Breathtaking Lonavala – Khandala

Lonavala Hill station, India
Pic: Arjun Singh Kulkarni (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Lonavala

Want a break from your hectic lifestyle this summer? Head to the green environs of the breathtaking Lonavala.

Located in Pune district in Maharashtra, Lonavala is a pristine hill station known for its pleasant weather, scenic views and several places for sightseeing.

Lonavla is about 65km away from Pune and 90km away from Mumbai. Though Lonavala is a small place, there is plenty for visitors to explore.

Tourist Attractions of Lonavala

Karla Caves

Situated in Karli near Lonavala, Karla caves are historic Buddhist rock-cut cave shrines that date back to 2-3rd century BC. The intricately carved chaitya or prayer hall, sculptures and carvings take you back in time to the ancient times.

Lohagad Fort

Lohagad Fort or the ‘Iron Fort’ was once the impregnable battleground hill fort of the Maratha warrior – Chhatrapati Shivaji.
Located 9 km away from the Malavli railway station, there are around 500 steps leading to the imposing fort.

However it is all worth the effort, as you get to see the magnificent view of the lush green surrounding hills, hamlets and valleys.

Rajmachi Point

Mumbai-Pune Expressway from Rajmachi Garden (Khandala)
Pic: Vishal S Dhumal (Wikimedia Commons)

Located about 6.5 km from Lonavala, the Rajmachi Point offers a magnificent view of the Rajmachi Fort (Shivaji’s famous fort) and the picturesque view of the valley.

Shivaji Udyan and Ryewood Park

Take a stroll and relax in the picturesque gardens of Ryewood Park and Shivaji Udyan. These are gorgeous gardens to have a picnic with your family here and enjoy a lap in the nature among lovely flowers, manicured grass, tall trees and scenery all around.

Tungarli Lake and Lonavala Lake

Tungarli Lake is surrounded with smoky mountains. Take photographs, enjoy the cool breeze and soak in the peace and serenity of this beautiful lake. Another beautiful lake is the Lonavala Lake to experience the natural beauty. In monsoons, both the lakes are at their best.

By car
The best way to reach Lonavala is by road. Along the way you get to see scenic views and admire the natural beauty.
By car you can take the Mumbai Pune Expressway to reach Lonavala. Take the old Mumbai Pune road NH4, if you are coming in two or three wheelers.

By train
Trains such as Intercity Express, Koyna Express, Deccan Express, and more. Indrayani Express, etc. connect to Lonavala.

By plane
Lohegaon Airport in Pune is the nearest to Lonavala.

Khandala

Khandala is a beautiful hill station which is just about 3 kilometres from Lonavala. In fact, a trip to Lonavala can be clubbed with Khandala to make your summer vacation even more fun.

Located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Khandala is easily accessed from various nearby cities. This beautiful town offers a plethora of tourist attractions for sightseeing.

Tiger’s Leap
Don’t miss this exciting place when on Lonavala-Khandala trip. It you observe the valley carefully from Tiger’s Leap, it seems as if a tiger is leaping into the valley. Hence the name! Enjoy the panoramic site of the valley and have tea and delicious bhajjis from the roadside vendors.

Tiger’s Leap is a cliff-top with a sheer drop of over 650 m, giving an extensive view.
Pic: Manu Jha (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Amrutanjan Point
Located high up in Khandala, it offers picturesque views of the valley and the city of Khopoli.

Duke’s Nose
Duke’s Nose is a cliff that is named after Duke Wellington. He had a pointed nose that resembles the cliff. It is also known as ‘Nagfani’ (Hood of Snake). Enjoy the scenic beauty or go on a mountain climbing trail here.

Duke’s Nose is a cliff that is named after Duke Wellington.
Pic: Alewis2388 (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)

Bhaja Caves
Bhaja Caves are historical rock cut caves that date back to the 2nd century. They are among the finest rock cut caves in India.

Bhushi Lake
Relax and enjoy a peaceful afternoon in the lap of nature at Bhushi Lake.

Bhushi Lake
Pic: Lucky Vivs (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

How to get there:
Khandala lies along the Mumbai-Pune route with the Mumbai-Pune Expressway passing through it. All the trains that run between Mumbai and Pune stop at Khandala. You can also get down at Lonavala for some sightseeing and then travel to Khandala by road or by train.

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