Nature’s new address

Bahuli Dam is one of chief attractions of Igatpuri. Located a few meters away from Bhatsa river valley,the dam has a giant waterfall on its other side,formed by rain waters. One has to walk over,along the reservoir of the lake to reach the waterfall. On this walk,about a kilometer long,only two sounds give you company – the chirping of birds and the loud gushing roar of the large waterfalls around. The mammoth waterfall of Vihigaon is another key attraction of the hill-station. Located in the dense mini-forest,one has to trek down at least 300-400 meters to enjoy this ‘hidden’ water-fall that cannot be otherwise be seen,covered as it is with lush foliage. This location is very silent and untouched. It’s easy to imagine an idyllic picnic here,a day away from the daily grind and hustle-bustle of city life.

Igatpuri,which is located on the busy Mumbai-Agra national highway,is also an emerging hotspot for trekkers and hikers. The nearby Kasara ghat,also called Thal Ghat,offers some spell-binding sights. Travelling through this ghat,one can see the the railway line,which is believed to pass through the steepest area in the country,with a gradient of 1 in 37. The tunnels carved into the mountains don a new sheen during the monsoon. This otherworldly beauty has been captured in several Hindi movies,which depict their song-and-dance sequences in and around Igatpuri.

The recreation and rejuvenation of mind caused by nature in Igatpuri reaches its culmination point upon reaching Dhamma Giri,which houses Vipassana Research Institute and Academy. Founded by S N Goenka,a master of Vipassana meditation in the tradition of the late Sayagyi U Ba Khin of Burma (Myanmar),the academy teaches one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation – Vipassana.

This non-sectarian meditation technique aims for the total eradication of mental impurities and the resultant highest happiness of full liberation. It attracts lots of people from various parts of India,as well abroad every year. The technique is taught at ten-day residential courses during which participants follow a prescribed living,learn the basics of the method,and practice it sufficiently to experience its results. There are no charges for the courses – not even to cover the cost of food and accommodation. All expenses are met by donations from people who,having completed a course and experienced the benefits of Vipassana,wish to give others the opportunity to also benefit.

Here,the large golden pagoda,the central theme of Dhammagiri,serves as a beacon,calling out to those who search for peace,through nature and meditation.