KANDALA AND LONAVALA

5 km from Lonavala and 101 km southeast of Mumbai, Khandala is among the finest hill stations of the state of Maharashtra. Khandala is set in the hills of the Shayadri mountains and is gifted with astound natural bounty. It provides a rapid escape to the locals of Mumbai from the hustle and bustle of the city. The mystifying waterfalls and the scenic beauty of the place attract a huge crowd from all parts. It’s a land of beautiful hills, verdant valleys, huge lakes and historic forts

Getting to Khandala

Air: : Pune (69 km) is the nearest airport.

Rail: The closest railhead is Lonavala (5 km).

Road: Khandala is well connected by road to Mumbai and Pune

About Lonavala

Lonavala is Charming Hill Station perched on a height of 625 Mts above sealevel blessed by the nature's beauty. The hill Station is only 128 Kms from Mumbai and around 70 kms from Pune.

Getting to Lonavala

Air: : Nearest airport is situated in Pune at 64-km.

Rail:: Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune. All express trains plying between the two cities stop here. There is also an hourly shuttle service for Pune.

Road: : Lonavala situated on the Mumbai Pune Highway. It is 104–km from Mumbai and 64–km from Pune. The bus service between Lonavala and Pune is good. Buses shuttle between Lonavala and Khandala. Travelers can hire bicycles on hourly basis to explore Lonavala or to go to Khandala.

City Map of Khandala and Lonavala

khandala and Lonavala

Karla Caves

Karla Caves are situated in the western ghats and is about 114 kms away from Mumbai. It is one of the eminent tourist attractions of the city of Khandala. The Buddhist Karla Caves were cut out 2000 years ago. The caves of Karla were built during the rule of the Satavahanas. The caves are known for their excellent architecture. The Karla Caves are known to possess the maximum number of Chaityas. These caves were made specially for the Buddhist monastics. Large umber of tourists from all over the world are said to visit this beautiful place near Khandala.

The people have to climb 350 stairs in order to reach to the caves. At the entrance is located a temple which has been constructed very recently. The outer surface of the temple is full of sculptures of humans in various poses. There is a 45 meter Chaitya, which is known to be the most exquisite of all Chaityas in the country. The pillars of the beautiful caves have motifs of humans and animals such as elephants and lions. There are a wide variety of sculptures especially at the entrance door, which is located centrally within the caves. These are Buddhist sculptures in various poses. One of the most outstanding sculptures is that of the Buddha imparting knowledge to his followers while sitting on a throne backed by a lion. All the three Karla Caves houses superbly crafted Chaityas and Viharas.

Bhaja Caves:

Bhaja caves is located in the city of Lonavala and is very close to the Malavali railway station. There are other tourist attractions around the Bhaja Caves. Bhaja Caves are popular for their excellent architecture. It is one of the most important tourist attractions located around the city of Khandala. Bhaja Caves have been built in the likeness of the Karla Caves. The most unique characteristic of the caves is that the beam of light of the setting sun enters the insides of the caves. On the southern region of the caves there are sculptures of human figures and deities. There are many mythological tales that revolves around these images and sculptures.

The Bhaja Caves are adorned with 18 temple caves, which are built in Hinayana style. The “stupas” and “viharas” inside the caves are adorned with intricate designs and paintings. The caves of Bhaja were built way back during the 2nd Century BC. The 12th and the largest Bhaja cave consists of a hall where prayers used to be conducted and this cave is known for its superb art and architecture. The sculptures that are crafted in the right side of the caves are starkly beautiful. There is also a sculpture of a dancing man and woman which is worth appreciating. There is a fountain stream flowing from the hills, which is located at the extreme right of the caves. Thousands of tourists coming from various parts of the country of India flock to this famous place of sightseeing every day. Bhaja Caves are known to be one of the most primitive caves of the country.

