Discovering Igatpuri: A Hidden Gem on the Way to Shirdi

It was the wrap of our Mumbai (in India) trip, and we decided to visit Shirdi. One of my local friends from Mumbai suggested we also explore Igatpuri, a small hill station near Mumbai. With its numerous vineyards, the idea of escaping the humid heat of Mumbai was instantly appealing.

On our way to Shirdi, which was a 5-hour drive from Mumbai, we decided to make a stop in Igatpuri for a day and night. We searched for resorts and homestays and found the Vallonne Vineyard, a boutique wine estate.

The journey from Mumbai to Igatpuri (Vallonne) took about 2.5 to 3 hours. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a beautiful small cottage with a vast vineyard at the back and a refreshing summer drink. We learned that one of the episodes of the Indian series "Little Things" was shot there. The weather and the view of the hills were mesmerizing. We strolled through the village in the evening, enjoying the serene sunset in the narrow lanes of this picturesque spot.

We rested for the evening and savored some delightful Malay food. The next morning, we headed to Shirdi. After our visit there, we decided to extend our stay by another day to experience the wine tasting at Vallone, as the internet was pretty good for us to work, so extension wasn't an issue.

The following morning, we attended a wine-tasting session led by an expert. We learned about their award-winning wine, Anokhi, and various other wines they produce. They shared insights into their winemaking process, emphasizing that they grow and procure their resources locally and produce only 70,000 bottles of wine annually. Their dessert wines stood out, as they contain no artificial sugar.

The wine-tasting session concluded beautifully, and we left with three bottles of their exquisite wines, priced between 1000-4000 INR per bottle. These wines are exclusively sold to hotels and individuals, and to purchase them, you must visit the vineyard.

Enjoying a glass of wine with the stunning view of the hills and vineyard was the most exotic experience we could have asked for.

Highlights:

Stay: 5000 INR per night

Food: 1000-1500 INR per meal (for two)

Service: Outstanding, with courteous staff

Location: Perfect for a unique and memorable experience

Remote work friendly: The wifi was good enough for us to work

Things to avoid: Late-night travel due to the remote location. Visit in the early morning or afternoon, if you're planning to visit the nearby Trayambakeshwar Temple, do not go on Monday to avoid the long queues.

Our impromptu detour to Igatpuri turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. The peaceful ambiance of Vallone Vineyard, with its stunning views and exceptional wines, provided a refreshing contrast to the bustling city life of Mumbai.

If you ever find yourself traveling between Mumbai and Shirdi, we highly recommend making a stop at Igatpuri. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply in need of a serene escape, this hidden gem offers something truly special.