OMG! The Stunning ‘Khandala-Lonavala’ Ever
Khandala
Khandala is a hill station in the Western Ghats in the state of Maharashtra, India, about 3 kilometres from Lonavala, 12 kilometres from Khopoli and 33.4 kilometres from Karjat. Khandala is located at the top end of the Bhor Ghat, a major ghat on the road link between the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan plain. An extensive amount of road and rail traffic is located in the ghat. Due to the easy accessibility from nearby cities, Khandala is a famous area for hiking. The peak of Duke’s Nose, offers a panoramic view of Khandala and the Bhor Ghat.
Khandala is situated at an altitude of 550 meters above sea level known for its natural beauty, serene environment, and cool climate. Some popular attractions in Khandala include the Bhushi Dam, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and the Kune Falls, a three-tiered waterfall and a popular spot for picnics and swimming. Other popular attractions in Khandala include Rajmachi Point, Tiger’s Leap, and Duke’s Nose, all scenic viewpoints offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Khandala is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes local specialties such as vada pav, misal pav, and pav bhaji. The town is easily accessible by road and rail, and is a popular weekend getaway for people from Mumbai and Pune.
Khandala ghat
Khandala Ghat, also known as the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Ghat, is a mountain pass located on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway in Maharashtra, India. The ghat section is located between Khandala and Lonavala, and is approximately 6.5 kilometers long.
The Khandala Ghat is known for its winding roads, steep inclines, and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It is also known for its treacherous driving conditions during the monsoon season, as heavy rains can make the road slippery and increase the risk of accidents.
Khandala weather
Khandala has a pleasant climate throughout the year, with moderate temperatures and cool breezes. The town is located in the Western Ghats mountain range, which gives it a highland climate. The best time to visit Khandala- The best time to visit Khandala is during the winter season, from November to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 25°C. This is a popular time for tourists to visit, as the weather is ideal for outdoor activities such as trekking, sightseeing, and exploring the town.
During the monsoon season, from June to September, Khandala receives heavy rainfall, which can make the roads slippery and increase the risk of landslides. However, the monsoon season also brings lush greenery and beautiful waterfalls, making it a great time for nature lovers to visit.
In the summer season, from March to May, Khandala experiences hot and humid weather, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. While it is still possible to visit during this time, it is advisable to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day and stay hydrated.
Places to visit in Khandala
Khandala and Lonavala are two popular hill stations situated in close proximity to each other and are often visited together. Both hill station is located in a picturesque hill in Western Ghats and is known for its scenic landscape, lush greenery, and refreshing point.
Bhushi Dam
Bhushi Dam is a small dam located near the hill station of Lonavala in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a popular tourist destination and a favorite picnic spot among the locals. The dam was built in the early 1860s to provide water for the steam engines of the railways. Today, it is a source of water for the nearby towns and villages.
The area around Bhushi Dam is lush green and offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The dam has a waterfall that flows over the steps of the dam, which is a major attraction for visitors. Visitors can also enjoy swimming in the natural pool created by the waterfall. The best time to visit Bhushi Dam is during the monsoon season, from June to September, when the waterfall is at its best and the surroundings are green and fresh.
Kune Falls
Kune Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near the hill station of Lonavala. It is situated on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and is easily accessible from both Mumbai and Pune. The waterfall is a three-tiered waterfall, with a total height of around 60 meter. The water cascades down from a height of around 30 meter in the first tier, then another 6 meter in the second tier, and finally 26 meter in the third tier. The water falls into a natural pool at the bottom, which is a popular spot for swimming and relaxing.
Kune Falls is surrounded by lush green forests and offers a serene and tranquil environment for visitors. The waterfall is at its best during the monsoon season, from June to September, when the water flow is at its peak and the surroundings are fresh and green.
Rajmachi Point
Rajmachi Point is a popular viewpoint in Lonavala. The viewpoint is situated on the way to the historic Rajmachi Fort, which is a popular trekking destination in Lonavala. Visitors can reach the viewpoint by taking a short hike from the parking area or by driving up to the viewpoint. At the Rajmachi Point, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Sahyadri mountain range, including the Duke’s Nose peak, which resembles the shape of a human nose.
Tiger’s Leap
Tiger’s Leap is a popular tourist attraction in Lonavala. It is a cliff-top viewpoint that offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The viewpoint is named after its resemblance to a tiger leaping into the valley. Visitors can reach the viewpoint by taking a short hike from the parking area or by driving up to the viewpoint.
At Tiger’s Leap, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view of deep valley below. There are several food stalls and souvenir shops near the viewpoint, where visitors can buy snacks and refreshments. Visitors can also enjoy horse riding and take a short hike to the nearby Karla Caves, which are a group of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves.