Bedsa Caves:

Bedsa Caves are situated very close to the region of Kamshet and falls on the Mumbai to Pune road. These caves located around the city of Khandala are known to be as large as that of the Karla Caves. The Caves of Bedsa are known for their pillars that are adorned with the image of lions and a Chaitya hall having spacious reposing rooms. The rays of the sun penetrate within the prayer hall of the caves. The caves of Bedsa are very well-maintained by the tourism department of Maharashtra. The Bedsa Caves are popular for their superb art and architecture. Innumerable number of tourists from far and wide visit this tourist spot at Lonavala annually.

Kune Falls:

Kune Falls is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Khandala. It is located centrally within the Lonavala Khandala valley. The Kune Falls is worth admiring. The Kune Falls is surrounded by lush green vegetation. People often hold picnics around the region of the falls. Innumerable number of tourists from various parts of the country visit this famous site annually. The waterfall is divided into 2 sections. Every part of the falls is almost 100 meters high.

In order to reach Kune Falls tourists should catch the Mumbai Pune Expressway and then stop at the Lonavala bypass. From there they should avail any buses or local transport that takes the Mumbai-Pune highway route. On reaching Kune tourists should be able to spot the most eminent landmark, which is the Kune Church. From there tourists can walk the path till they arrive the Falls of Kune.

Lohgad Fort:

Lohgad Fort: was built during Shivaji's rule in Maharashtra. The fort of Lohgad is situated 10 kms away from Lonavala. This fort was constructed so that prisoners could be kept. Lohgad Fort belonged to Chatrapati Shivaji and later on the royal family of the Gaikwada and Dabhade were imprisoned in this fort. The Lohgad Fort reflects an old charm about itself. It is a majestic structure that stands tall through the sands of time. The Lohgad Fort is indeed worth admiring.

There are three gates of this fort. The third gate is spectacular to look. Another attraction of this fort is an enormous cave that is used for the storing of grains during the monsoons. Beside the cave is a grave that consists of a Shivlinga. Around the fort there are places where water can be stored. These water storage areas were built by Nanasaheb Phadnis. The facade of the fort is marked with paintings. There are many writings found on the walls of the fort which tell the tale of this fort. There are quaint designs on the walls of the fort which are popularly known as Vindhukata. The local people of Khandala are of the belief that Chatrapati Shivaji kept most of his treasures within this fort. It is one of the most popular tourists destinations in Khandala, which attracts a multitude of tourists every year.

Lonavala Hill:

Lonavala Hill is one of the famous tourist destinations from Khandala. The hills are also known as the Jewel of the Sahyadri. Lonavala Hill is located at a height of 625 meters above sea level. Located only 5 km from Khandala, Lonavala Hill is an ideal weekend gateway for the city slickers.

Lonavala Hill provides a panoramic view of the Sahyadri Mountains. The Sahyadri Mountains are a part of the Western Ranges. The weather is calm and pleasant from October to May and it advisable to visit this place during this period. The mountainous terrain of the Lonavala Hill provides the adventure enthusiasts ample scope for trekking. They can trek along the numerous waterfalls around the hill. Besides trekking, mountain biking is another option for the sports enthusiasts.

There are a number of lakes located around Lonavala Hill. Among them Bhushi Lake, Lonavala Lake and Tulauli Lake are the most popular. The Walvan Dam is also located nearby. The famous rock cut Buddhist caves Bhaja and Karla are located only 11 km from Lonavala Hill.

Lonavala Hill can be reached by road from Khandala in 15 minutes. Buses ply frequently between these two places on a regular basis. From Pune Lonavala Hill is a 2–hour drive while from Mumbai it takes around 4 hours. Besides traveling by road, people can also reach Lonavala Hill by train. All trains on the Mumbai-Pune line halt regularly at Lonavala.

There are many health resorts located on Lonaval Hill. People come here to rejuvinate and enjoy the beauty of Nature. Some of the famous health resorts are Fariyas Holiday Resort, Rainbow Retreat, Kumar Resort, Biji’s Hill Retreat, Valvan Village Resort, Star Agency and many others. These resorts offer excellent accommodation facilities and provide all the amenities of modern day life.

