Lonavala and Khandala are two charming little hill stations, in Maharashtra, located on the western slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range. These are perched at an altitude of 625 m, and are five km apart. Quite popular as health resorts, there are a number of sanatoria dotting the hills, in both towns. Khandala is smaller and relatively calmer of the two, though browsing through Lonavala's bazaar could yield some wonderful surprises. Both these sites offer scenic views of the surrounding hills, and in the monsoons, with myriad waterfalls, it is sheer magic.

Karla, about 12 km from Lonavala, is the site of the largest Chaitya caves in India, built in 80 B.C. Among the best-preserved Buddhist temples in India, they represent the zenith, in terms of purity of design of this style of temple architecture. Taxis and autorickshaws, easily available in Lonavala and Khandala, are the best ways of getting to and from Karla.

Temperatures vary from 12 deg celsius to 36 deg celsius throughout the year. October to May is the best time to visit.

How To Get There

Pune, 66 km away, is the nearest airport. All trains from Mumbai to Pune and the south stop at Lonavala. Mumbai is 104 km away by road.

Accomodation

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