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| Sightseeing In Igatpuri: |
Igatpuri boasts of some breathtaking valleys and waterfalls such as the Bhatsa River Valley at the fag end of the Thal Ghat and lush ravines are a part of the view. The renowned Camel valley, so called, because of its shape, catches the eye. One could even possibly stumble upon many waterfalls and creeks that fall over 1000 feet onto the base of the valley. Those who go there also pay their respects to the goddess of the Ghats at the Ghantadevi Mandir. A little further from Ghantadevi, a rough road leading to the railway line begins. Across the railway line, while climbing down, falling one below the other, are five waterfalls that form a breathtaking sight. |
| Another such valley is the Konkankada valley and its falls and the Randha falls not so far away which is best enjoyed in the monsoon season when in full force. |
Tringalwadi Fort can be accessed through a small path on the mountain adjoining Igatpuri and trekking a bit further would take one straight to the Tringalwadi lake and the Talegaon lake. The Wilson Dam mentioned earlier is built on the Pravara river close by and from the dam one can see the highest peak of that range Mount Kalsubai. |
The Trimbakeshwar Temple, another highlight of this region is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of the world. The extraordinary feature of the Jyotirlinga located here is that it has three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu & Lord Mahesh (Shiva). The temple is known for its appealing architecture and sculpture and is at the foothill of a mountain called Brahmagiri. Godavari River originates on the Bramhagiri mountain and meets the sea near Rajamundry. |
The Amruteshwar Temple is another attraction known for its intricate carvings in the Hemadpanti style. Other places to see are the Agasti Rishi Ashram, the Ratangad Fort. and the Davebandh Ganesh Temple. |
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| Igatpuri, Bhatsa River Valley |
An imposing spot in Igatpuri, Bhatsa River Valley is placed in the basin of the majestic Bhatsa River. A pictorial spot with lustrous foliage, and splendid knolls, Bhatsa River Valley is blessed with an exquisite charm. An intense wood cover created by the tributary on this valley is an enjoyable spectacle, and the unsullied atmosphere has the power to console the carcass and the mind.
With a striking depth of blissful shrubbery and rocks that jog downwards the road and the glimpse of the majestic hills, this valley is having a mesmerizing appeal. A must see location which is endowed with many tourist assets, this river valley is an ideal place to explore the nature’s splendor |
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| Ghatandevi Mandir, Igatpuri |
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Am impressive structure, Ghatandevi Temple is situated in a scenic place just ahead of Igatpuri. A unique shrine of its own, its deity is Ghatan Devi, believed to be the protector of ghats by the locals. Bounded by the massive Western Ghats, the temple for the Goddess of Ghats presents an eye-catching spectacle to the devotee. The majestic peaks of Harihar, Durvar Utvad and Trimak poses as an imposing backdrop to this elegant shrine.
A pretty shrine in a serene, tranquil atmosphere is definitely wakes up the faith in divinity to anyone. A lovely temple in a gorgeous valley, Ghatandevi Mandir is a worth for a watch. |
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| Camel Valley, Igatpuri |
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Camel valley in Igatpuri is situated adjacent to the majestic Bhatsa River Valley. An impressive cataract created by the rainfall, it is the prime attraction of this pretty location. The enthralling scenery of a waterfall, which cascades from a height of 1000 feet, is really stunning.
Monsoon in its natural vista is at its best in this region. Everything around will be wrapped under lush greenery and one will be enthralled by rejuvenating walk through the lakeside in a soothing atmosphere. More adventurous people can try the challenges of river crossing and rafting and others can enjoy the marvel of soaking in the cascading waterfall.
An imposing spot with unsurpassed beauty, Camel Valley in Igatpuri is an ideal tourist destination for water enthusiasts. |
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| Tringalwadi Fort, Igatpuri |
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Situated at an altitude of 3,000 feet above the sea level, Tringalwadi Fort at Igatpuri is an architectural marvel. Entire locale of Igatpuri is nested by the majestic Sahyadris and Tringalwadi Fort is also besieged by this stunning mountain ranges. Being in an elevated position, this massive fortress houses the picturesque scenery of the whole locality, especially the view of the peaks from this fort is incomparable.
The small path, which leads to the fortress itself kindle one’s curiosity. It is amazing to notice that the surrounding area of this fort will be fully cultivated during the Monsoon season and one have to voyage kilometers to reach to the base of this colossal structure. A magnificient temple dedicated to lord Hanuman makes a marvelous setting to this stunning fort.
