Khandala is one of the famous hill resorts in the Indian state of Maharashtra and is the pride of the Sahyadri Mountains.

Khandala is endowed with abundant natural beauty and like Lonavala, it is also provides a popular gateway from the hustle and bustle of cities of Mumbai and Pune. The picturesque green surroundings of this pretty hill station attract the travelers towards it.

Location

The hill resort of Khandala is located in the western part of the state of Maharashtra, in the western region of India. The hill resort is set amongst the hills and valleys of the Sahyadri mountain range. Khandala is located approximately hundred km southeast of Mumbai and seventy km from Pune. It is at a distance of five km from Lonavala.

The origin of the hill resort of Khandala is obscure. Chattrapati Shivaji, the founder of the first Maratha Empire, ruled the area around Khandala. Later it came under the Peshwa rulers, who founded the second Maratha Empire. It was finally taken over by the British when they defeated the Peshwas.

Sites to Visit

Khandala is a small hill station. The town provides a panoramic view of the lush green hilly environs. Travelers throng this place to escape the hectic lifestyle of Mumbai city. They can enjoy the scenic beauty of this place by taking a walk around. It has a number of trekking trails around it.

At the Khandala Ghat is the tourist attraction of Amruntanjan point. The beauty of the gorgeous greens, wondrous vistas of the valley and the Dukes Nose will sweep you off your feet.

Sites Near By

While holidaying in the hill resort of Khandala the best way to enjoy further is to visit the twin resort of Lonavala. The two resorts of Maharashtra are just five km apart. The nature is bountiful at Lonavala too and makes.

For the water lovers amongst the nature lovers Khandala offers several excursion options. The tourists are known to throng the Tugauli Lake, Lonavala Lake, Bhushi Lake and the Walvan Dam near Khandala.

At a distance of 16 km from Khandala are the tourist attractions of Karla and Bhaja Caves. These rock-cut caves are located in the hills and date back to 2nd century BC. These caves temples boast of being the oldest and finest examples of Buddhist rock-cut temple art in India.

Belonging to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Travelers coming from Mumbai to Khandala via the Mumbai-Pune highway can see the Duke's Nose with its peculiar peak.

What to Buy

The twin hill resorts of Lonavala and Khandala are famous for the fast foods they offer. The tourists must pick up Chikkis and Jams from the hill resort. At the same time the Indian Snacks Like Chiwda, Wafers and various types of Sevs are popular with the tourists at Khandala.

Adventure Sports

For the adventure tourists there are several trekking and hiking opportunities available in and around Khandala. The Karla hills including the popular Duke's Nose peak offer rock-climbing opportunities for the adventurous tourists. Being close to Khandala the adventure activities add to the fun at the hill resort.

For enjoying adventure activities in Khandala tourists may get in touch with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Council or MTDC.

How to Reach

The hill resort of Khandala does not have an airport. The airport nearest to Khandala is at Pune (69 km) while the nearest railway station is at Lonavala. As Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai (Bombay) and Pune (Poona), all express trains plying between the two cities stop here and travelers can take express trains passing through Lonavala to reach Mumbai and Pune. The travel time from Lonavala to Mumbai in express train is three hours, while it takes one hour from Lonavala to Pune. There is also an hourly shuttle service for Pune (2 hours). Khandala is well connected with Mumbai and Pune by road and the bus service for Pune (travel time 2½ hours) via Lonavala is good. However, it takes about four hours to reach Mumbai from Khandala. Buses shuttle between Khandala and Lonavala (15 minutes). Travelers can also walk down to Lonavala from Khandala.

Best Time to Visit

Weather in Khandala is pleasant all through the year. Summers (April-June) are mild, while winters are cool (November-February). Khandala experiences heavy southwestern monsoon rains between June and September. Thus, the tourists must avoid these monsoon months. The best time to visit Khandala is between the months of October and May. The temperature varies between twelve and thirty six degrees at Khandala.

Where to Stay

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation runs a resort at Karla, and another at Rye Woods, Lonavala.