Also read- Lohagad Fort Lonavala-A Historical Fort and Best Trekking destination
Duke’s Nose
Duke’s Nose is a prominent cliff located near the hill station and a favorite spot among adventure enthusiasts. The cliff is named after the Duke of Wellington, as it is said to resemble the shape of his nose. It is a popular destination for trekking and rock climbing, offering a challenging climb and stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
At Duke’s Nose, visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of the Sahyadri mountain range and the deep valley below. The view is especially mesmerizing during the monsoon season, from June to September, when the surrounding hills are covered in lush greenery and the waterfalls are at their best.
Karla Caves
Karla Caves is a group of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves and a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves are believed to have been built between 2nd century BC and 5th century AD and consist of a series of rock-cut caves and stupas. The caves are known for their ancient rock-cut architecture and intricate carvings, depicting various Buddhist legends and motifs.
The main cave at Karla Caves is the Chaitya Hall, which is the largest and the most impressive cave at the site. It has a massive horseshoe-shaped entrance and a high vaulted ceiling, with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting Buddhist deities.
Shooting Point
Shooting Point, As the name suggests, it is a location where many Bollywood movies and advertisements have been shot. The Shooting Point is located at a height of 650 meters above sea level and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills and valleys. It is a popular spot among tourists and photographers who come here to capture the panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
The misty clouds that hover over the hills create a mystical and enchanting atmosphere, making it an ideal location for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Apart from its scenic beauty, Shooting Point is also a popular spot for adventure activities like trekking and hiking. There are several trails that lead up to the Shooting Point, offering an exciting and challenging experience for those who love the outdoors.
Wax Museum
Wax Museum in Khandala is place that features life-size wax statues of famous personalities from various fields such as Bollywood, Hollywood, sports, politics, and history. It is situated near the Lonavala-Khandala exit on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
The Wax Museum in Khandala is the brainchild of Sunil Kandaloor, a renowned wax artist from Kerala. The museum has over 100 wax statues on display, including those of Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Michael Jackson, Barack Obama, and Amitabh Bachchan, to name a few.
The museum also has a special section dedicated to the Indian Army, showcasing the lives of Indian soldiers and their heroic deeds. Visitors can also enjoy a 3D show on the history of India, which is both entertaining and informative. The wax museum also offers visitors the unique opportunity to take photographs with the wax statues, which look incredibly real and lifelike.
Khandala lake
Khandala does not have a natural lake of its own, but there are several lakes located in the surrounding areas that are popular tourist attractions. Pawna Lake – a scenic lake located approximately 15 kilometers from Khandala. It is a popular spot for camping, boating, and fishing. Tungarli Lake – a beautiful lake located approximately 5 kilometers from Khandala. It is a popular spot for picnics and boating.
Lonavala Lake – a picturesque lake located approximately 4 kilometers from Khandala. It is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a serene environment for relaxation. Khadakwasla Lake – a beautiful lake located approximately 40 kilometers from Khandala. It is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and picnics. Visitors can enjoy various activities like boating, fishing, picnics, and camping, and soak in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Khandala Resorts
Khandala hill station has some of the popular resorts in Khandala- Della Resorts – a luxury resort that offers a range of accommodation options, from deluxe rooms to private villas. It is known for its scenic views, adventure activities, and world-class facilities. The Dukes Retreat – a beautiful resort located in the midst of lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It offers a range of facilities, including a swimming pool, spa, and restaurant.
Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa – a luxury retreat located in the Sahyadri mountain range and surrounded by beautiful forests and waterfalls. It offers a range of accommodation options, including villas and treehouses, and a range of facilities, including a spa, restaurant, and yoga studio. Fariyas Resort – a beautiful resort located in the midst of lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It offers a range of facilities, including a swimming pool, spa, and restaurant. Zara’s Resort – a beautiful resort located in the midst of lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It offers a range of facilities, including a swimming pool, spa, and restaurant.
Mumbai to Khandala
Khandala is located approximately 70 kilometers away from Mumbai and can be easily accessed by road, rail, or air. The nearest airport to Khandala is the Pune International Airport, which is located approximately 70 kilometers away from Khandala. Visitors can take a flight from Mumbai to Pune and then take a taxi or bus to Khandala. Khandala has its own railway station, and several trains run between Mumbai and Khandala.
Visitors can take a local train from Mumbai to Lonavala, which is located approximately 5 kilometers from Khandala, and then take a taxi or bus to Khandala. Khandala is well connected to Mumbai by a network of well-maintained roads. Visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus from Mumbai to Khandala. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the traffic. Pune to Khandala-handala is located approximately 60 kilometers away from Pune and can be easily accessed by road, rail, or air. Here are some of the popular ways to travel from Pune to Khandala.