A favourite tourist spot in the Igatpuri Region, Tringalwadi Fort also provides excellent opportunities of trekking. |
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| Tringalwadi Lake, Igatpuri |
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Igatpuri is the abode of numerous lakes, and the prominent among them all is the Tringalwadi Lake, which is under the control of Igatpuri municipality. The lakeside is ideal destination to squander a quiet and comforting evening. Though small in size, this lake houses panoramic scenery of the massive fort and the majestic mountains. During monsoon the lakeside offers a haunting site to the tourists.
Walking through the banks of this pretty watercourse, in a pleasant evening is a rejoicing feeling. The gentle breeze, chirping of birds, and the music of the gushing water, Tringalwadi Lake offers the nature at its best. |
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| Vaitarna Dam, Igatpuri |
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Situated in a pictorial environment, Vaitarna Dam in the Vaitarna River offers the stunning scenery of the undulating stony peaks of the Western Ghats. Constructed in the early 50’s, this dam site commenced an era of concrete dams in India .A lovely lagoon with a vast extend of black waters, flanked by deep woods, makes this dam site a delight for the tourists.
Besides its panoramic beauty, the importance in the dam is that, it is the chief source of water and electricity to the Mumbaikers. Considering the increasing demand, a new dam is planned to be constructed on the Vaitarna River, which will be commissioned in 2011. This will be the second highest dam in the state and probably put an end to the on growing water scarcity in Mumbai. |
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| Bhandardara Sight Seeing Places: |
One of the less famous hill stations in the Western Ghats, but nevertheless charming and peaceful, amid lush forests, Bhandardara is located in Maharashtra.
In the lap of the Sahyadri Hills, Bhandadra is famous for its high mountains, picturesque waterfalls and abundant greenery. Apart from its serenity and closeness to nature, Bhandadara ’s other claims to fame are the Arthur Lake, one of the country’s largest lakes; Wilson Dam, one of the oldest dams in Asia (built in 1910) and the largest earthen dam in the country; Mount Kalsubai, the highest mountain peak in Maharashtra (1,646 metres) from where there is a grand view of the lake and the dam; and cascading waterfalls during the monsoons – the renowned Umbrella falls and the Randha falls.
Besides, its proximity to the pilgrim city of Shirdi makes it a perfect stopover. |
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Arthur Lake
The pride of Bhandardara id the huge, placid and breathtakingly beautiful Arthur Lake, set like a huge jewel amidst the dense greenery. The lake is formed by the waters of the Pravara River. |
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Wilson Dam
The Wilson Dam also known as Bhandardara Dam is India’s is the largest earthen dam in the country and one of the oldest dams in Asia. It was built in 1910 on the Pravara River and boasts a height of 150m.
At the base of the dam is a circular garden and a swimming pool. The cool placid waters of the river run by for miles. |
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Mount Kalsubai
Towering over Bhandardara like a watchful sentinel is Mt. Kalsubai, at 1,646 meters the highest peak in the Sahyadri range. During Maratha rule, this peak also served as a lookout point. |
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Amriteshwar Temple
An 8-km boat ride on the Arthur Lake takes visitors to the historical Amriteshwar Temple, which houses the idol of Lord Shiva. It is famous for its intricate carvings, in the Hemadpanti style, which can be traced 1,200 years back in history. |
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Ratangadh
A top favourite with trekkers, this historical fort gets its name from the resident deity, Ratneshwaridevi. It was captured by Chhatrapati Shiivaji Maharaj and was one of his favourites. It has a breathtaking view from its ramparts. |
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Umbrella Falls
This artificial waterfall is formed when one of the sluice gates from the Wilson Dam is opened (when water levels rise above acceptable limits during the monsoons or whenever water is needed for irrigation) It is vaguely umbrella-shaped as it fans out over the rocks. A pathway takes you from the park at the foot of the dam to within drenching distance of the falls. |
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Agasti Rishi Ashram
According to the Ramayan, the Agasti Rishsi Ashram, situated on the bank of the Parvara River, was visited by Ram, Laxman and Sita. It was the magical arrow given by Shri Agasti Rishi to Ram that was used to kill Ravana. Legend has it that the rishi meditated here for a year, living on water and air. |
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