Khandala Hill station

If you wish to scout the real charm of paradise, you don’t have to leave this globe, travel to Khandala and you will come across everything a person can visualize about. Decorated with stupendous natural views, it surprises the travelers with its beautiful scenery of lustrous valleys, magnificent waterfalls, verdant greenery and picturesque ponds. This beautiful hill station is nestled at a height of 1,800 ft in the western ghats of Maharashtra.

When the downpour occurs in Khandala, the charming exquisiteness blossoms into its peak and reveals a delightful charisma. A large number of people throng this place during the monsoon season to relish the salubrious climate, spectacular views and charming green surroundings.
Although have an ambiguous past, the beautiful place has seen the heave and turn down of great rulers including the Peshwas, the Bristish and the Marathas. Moreover, Khandala houses some beautiful mansions that are standing proudly as an imposing tribute to the regal period.
A destination that suits to budget travelers and affluent travelers alike, the lovely place is geared up to fascinate the tourists with its splendid allure. With all the superb appeals, Khandala is certainly an idyllic place to spend some precious time with the closest ones in a serene and tranquil ambience.

Tourist Attractions

Khandala has plethora of sites to be scouted by the folks thronging from wide and far in search of unlimited fun and relaxation. All those who want to take a taste and feel of its attractions, make it to this place in next to no time for wholesome and wonderful experiences.

Places of worship
Shringroba Temple - Lying amidst Khopoli and Khandala in the beautiful state of Maharashtra, the temple was erected in 1929 and is a famous holy center in this region.

Nature’s Lure
Tiger’s leap - A famous tourist spot offering stupendous sights, it is positioned at an altitude of 640mts.

Amruntanjan Point -
Another point placed in the starting of Khandala Ghat, the point renders superb views of the spots close by. It is enclosed by emerald beauty and also serves as the best picnic spot.

Reversing Station -
Tendering splendid views of the beautiful surroundings now was a long time ago referred to the railway department.

Bhushi Lake -Bhusi Lake
An idyllic place for all those who want to unwind in the lap of nature, the lake has tranquil surroundings and pleasant climate to offer to its visitors.

Khandala - Nearby attractions

Bhaja Caves - Khandala, Maharashtra 
Apart from being a place of major tourist attractions, Khandala is also a stating point for visiting a number of superb nearby places well worth a visit. Whether you are looking for another hill resort, beautiful lakes or the historical places you can be sure that you won't have far to travel.

Just five km apart is the hill resort of Lonavala, which makes a spectacular tourist destination on its own right. Some of the beautiful lakes near Khandala are the Lonavala Lake, Tugauli Lake and Bhushi Lake. The Walvan Dam near Khandala is also worth visiting.

16 km from Khandala are the famous tourist attractions of Karla and Bhaja Caves. Situated on the hills these rock-cut caves belonged to 2nd century B.C. and are the oldest and finest examples of Buddhist rock-cut temple art in India.

Khandala - shopping

Khandala is well known for the fast foods such as Chikkis, Jams, Chiwda, Wafers and various types of Sevs.

Places around Khandala

Lonavala Hill Stationa - Perched at an altitude of 625m in Pune district in Maharashtra, the town has attained eminence due to its clean ambience and pleasant climate.

Matheran - A lovely hill station at the Western Ghats in the Indian state of Maharashtra, the place can be reached after a drive of 1hour from Khandala.

Pune - With its flamboyant past and glorious history, the city is standing at the meeting point of Mula and Mitha Rivers and serves as the second largest metropolitan area in the picturesque state of Maharashtra.

Mumbai - Gentle puff of air of the Arabian Sea, delightful cuisines, lively nightlife and many great attractions make it the most sought after place of India.

Best time to visit
Though one can pay a visit to Khandala any time of the year, the time when it remains crowded with travelers is between October and April.

How to Reach

By Air: The closest airport to make it to Khandala is at Pune, about 66 km away. One can also take a bus or taxi to reach the destination.
By Train: The nearest railway station to reach Khandala is situated at Lonavala. The other railheads in proximity to Khandala are Pune and Mumbai.
By Road: Khandala is well connected to many cities of India by motorable road. Frequent private bus services to this beautiful hill station are also available from the cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and many others.

