Khandala -Tourism

A detailed knowledge about Khandala helps the tourists to make their journey a memorable experience. It enables the tourists to explore the territory and experience the majesty of the hill station. Situated on Mumbai-Bangalore National Highway about 5 kilometres from Lonavala, Khandala is one of the popular hill stations in India. 

Khandala is known to house a number of tourist attractions that largely contribute to tourism at the hill station. These sites attract many tourists from the different parts of the world. Some of the important tourist destinations in Khandala that deserve special mention in this context are Rye wood, Duke's Nose, Sakur Plateau, Shivaji Park, Tiger's Leap, Kune Falls, Monkey Hill, Rajmachi Park and Amruntanjan point. 

Besides, Khandala has a pleasant weather. The hill station experiences summer from April to June and winter from November to February. Summers are mild; whereas winters are cool in Khandala. The region witnesses heavy rainfall in the Monsoon season (June and September). Therefore, the best time to visit Khandala is between the months of October and May. 

Furthermore, the nearest airport of Khandala is at Pune, which is situated about 69 kilometers from the hill station. Tourists can avail the local transports to reach Khandala from Pune. Tourists can also reach the hill station through Lonavala. Most of the trains plying between Mumbai and Pune halt at Lonavala. Khandala is well connected with an excellent network of roadways to Lonavala, as well as Mumbai and Pune.

History- The origin of the place 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.

Location- Khandala is located in the western part of the state of Maharashtra, in the western region of India. It is set amongst the hills and valleys of the Sahyadri mountain range. It is situated 101 km southeast of Mumbai and 69 km from Pune. It is 5 km from Lonavala. Weather in Khandala is pleasant. Summers (April-June) are mild, while winters are cool (November-February). It experiences heavy southwestern monsoon rains between June and September.

Tourists Attractions- 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.

Places Around Khandala- The popular hill station of Lonavala is only 5 km from Khandala. Lonavala also has the same geographical settings as that of Khandala.

There are a number of lakes around Khandala. Tugauli Lake, Lonavala Lake and Bhushi Lake are worth visiting; so is the Walvan Dam. Karla and Bhaja Caves, located in the hills at a distance of 16 km from Khandala, are important places to visit. These rock-cut cave temples dating back to 2nd century BC and are amongst the oldest and finest examples of Buddhist rock-cut temple art in India, belonging to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Adventure seekers can try their hand at rock climbing at the Duke's Nose peak and other locations in the Karla hills, near Khandala. Travelers coming from Mumbai to Khandala via the Mumbai-Pune highway can see the Duke's Nose with its peculiar peak.

Best Time To Visit- The best time to visit Khandala is between the months of October and May. It is advised not to visit Khandala in the monsoon season between the months of June and September because of heavy rains.

How To Reach- 

By Air - Khandala does not have an airport. The nearest airport is at Pune (69 km).

By Rail - 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. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportation and also for the intercity drives too.