Located in the Sahyadri Hills of the Western Ghats, Igatpuri is exceptionally beautiful. This is partly due to its eye-catching landscapes and mesmerizing views.
So, Igatpuri has become a great travel destination for people who want to connect to nature or just simply enjoy some fun adventure activities.
Aside from the ancient forts, scenic waterfalls, and near-perfect weather conditions, Igatpuri is becoming increasingly popular because it is far from the city.
Therefore, it allows you to get away from the constant commotion of city life so that you can enjoy some much-needed peace and quiet.
While Igatpuri is the more popular choice for peace and tranquillity, there is another, a lesser-known haven that is just as beautiful. Also situated in the Sahyadri Hills of the Western Ghats, Saputara is one of the most well-planned hill stations in India.
Saputara gets its name from the Snake God and literally means “the abode of serpents” because the legend says that Lord Rama spent 11 years there during his exile.
Saputara is a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of nature with its amazing waterfall, lush green forests, picturesque landscape, and winding roads.
There are several places to visit, and because it is home to the Dang tribe, there are plenty of festivals all year round. Some of the biggest ones include the Dang Darbar in March, the Sapatura Monsoon Festival in August, and the Paragliding Festival in December–January.
However, when it comes to choosing between visiting Igatpuri or Saputara, which is the better option? Let’s take a look at some of the top spots to visit in both places.
Top 5 Spots to Visit in Igatpuri
1. Ghatandevi Temple: Ghatandevi Temple is just 5 km away from the Igatpuri Railway Station and is one of the most popular tourist attractions. The temple is dedicated to Ghatandevi, who is referred to as “the protector of Ghats.”
2. Vipassana International Academy: This is widely considered the largest meditation centre in the world, which makes it one of the top spots to visit in Igatpuri. It was established in 1976 by S.N. Goenka, and it teaches several courses on Vipassana, which is an ancient meditation technique.
3. Tringalwadi Fort: Tringalwadi Fort is found at an elevation of around 3000 feet and features several caves. Therefore, it is a great spot for adventurers, hikers, and trekkers. It overlooks the trade route connecting Konkan and Nashik.
4. Kalsubai Peak: This is also known as the Everest of Maharashtra because it is the highest peak in the state of Maharashtra. Standing at this peak gives you a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. There are stairs to reach the top, which adventurers can climb.
5. Sandhan Valley: This 2-kilometre trek through the Sandhan Valley will test trekkers’ endurance. It is known by the locals as “The Valley of the Shadows” and is a combination of a canyon and a valley.
Top 5 Spots to Visit in Saputara
1. Sunset Point: It is also known as the Gandhi Shikhar and is located approximately 1.7 kilometres from the town centre. It offers views of the sunset, the Dang Forest, as well as beautiful tribal villages.
2. Saputara Tribal Museum: This museum was constructed in order to preserve the way of life of the tribe that used to live in the Saputara Hills. Some of the items there include musical instruments, ornaments, weapons, household items, clothes, and utensils. Every year, exhibitions and workshops are organized so that tourists can become familiar with the local culture.
3. Echo Point: The Echo Point is a popular tourist destination because it allows you to hear the echoes of your voice as it travels through the hills. The surroundings are quite wild, which makes the trip a fun adventure. There are several stunning hills around, as well as other tourist spots close by, such as Charlotte Lake, King George Point, and Louisa Point.
4. The Ropeway: Sightseeing in Saputara with the ropeway is a lot of fun. It is 30 feet above the ground and offers excellent views. Each cable car can take 12 people at a time, so you are able to ride together with your family or friends.
5. Hathgarh Forth: The fourth is popular among trekkers because it can only be reached on foot by climbing almost 3600 feet. It is located within the hills of the Sahyadri range and is close to the reservoir of the Jamuna, which is the major source of water. It also offers a great view of the surroundings.
Should I Visit Igatpuri or Saputara?
Both Igatpuri and Saputara are great spots for tourists. They have similar breathtaking scenery and are known for their natural beauty, lush greenery, and high mountains.
As a result, you can visit all year because the climate is pleasant. You can also plan your trip so that you can go to Igatpuri and Sapautara.
The distance between the two locations is 124 kilometres, or 1 hour and 50 minutes by car. There are several hotels where tourists can stay.