Attractions in and around khandala

Rajmachi Park

Rajmachi Fort is one of the most popular tourist sites in Khandala. It is situated about 20 kilometers from Lonavala. It is located mid-way between Khandala and Lonavala. The fort can be reached through Tungarli Lake: this trek is popular among the beginners. Tourists willing to reach Rajmachi fort in Khandala can avail the local transport from Pune.

Rajmachi Fort stands on Shrivardhan and Manaranjan peaks. In fact, both the peaks can be said to house two separate forts. One can come across a small plateau between the peaks. The plateau connects the Manranjan and Shrivardhan peaks. The fort posited on the Shrivardhan peak is known as 'Bale killa'. It has an average altitude of about 3000 feet. The fort was built to monitor the activities in the Konkan area. Moreover, the fort at Manaranjan peak is situated at a height of about 2700 feet and consists of 3 doors, numerous water tanks and strong walls. Manaranjana is the perfect place for sightseeing in Khandala. Tourists can view Dukes Nose, Karanala, Mahuli, Bhimashankar, Matheran and Ulhas river from this site. The old caves of Kondhavi and Tungrali Lake add to the thrill of sightseeing at Rajmachi.

Sakur Plateau:

JSakur Plateau is situated at an elevation of 1000 feet. It is located about 4 miles from the hill station of Khandala. It is situated on the way to INS Shivaji and village Ambavane. One of the popular tourist attractions of Khadala, Sakur plateau is sparsely populated. Every year thousands of tourists come to this site to enjoy the tranquility and serenity of nature. The site also offers a wide opportunity for sightseeing. The Korigad, Lohagad and Tungi are located at a vicinity to the Sakur plateau of Khandala.

Monkey hill:

Monkey Hill is one of the most popular destinations in Khandala. In fact, the trains coming to Khandala halt at Monkey hill for brake testing. It is located above Khopoli town and can be reached through the aforesaid town or through Borghat reversing station. It is one of the renowned picnic spots in the hill station.

Duke’s Nose:

Duke’s Nose can be approached through Kurwande Village or INS Shivaji. Also known as 'Nagfani', the site was named after Duke Wellington. Duke Wellington is said to have a nose resembling the cliff and thus the cliff was christened after him. The site is known to provide a majestic view of the adjoining hills.

Tiger»s Leap:

Tiger’s Leap – Tiger’s Leap is situated at a vicinity to INS Shivaji. Tourists can enjoy the exotic beauty of the valley from the confines of a big hole at this site.

Reversing Station:

The Reversing Station, Khandala is definitely one of the picturesque sites of the hill station. Once used by the railway department, the Reversing Station of Khandala is today an unused and secluded place. One can enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding regions from this site. During the night, lights from the distant Khapoli city present a heavenly view.

A gigantic advertisement hoarding of Amrutanjan can be seen very near the Reversing Station, just outside the tunnel number 26. Earning its name from this hoarding, the Amrutanjan Point presents a panoramic view of the Khapoli City.

Very near the reversing station, the Lohagad Darshan is a favorite haunt for the kids. The place has many playthings and toys. A large statue of Veer Savarkar is also present here.

The Shivaji Park is another frequently visited site among the tourist attractions in and around Khandala. Very popular as a picnic spot, the Shivaji Park is actually a magnificently maintained garden.

Ryewood:

This is a big and beautiful garden situated near Lonavala. This garden covers a lot of ground and it is full of majestic tall trees. There is an old Mahadeo temple in this park. There is history behind the name Ryewood. An English officer Mr. Rye stayed in this place for quite some time. Hence this woods are named after him. The name may also have come from the Marathi words "Rai" which means thick forest. Earlier it was under the care of civil dept. In 1959 it was transferred to the State Government's Forest Department. This garden has plenty of place for children to play.

Shivaji Park :

It was previously a playground and was converted into a park in the year 1956. The statute of Shri Shivaji Maharaj, the great Maratha ruler, stands here. It's a perfect place to relax, enjoying the scenic surroundings at the same time.