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Khandala is one of the most
famous and beautiful hill-station in Maharshtra. It a part of the
gorgeous Sahyadri Mountain range. Khandala is blessed with abundant
natural beauty. Lonavala is another lovely place located just 5 kms
from Khandala. The
scenic green ambiance and tourist activities at Khadala has made it
the most preferred weekend destination from Mumbai and Puna. Every
year thousands of tourists travel Khadala to witness its serene
natural beauty.
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.
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.
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
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.
At the Khandala Ghat is the tourist attraction of Amruntanjan point.
The beauty of the gorgeous greens, wondrous vistas of the valley and
the Dukes Nose will sweep you off your feet.
Attractions near by Khandala
Khandala the best way to
enjoy further is to visit the twin resort of Lonavala. The two
resorts of Maharashtra are just five km apart. The nature is
bountiful at Lonavala too and makes . For the water lovers amongst
the nature lovers Khandala offers several excursion options. The
tourists are known to throng the Tugauli Lake, Lonavala Lake, Bhushi
Lake and the Walvan Dam near Khandala. At a distance of 16 km from
Khandala are the tourist attractions of Karla and Bhaja Caves. These
rock-cut caves are located in the hills and date back to 2nd century
BC. These caves temples boast of being the oldest and finest
examples of Buddhist rock-cut temple art in India.
Belonging to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Travelers coming from
Mumbai to Khandala via the Mumbai-Pune highway can see the Duke's
Nose with its peculiar peak.
Activities at Khandala
Trekking and hiking in Peru will be and unforgettable experience.
Khandala is a paradise for adventure tourists. Here you can indulge
in adventure sports like trekking and hiking. It will be an
unforgettable experience. The Karla hills and the popular Duke's
Nose peak are the ideal places to indulge in rock climbing.
For the adventure tourists there are several trekking and hiking
opportunities available in and around Khandala. The Karla hills
including the popular Duke's Nose peak offer rock-climbing
opportunities for the adventurous tourists. Being close to Khandala
the adventure activities add to the fun at the hill resort.
For enjoying adventure activities in Khandala tourists may get in
touch with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Council or MTDC.
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.
Where to Stay in Khandala
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation runs a resort at
Karla, and another at Rye Woods, Lonavala.
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.
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