Khandala and Lonavala are the twin hill stations of Maharashtra, which draw all the tourists seeking serenity from routine works of the day-to-day living. The origin of Khandala and Lonavala is not clear. It is only known that it was under the rule of Chattrapati Shivaji, the founder of the first Maratha Empire. In the later period, the Peshwas, the founder of the 2nd Maratha Empire, had established their domination here. Later, the British rulers had overtaken the power from Peshwas.
Khandala and Lonavala are almost five kms away from each other. They are located on the west sides of the Sahyadris, spanning up to the Mumbai-Pune highway with a height of approximately 625 meters.
The climatic condition is ideal for a holiday with temperature rising to maximum 12 C during winter. During the summer season, temperature rises to as high as 36 C. Khandala and Lonavala experience an average rainfall of 450cms annually. October to May months are the best time to go to these hill resorts.
Places of interests of Khandala and Lonavala, Maharashtra
Khandala and Lonavala in Maharashtra have large number of tourist locales, which have fascinated the visitors.
Duke`s Nose:
It is the name of a cliff resembling to the nose of Duke of Wellington. It is a famous vantage point, which delights its tourists with the captivating view of the surroundings like forests, valleys and hills.
Korigad Fort:
It is another interesting place of Khandala and Lonavala. Located in Amby Valley, this hill fort rises to a height of approximately 3050 feet above the mean sea level. To go there, one needs to reach Shahpur village from Lonavala with the help of various transports. From there, one can walk down to the fort via rocky hills and woodlands.
Tiger`s Leap
Tiger`s Leap is a tourist retreat. Interestingly, if one catches a glance of the whole valley from some point of this locale it feels as if a tiger leaps across this valley. Hence it is called so. Tourists get thrilled to hear the echoes that get reverberated with the drop of a stone into the ravine.
Lohgad
Lohgad appeals the tourists with its extensive cool waterfalls and an ancient fort. The popular caves, which are located at the top of the steep steps, are worth mentioning.
Karla and Bhaja Caves
These caves are as old as the finest instances of `Early Buddhist temple art` in the whole Indian continent. These are rock-cutting caves, nicely nested by Lonavala hills.
The Karla Cave is worth mentioning since it is the principal temple of Early Buddhists of the country. It is an example of good architectural work made of wood. It was completed in 80 BC. There is an attractive structure, which symbolizes the image of Buddha. An aisle is also found there which comprises of 37 pillars and also imprinted heads of elephant.
The Bhaja Cave compound consists of 18 caves and 14 stupas. Built around 200 BC, these architectural wonders are situated amid dense foliage. The Karla Cave is just outside of it. "Ekvira Temple" situated at the entrance of principal cave is visited by myriads of pilgrims who generally belong to the fishermen community.
Other main attractions: Bhushi Dam, Valvan Dam, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Hospital, and Ryewood Park.
How to reach Khandala and Lonavala, Maharashtra
By air:
Closest airport is at Pune, which is almost at a distance of 66 kms away.
By rail
Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune. So, all express trains plying between these two cities stop here. It takes 3 hours from Mumbai to Lonavala. The Lonavala railway station is near the fruit market.
By roads
Good networking of roads establishes connectivity of Khandala and Lonavala of Maharashtra with other places of the state. By road, one needs to travel almost 104 kms from Mumbai to Lonavala. Lonavla is 66kms from Pune.
Other local mode of transport
Trekking is a means of commuting from local areas. Local transports like bicycles are also can be used for reaching the place.
Accommodation in Khandala and Lonavala, Maharashtra
In Khandala and Lonavala of Maharashtra state, a wide variety of hotels and lodges have developed in order to facilitate the needs of tourists and visitors. Apart from quite a number of luxury and budget hotels, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has built two resorts, one is at Karla and the other is at `Rye Woods`, Lonavala.
Below is the list of some other hotels in Kandala and Lonavala:
. Velvett Country (Khandala)
. Dukes Retreat (Khandala)
. Cosmos Resorts (Lonavala)
Mumbai Pune National Highway No.4,
Opp. HDFC Bank, Lonavala, Dist Pune 410401
. Fariyas Holiday Resort (Lonavala)
Frichly Hills, RTPS, Lonavala - 412308,
Maharashtra, India
. Kumar Resort (Lonavala)
Bombay Pune Highway, Lonavala, Maharashtra, India
. Lions Den Hotel (Lonavala)
Tungarli Lake Road, Lonavala - 410403.
. Swiss Resorts (Lonavala)
Near Lonavala Rly Station
Wardekar Bungalow Rd, Lonavala - 410401.
. Sahil Sarovar Protico (Lonavala)
Near L&T Mgmt, Dev.Centre, Anandgiri Soc.,
Tungarli, Lonavala - 410 401
. The Upper Deck Resort (Lonavala)
15, Pangoli, Thakurwadi, Off Tungarli Lake,
Lonavala - 410401, Maharashtra, India
. Hotel Whispering Brook (Lonavala)
Plots No. 5&6, new Tungarli, Lonavala.
. 3 BHK Bungalow (Khandala)
C-21 Whispering Brook @ Deccan Hills, Lokhandwala,
Khandala, (Maharashtra, India)
. Hotel Vallerina (Khandala)
Mumbai Pune Expressway (Maharashtra)
Khandala-410 30, India
. Hotel La Revival (Khandala)
Bombay - Pune road, Khandala,
Maharashtra, 410 301, India
. Basilica Holiday Home (Lonavala)
13/14, Thomrewadi Raiwood Park
Lonavala (East), District Pune,
Maharashtra, India.
. Treasure Island Resorts (Lonavala)
Mumbai-Pune Highway, Opp MTDC, Karla, Lonavala.
.Sweet Heart Resort (Lonavala)
New Tungarli, Near Don Bosco School, Plot No.154-155,
T.P.Scheme No.1, Lonavala-410 401.
. Biji`s Hill Retreat (Lonavala)
New Tugarli Road, Off Mumbai-Pune Highway,
Lonaval-410400, Maharashtra
. The Lagoona Resort (Lonavala)
S. NO.55, TUNGARLI, LONAVLA- 410403. PUNE DIST.
. Kailash Parbat Hotel (Lonavala)
Mayur Sterling, Lonavala
Opposite Raheja Hill Resort, Near Darga
Lonavala-410401 India
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