Places to visit in Khandala

Rajmachi Fort Near Khandala
Rajmachi Fort - Rajmachi peak actually two beautiful forts, located in the hills of Shayadri and is also regarded as one of the popular Khandala attractions. During 17th century, Shivaji had captured these forts. People can reach fort by trekking from Lonavala. Rajmachi fort is a very important strategic fort overlooking the Borghat, the route between Mumbai and Pune which was a vital historical trade route. Rajmachi's two fortified structures are the Shrivardhan fort and Manranjan fort. In the rainy season this place is filled with giant waterfalls and greenery.

Amrutanjan Point, Khandala
Situated at the starting point of the Khandala Ghat, Amrutanjan point is considered as one the most popular scenic spots that offers picturesque view of the valley as well as the Duke’s Nose.

Reversing Station, Khandala
Reversing Station is one of the most scenic points that offer picturesque views of the surrounding natural diversity. The station is now deserted but it was earlier in use by the Railways.

Popular Sightseeing spots in Lonavala and Khandala:

Karla : Karla is the site of the largest Chaitya caves (prayer halls), located around 12 Kms.of India built in 80B.C. The caves have the best-preserved Buddhist temples in India. The temples represent the purity in design and excellent temple architecture.The interiors of the caves have lion pillars, huge elephant forms, carved images of Buddha and dancing couples. The entrance gate is in the shape of a "Peepul" leaf, which is the main entry to the huge Chaitya grihaor hall. The high roof is semicircular in shape.

Bhaja : The caves similar to Karla caves, houses several caves and monasteries. The rays of the setting sun gilds the dark interiors of these caves, where one can see carved images of deities. One can also see the impressive fort of Lohagarh here.

Bedsa : Situated very close to Lonavala, it lies north of the Pawan Dam. From Bedsa there is a hike up hill around 3 Kms for the caves. These caves have huge pillars, lions and humans figures and ahuge Chaitya hall with resting rooms. The special feature of Bedsa is anarched roof supported by 2,000-year-old woodwork, which provides lighting to the entire cave.

Lonavala Lake : It is a picturesque spot surrounded by natural scenery, about 1.6 km from the town. The lake also called as Bushi Lake is located just half Km from the town. The Tunguli Lake, Pavna Lake,Valvan Lake are other famous lakes. The lake dries up during the hot summer months.
Rajmachi fort : The fort used by the Maratha warrior Shivaji is a must visit place. It can be reached only on foot as it is surrounded by deep valleys on three sides and a thick forest on the fourth. Other must visit forts are the Manoranjan Fort, Shrivardhan fort,Visapur Fort, Lohagad Fort and the Tunga Fort.

Shivaji Park : Shivaji Park, which was known as a playground which was converted into a garden in 1956 there is statue of Shri Shivaji Maharaj in this park.

Ryewood : This is a big and beautiful garden situated close to 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. This garden has plenty of place for children to play.

Tungarli Lake : The lovely Tungarli Lake supplies water to Lonavla town.
Valvan Dam : Valvan Dam has a beautiful garden at its foot, and is a popular evening spot 2 km from the town. This exquisitely-built dam supplies water to the Khopoli power station at the foothills of the Sahyadris for generating electricity. The Kundali River feeds into the dam's reservoir.

Duke's Nose : Duke's Nose stands 12 km from Lonavla, clearly visible from the highway while driving towards Mumbai. This is the finest landmark in Khandala and is popular with hikers. It also looks like a hood of a snake, which is why it is also called as "Nagfani" (Hood of Snake). The cliff owes its name to the Duke of Wellington, whose famous and ample nose it resembles.

Tiger's Leap : This is a special spot in this area. If one looks at the valley carefully from this spot it appears as if a tiger is leaping into the valley, that is why this name. It gives a fascinating view of the valley. There is provision for viewing the valley from the safe confines of a big hole. A stone thrown down from here ricochets at many places and gets destroyed here.

Reversing Station Point : Reversing Station Point is near Rajmachi Point, Khandala, 7 km from Lonavla. Famous for the panoramic view of the Railway line going through tunnels on the one side and the Duke's Nose on the other.

Rajmachi Park : On the way to Mumbai from Lonavala there is a beautiful garden before the beginning of the Ghat. It gives a spectacular view of the surroundings. On the East Side two towers of the Rajmachi Fort can be seen and at the bottom is the huge valley. There is a restaurant here and a temple close by. The Ghat begins from this point so many people come to enjoy the view. There is children's park here and there are regular bus services from lonavala bus station.