast majority of them are the forts  constructed in Satavahana tradition. It is a paradise for Trekkers and hikers to mount these hillocks. Igatpuri (once known as Egutpoora) S.N.Goenka set up the Vipassana 
International Academy, a centre for meditation in Igatpuri in 1976.

Geography

This place lies in the Western Ghats. The hill station is situated on the occupied Mumbai-Agra NH-3 highway just 45 KM from Nashik and 130 KM from Mumbai. Igatpuri is around  1968.5 ft above ocean level. It is 20 KM from Kasara.

Weather/Climate

The average annual temperature in Nashik is 24.1 degrees Celsius.
Winters are extreme in this region, and the temperature goes  as low as 12 degrees Celsius.
The sun is very harsh during summers. Nashik gets more rain during summer than winters. The temperature during summer  goes above 30 degrees Celsius.
The average annual rainfall is around 1134 mm. 

Things to do

Things to do in Igatpuri are: 
Visit Kalsubai Peak, Tringalwadi Fort, Vipassana Centre, Bhatsa River Valley, Camel Valley, Ghatandevi Temple, Kulanggad, Bitangad Trek, Sandhan Valley, Vaitarna Dam, Amruteshwar Temple, Darna Dam, Dhamma Giri, Talegaon Lake and adventure sports, birdwatching, etc.

Nearest tourist places

One can plan to visit the following tourist places along with Igatpuri:
▪︎ Lonavala (180 KM)
Lonavala is famous for its serene beauty and spectacular landscapes. Be it lakes, streams, gardens or lush greenery, the place has all Major attractions: Kune falls, tiger point, Lohagarh Fort, Bhaja caves, Nagphani, Karla caves and Pawna Lake.
▪︎Khandala (177 KM)
Khandala is a haven for nature lovers. It offers numerous  trekking trails for tourists to explore and enjoy. Major  attractions: Rajmachi Fort, Bhushi Lake, Valvan Dam, Shooting point and Reversing station.
▪︎ Thane (98.8 KM)
Thane is a city just outside Mumbai. It’s known as the ‘City of  Lakes, and it's more than 30 lakes include tree-lined Upvan Lake, a popular recreational spot .                                                                    Major attractions are Elvis Butterfly Garden, Sargam Water Park, Vardhaman Fantasy Amusement Park, Tansa Dam, Ovalekar Wadi Butterfly Garden..
▪︎Alibaug (185 KM)
The scenic landscape of Alibaug. Beaches, forts and temples. Major Attractions are Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple, Alibaug Beach, and Kolaba Fort. Alibaug is also popular for water sports activities.
▪︎ Karjat (126 KM)
Rock-cut cave temples and forts. An incredible landscape with rich greenery and is surrounded by lofty mountains. Major attractions are White Water Rafting in the Ulhas River, Hiking or Mountain Climbing, Rappelling in Bekare Waterfalls, and Kondane Caves.
• Mumbai (121 KM)
Mumbai is a natural harbour on the west coast of India and is the capital city of Maharashtra state. Mumbai is home to three  UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Major attractions: Gateway of India,Marine Drive, Taj Mahal Palace, Kanheri Caves, Global 
Vipassana Pagoda and many more.
▪︎ Bhimashankar (185 KM)
Bhimashankar is a popular religious centre. Bhimashankar is especially famous for being home to one of the twelve Holy Jyotirlinga shrines found in India, 
▪︎ Nashik (46.2 KM)
Nashik is the fourth largest city in Maharashtra. Nashik is well known for being one of the Hindu pilgrimage sites of the Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years
Major attractions are Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple Sita Gufaa, Kapileswara Temple, Someshwar Temple, 
▪︎ Shirdi (121 KM)
Shirdi is famously known as the home of Saint Shri Sai Baba. 
Major attractions are Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Sai Tirth Theme Park, Shani Shingnapur, Wet N Joy Water Park, Lendi Baug, Khandoba Mandir, Abdul Baba Cottage, Dixit Wada Museum, Gurusthan, Dwarkamai. 
▪︎ Panvel (125 KM)
Panvel is a city in Navi Mumbai's Raigad district of Maharashtra in India.
Major attractions are Karnala Fort, SMART Eco Park, Gadeshwar Dam, Orion Mall Panvel, Shree Swami Samarth. Religious Sites, Adya Krantiveer Vasudev Balwant Phadke Auditorium and many more.

Special food speciality and hotel

The local cuisine of Igatpuri has Maharashtrian food with a blend of South and North Indian cuisine. From idli-Dosa to parathas and Tandoori you can find them all here. Vada pav is a speciality of this region. However, it is one of the most visited tourist destinations. The restaurants here serve a 
variety of cuisine.

Accommodation facilities nearby & Hotel/ Hospital/Post Office/Police station

Various hotels and resorts are available in Igatpuri.
Patil Hospital (0.5 KM)
Lohmarg Police Station (1 KM)
Igatpuri Post Office (0.3 KM) 

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit

The place is accessible throughout the year. 
• December, January and February weather is cool and pleasant. 
• June, July, August, September, October and November is a moderate season, with cloudy skies with heavy rainfall.
• March, April and May are extremely hot months.

Language spoken in area 

English, Hindi, Marathi