Igatpuri falls on the Mumbai-Nashik route and is approximately around 130+kms from Mumbai. Well known for the Vipassana centre, Igatpuri has also been getting promoted recently as a second-home or holiday home destination. There are a couple of good resorts, the most famous being Manas where we stayed for a weekend. We were a little dissapointed because when we got there, it was lunch time and the restaurant sounded as noisy as a Mumbai neighbourhood during peak 'rush hour'.....what have we got into was the first thought. The rooms however, were quite peaceful and comfortable and god bless the room service ! Atleast that kept us away from the noisy crowds. The hammocks in the front yard were quite convenient, what a way to lounge around in the early morning? The place has a decent pool, but beware - its decent only till around 9am, then it gets invaded by eager-to-learn-swimming-Mumbaikars, flaunting different wild shades of swimwear, plonking themselves in the pool and generally creating a ruckus as if pools are going to dry the very next hour! We found a couple of game rooms as well, to play badminton, table tennis, carrom etc.....but we decided to venture out to explore the town instead. The Golden Pagoda of Dhammagiri was shimmering at a distance and seemed to be inviting us. So straight we entered the famous Dhammagiri, founded by the Goenkaji, where millions come to learn the route to peace and happiness through Vipassana. The Golden pagoda is a picture of tranquility, with people peacefully going about their tasks, a silent retreat indeed. Quite fascinating, its a peace which is inexplicable. On the way back, we stopped by to watch at the various trains from an old bridge, on Kartik's insistence. He loves trains, of all colors, shapes, at all times.....that was enjoyable.
