Khandala:
Khandala, set at a height of 625 mt, located on the western slopes of the
Sahyadri mountain range is a hill station in Maharashtra. Fascinating panoramic
beauty adorns this place.Although it is comparatively small as compare to
lonavala but it is equally blessed with natural beauty and bounty. Deep valley
on one side and high hills on the other side divide Khandala and Lonavala.
Luckily, modern industrialisation has not adversely affected Khandala. Whenever
a tourist visits Lonavala he also wishes to visit Khandala. While travelling
on Mumbai Bangalore National Highway, one has to cross the arduous Khopoli
- Khandala Ghat. This is the famous Borghat. In a short distance of 8 Kms
one has to climb a height of 369 meters. This is a difficult Ghat to climb.
But once you reach here, you feel that this climb has been worth the trouble.
Khandala is One place where you will fall in love at First Site. Lonavala
and Khandala are full of tourist practically for the whole year. Main reasons
for this is the fact that it is very close to Mumbai.
Location :
Khandala is located in the western part of the state of Maharashtra,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 :
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.
When to Visit :
The best time to visit Khandala is between the months of October and May.
History of Khandala :
The Past of khandala is similar to Lonavala. Chattrapati Shivaji, the founder
of the first Maratha Empire, ruled the area around Khandala. then it came
under the Peshwa rulers, finally it was taken over by the British when they
defeated the Peshwas.
Places to see :
There are Plethora of Places of Tourist attraction in Khandala & Lonavala
... Beautiful Hills, Deep Green Valleys, Huge Lakes, Historic Forts, Waterfalls
etc.
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.
Ryewood
This is a big and beautiful garden situated near 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. There is history behind the name Ryewood. An English
officer Mr. Rye stayed in this place for quite some time. Hence this woods
are named after him. The name may also have come from the Marathi words "Rai"
which means thick forest. Earlier it was under the care of civil dept. In
1959 it was transferred to the State Government's Forest Department. This
garden has plenty of place for children to play.
Duke's Nose
This place is named after Duke Wellington whose pointed nose this cliff resembles.
It also looks like a hood of a snake, which is why it is also called as "Nagfani"
(Hood of Snake). This point can be approach from INS Shivaji and Kurwande
Village. Watching the nature's beauty here is an unforgettable experience.
Shivaji Park
This ground which was known as a playground which was converted into a garden
in 1956 there is statue of Shri Shivaji Maharaj in this park. As it is near
located near the city many people visit this park.
Lohagad Darshan
In this small garden located in Bhangarwadi, there are plenty of toys for
children to play there is also a big statue of Savarkar here.
Amruntanjan point
At the beginning of the Khandala Ghat, and at the end of the first slope there
is a huge hoarding of Amrutanjan. There is a lot of flat space around here
and the view of the valley and Dukes Nose is breath taking beyond this one
can also see the city of Khopoli.
Kune Falls
This water falls where water comes down from a height of more than 100 feet
is majestic in appearance one can have bath in the water that flows through
the valley. This place is between Lonavala and Khandala. This fall can be
seen in Khandala Ghat while coming from Mumbai. It runs for many days long
after the monsoon is over.
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. This spot is a furlong away from INS Shivaji. 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. Making it as an another unique experience.
Sakur Plateau
On the way to INS Shivaji there is a turn and a zigzag road. At a distance
of approximately 4 miles and at a height of 1000 feet is a plateau. This plateau
is on the way to village Ambavane. Thick forests occupy it and it's sparsely
populated. Tungi, Korigad, Lohagad etc. Forts are very close from here.
Monkey Hill
All the trains coming down from Khandala halt here for brake testing. There
is a huge flat land to south of the railway tracks. This place is exactly
above Khopoli town and it can be approach from Khopoli as well as Borghat
reversing station. It is a favourite picnic spot.
Khandala Hill Station
Tour - Reservation Form