Exploring Igatpuri: A Monsoon Road Trip from Mumbai

Driving out of Mumbai in the monsoon always feels like stepping into a lush green paradise, and our recent road trip to Igatpuri was no exception. We packed up our Maruti S-Cross, filled the tank, and set off on a journey covering about 130 km one way. With the misty air and overcast skies, we knew this quick getaway was going to be one to remember.

For anyone looking for a refreshing break from city life, Igatpuri in the monsoon is a must-drive experience. Just around three hours away from Mumbai, Igatpuri feels like a world away, especially during the monsoon. The hills comes alive with streams of water flowing down in what can only be described as white lines of milk trickling down the emerald slopes. It’s a sight that’s hard to capture fully in pictures—you really have to experience it. The cool, crisp air and the misty landscape make Igatpuri a perfect escape. As the clouds descend upon the hills, the whole landscape transforms into a fairy-tale-like setting, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.

The Drive: Kasara Ghats and Scenic Valleys

The road from Mumbai to Igatpuri isn’t exactly perfect, with a few rough patches and construction zones that slow you down a bit. But once you’ve cleared those stretches closer to the city, the drive smooths out and becomes much more enjoyable. And that’s when the magic really starts! As we ventured further, the landscape began to transform, especially as we approached the curvaceous roads of Kasara Ghats. These winding bends aren’t just thrilling to drive—they’re accompanied by jaw-dropping views of the valley below. The ghats themselves are a bit curvy but manageable. So while you let your passengers soak in the scenery, just make sure to keep an eye out for the occasional sharp turns, especially if you’re not used to driving in hilly terrains. Each turn around this stretch of drive reveals even more spectacular views of fluorescent green hills, with distant waterfalls cascading like ribbons of milk. It’s the kind of drive that makes you forget about the bumpy start and leaves you enchanted with every mile.

Stay & Food at
Rakabi The Fern

We arrived at Rakabi The Fern Hotel, our cozy retreat for the next two days. Overall, the hotel delivers on its promise of a clean, spacious stay paired with warm hospitality, but there are a few areas where it falls short of expectations.

The rooms, particularly those facing the highway, are touted as their best, offering a closer view of the nearby mountains. However, this comes with a caveat: the sightlines are interrupted by local buildings and the constant hum of highway traffic, which may detract from the otherwise serene surroundings. On the other hand, the rooms on the opposite side provide a cleaner, unobstructed view of the mountains—but they’re quite distant. While scenic, you won’t catch the mesmerizing sight of water streams and clouds rolling over the peaks as vividly as one might hope. For families traveling with children, the play area leaves much to be desired. It lacks cushioned surfaces, which raises safety concerns, and the indoor game options are minimal and underwhelming, failing to engage even young visitors. The first-floor swimming pool is spacious and well-maintained, offering a refreshing option for guests. However, it’s dimly lit in the evenings, which affects the ambiance and could benefit from better lighting for a safer, more enjoyable late evening swim.

Food: I found the dining experience at Rakabi The Fern Hotel to be a mix of modest variety and solid execution. The lunch menu for in-house guests, while not particularly expansive and served buffet-style, made up for its limited choices with well-prepared and flavorful dishes. Dinner and breakfast, served as buffet, offered a wider array of options, allowing for a more satisfying dining experience. For weekend visitors, the hotel adds a touch of entertainment with karaoke and the option to request classic hits, enhancing the overall ambiance. The only drawback was the slightly slower service, but overall, no major complaints in the food department.

Local Attractions

• Bhavali Waterfall and Dam (8 Km)
• Ghatandevi Temple Viewpoint (3 Km)
• Camel Valley (1.5 Km)
• Vipassana International Academy (1 Km)

After settling into the hotel, we wasted no time exploring Igatpuri’s natural gems. Monsoon, of course, brings an abundance of waterfalls, and this region is no exception. Our first stop was a serene visit to Bhavali Dam, where the calm waters offered a peaceful contrast to the surrounding lushness. The tranquility of the dam was a perfect introduction to the area’s beauty. Earlier that day, my parents also visited the nearby Vipassana Meditation Center, just a kilometer from the hotel, immersing themselves in the center’s serene atmosphere and teachings, organized by the hotel.

Later, we made our way to the more energetic Bhavali Waterfall, located just a short drive away. The cascade was in full force, and standing near it, the mist, mingling with the light drizzle, was a refreshing reminder of nature’s raw beauty . Both spots perfectly encapsulated the dual charm of Igatpuri’s monsoon—serenity and vibrancy intertwined in the landscape.

Things to do in Igatpuri

Trekking: Igatpuri is a great spot for trekking enthusiasts. Apart from Tringalwadi Fort and Kalsubai Peak, other popular trekking trails include Ratangad Fort, Sandhan Valley (a thrilling gorge trek) Kulangadd and Bitangad. The best time for this activity is between December and February, avoiding slippery monsoon conditions and the harsh summer sun.

Landscape Photography: If you’re into landscape photography, monsoon mist and waterfalls offer great opportunities. Carry a tripod for capturing long-exposure shots of moving waterfall and dramatic clouds.

Meditation: If you’re interested in meditation or simply want to experience the serene environment, you must visit Vipassana International Academy (Dhamma Giri).

Other Nearby Attractions (10+ Km)

Ready to keep the road trip vibes rolling? If you’re looking to stretch your adventure beyond Igatpuri, check out these fantastic spots just waiting to be explored! Buckle up—there’s more fun on the horizon!

• Vihigaon (Ashoka) Waterfall (11 Km)
• Tringalwadi Fort and Caves (12 Km)
• Kalsubai Peak (35 Km)
• Bhandardara Dam (45 Km)
• Sula Vineyards, Nashik (49 Km)
• Tryambakeshwar Temple (57 Km)

Travel Tips

• Book directly with the hotel for the same or lower price as online and request for a free room upgrade.
• Include all meals in the stay to pay lesser for the food.
• Make a pit stop at Food Hub, Shahapur, Asangaon, the only spot offering Starbucks, McDonald’s, and various other food joints in one location.
• Buy anti-skid waterproof footwear, especially if visiting waterfalls or trek.
• Drive cautiously and avoid speeding above 40 km/hour, especially around curves when crossing the Ghats.
• Stock up your car with fuel and other essentials, as fuel stations and rest stops become sparse in the hills.

This 2-day trip to Igatpuri was extra special—it was not only a fun birthday getaway but also my first road trip with my twin babies, who just turned one! Plus, it was my first time driving over 100 km, tackling those thrilling Ghat sections along the way. The best part? Everywhere I looked, nature had painted the landscape in vibrant greens, with clouds adding a dramatic touch to the scene. If you’re in Mumbai craving a break, pack your bags, hop in the car, and head to Igatpuri. The clouds, hills, and waterfalls are ready to give you the perfect visual treat—you can’t miss!

Date of Travel: 8-10 September, 2024
Co-traveler: Family including parents
Cost of Stay and Food: INR 24K (2 nights-2 rooms)
Petrol and Tolls: INR 2500
Images Shot on: iPhone 15 Pro
Car: Maruti-Suzuki S-Cross