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.
History of Khandala
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.
Places to visit in Khandala
Lakes near Khandala
There are a number of interesting lakes in and around Khandala hill station in Maharashtra. Some important ones include Tugauli Lake, Lonavala Lake and Bhushi Lake. There’s also the Valvan Lake that has a nice dam, garden as well as a pisiculture centre.
Karla and Bhaja Caves
Karla and Bhaja Caves found at a distance of just 16 km from Khandala are significant places one can visit. These rock-cut cave temples date back to 2nd century BC and are regarded amongst the oldest and best examples of Buddhist rock-cut temple in India. These structures belong to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
Satayam Shivam Sundaram Waterfall
Satayam Shivam Sundaram is a gorgeous man-made waterfall with an adjoining pool. This is a very popular spot of vacationers.
Lohagad Fort
Apart from a huge cave, the Lohagad Fort located very near from Khandala has few magnificent-looking entrance gates and a water tank. The cave was, once upon a time, used for storing grains.
Tunga Fort
You can also see the Tunga Fort surrounded by the Pavana Dam in this region. The Tunga Fort also has an old Hindu Mahadeo temple within its precincts.
Kaivalya Dham Yoga Centre
Kaivalya Dham Yoga Centre is here is quite popular with the health enthusiasts. People of all age and walks of life come here to participate in the yoga classes held at the institute.
Bhairavnath Deva Sthan
This place comprises a stretch of green belt abounding in deep valleys, variety of animal and plant life. As Vehicles are banned to this area, visitors will have to rely on walking for going about their way.
Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Island is the site of the magnificent Elephanta caves, containing beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. These caves are located at a distance of 11-km from Mumbai and are now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island of Elephanta, being a commercial, military and religions centre for centuries has traces of early Buddhist culture.
Lonavala
About just five kilometers away from Khandala is the Lonavala hilly station. This too is rich in forest cover, ponds, lakes and other seeable spots. The fine infrastructure connectivity makes both these places a popular holiday hub.
Hotels in Khandala
Budget Hotels
La Exotica(formerly Sweet Heart Hotel)
Signature Crest Serviced Apartment Khandala
Vallerina Hotel Khandala
Hotel La Revival
Star Regency
Medium Range Hotels
Bajaj Highland RetreatVelvett Country
Girija Hotel
Sahil Sarovar Portico
Biji's Hill Retreat
Resorts
Fariyas Resort Lonavala
Lakeview Resort, Surya Resort
The Dukes Retreat
A Keys Resort, Rishikesh Resorts
View some images of Khandala Hotel
How to Reach Khandala
By Air : The nearest airport to Khandala is Pune airport and is located just 69 kms. Puna has frequent daily flights for all major cities.
By Rail : The nearest railway station is the Lonavala Railway Station. It 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.
Bye Road : 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.
What to Buy at Khandala
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.
Places to eat in Khandala
Purohil Dining Hall at Lonavala is a huge hit with locals and visitors for its delicious and simple vegetarian Gujarati fare. The price is reasonable, service is efficient and the food makes you feel very much at home. Kamats is a popular eating joint at Lonavala. Gurukripa restaurant is a good choice for vegetarian food. Ramakrishna Hotel on the Mumbai-Pune highway is known for serving good food and choice of cuisines; South Indian, North Indian, Chinese and Punjabi.
General Information
Location
Situated On Mumbai-Pune Highway, Maharashtra.
Main Attraction
Many Lakes And Caves.
Best Time
Though one can enjoy the beauty of these places through out the year, the best time to visit Lonavala and Khandala is from October to May.
If you are looking for an outing far from the noise and din of the city pack your bags for a trip to Khandala, one of the major hill stations in India.
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