Lonavala & Khandala

Lonavala and Khandala are twin picturesque hill stations in Maharashtra and perfect weekend escapades for people exhausted with the hustle and bustle of city life. Just 4.6 km apart, Lonavala and Khandala are famous for their stunning views of the Western Ghats. The Lonavala Khandala Ghat is among the best places to visit in Lonavala. Magical waterfalls, pristine hiking trails, breathtaking vantage points, ancient caves and historical forts - Lonavala Khandala has something to offer to everyone. Primary places to visit in Lonavala include Karla and Bhaja Caves, Rajmachi Fort and Tiger Point among many others. While touring the places to visit in Lonavala do munch on Lonavalas famous Chikki.

Lonavala & Khandala Overview

When to visit Lonavala?

Lonavala is pleasant between October to March. During this time, adventurous activities like zip-lining, hiking and trekking are carried out in various places to visit in Lonavala. The best time to visit Khandala is between October to May. Khandala temperature dips as low as 15 degrees in winter. During this time the hill station is covered in mist and fog and offers a magical experience. If you are a nature lover, then the best time to visit Khandala is in the monsoon season when the entire place turns lush green, and lakes and waterfalls are in their full grandeur.

How to reach Lonavala?

Located at a distance of around 64 km from Pune and 100kms from Mumbai, Lonavala is well connected by road, rail and air. The nearest airport to Lonavala is Lohegaon airport, Pune. For international tourists, Mumbai airport is a convenient option. Due to its strategic location, all the trains plying to Mumbai and Pune cross Lonavala. Local trains are available every 2 hours, from Mumbai and Pune. By train, you can reach Lonavala in roughly 3 hours from Mumbai and 1 hour from Pune. The best way to reach Lonavala is by road. The beautiful landscapes can be covered by Volvo buses (ac/non-ac) from both Mumbai and Pune.

What are the things to see and do in Lonavala?

Lonavala is a celebrated tourist destination. Places to visit in Lonavala vary from great outdoor activities to splendid scenic sightseeing. Among the places to visit in Lonavala, nature lovers can head to Kune Waterfalls and Khandala ghat while friends and family can enjoy a picnic at Bhushi lake. Thrill-seekers can visit Tiger point Lonavala, Nagphani (Dukes nose) which apart from the best sunset view also offers adventurous activities like zip-lining, rappelling, camping and more. History lovers can adore the charming Karla and Bhaja caves, one of the best places to visit in Lonavala.

Places to visit in Lonavala

Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves:

Karla and Bhaja Caves are ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves, which date back to the 3rd century BC. Karla Caves are one of the oldest Buddhist cave shrines in the country. Among the many rock-cut caves in Maharashtra, Karla Caves stand out as they house Indias largest Chaityagrihas (prayer hall with a stupa). Also known as Karli Caves, Karle Caves or Karla Cells, they accommodate an enormous 15-meter pillar with a temple of Goddess Ekveera and a Buddhist monastery. Located at an approximate distance of 7kms from Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves comprise a group of 22 rock-cut caves. The key feature of Bhaja Caves is the magnificent and beautifully carved stupas. Karla and Bhaja Caves require an exciting steep climb trek of around thirty-forty minutes each. Both the caves display spectacular craftsmanship of the era and are among the best places to visit in Lonavala.

Tiger Point Lonavala:

Tiger Point or Tigers Leap, as the name justifies, offers a natural illusion of a tiger leaping into the valley. It is a popular tourist attraction among the places to visit in Lonavala. The vantage point at Tiger Point Lonavala offers splendid views of the Western Ghats and lush-green hillocks nearby. The echo point here is another major fascination, making it a prominent spot in the places to visit in Lonavala.

Lohagad Fort

Located in the picturesque Sahyadri range, Lohagad Fort is a prominent tourist attraction that figures among places to visit in Lonavala as well as the places to visit in Khandala. Literally meaning iron fort, Lohagad Fort has a deep historic association with the great Maratha ruler Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Built in the 18^th century, this fort was used to keep prisoners. Perched at an elevation of 3400 feet, this fort offers a thrilling trekking experience. Encounter this charming abode of art and architecture whilst enjoying the spectacular natural beauty of the surroundings.

Bhushi Lake

A perfect weekend getaway for nature lovers, Bhushi Lake is one of the best places to visit in Khandala. Situated on the Bhushi dam, this lake exhibits astounding views of the lush green surroundings. Direct buses from Lonavala and Khandala are available. While touring the places to visit in Lonavala, sip on some hot masala tea with crisp snacks available in the nearby stalls and soak in all the beauty of this lake.

Kune Waterfalls

It is a beautiful three-tiered waterfall gushing gracefully from a height of 200 meters and surrounded by greenery. Kune waterfalls is the 14^th highest waterfall in India and a must-include destination among the places to visit in Lonavala. Located centrally in the Lonavala Khandala valley, the pool formed by this waterfall is ideal for swimming and bathing. Monsoon is the perfect time to enjoy this waterfall which is counted among the finest places to visit in Lonavala.

Rajmachi Fort:

Rajmachi Fort consists of two fortresses- Shrivardhan and Manaranjan Forts, between which lies the temple of the local deity, Kal Bhairava. It is located in the middle of the Mumbai-Pune highway and is one of the most scenic places to visit in Lonavala. The trek route from Lonavala offers a unique and breathtaking experience. The top of this fort offers a panoramic view of Bhor Ghat and the Western Ghats and should not be missed in your list of places to visit in Lonavala.

Khandala Ghat:

Due to easy accessibility to the nearby cities, Khandala Ghat is famous among hiking enthusiasts. The best time to visit Khandala Ghat is in the monsoons when the entire range is gleaming with greenery. The valley offers spellbinding views of the Western Ghats that are rich with flora and fauna.

Food to try in Lonavala

Some of the must-try dishes while touring the places to visit in Lonavala are Maharashtrian Usal (curried sprouted lentils and beans), Chola bhatura, Butter chicken and Chocolate fudge. Vegetarians can enjoy a traditional, mouth-watering Maharashtrian Thali. Your tour of places to visit in Lonavala is incomplete without indulging in the lip-smacking and spicy Vada pav with hot masala chai.

Things to shop in Lonavala

Take the beautiful memories of Lonavala back home in the form of souvenirs. The classic Lonavala Chikki, a sweet candy made with peanuts, melted jaggery and ghee, is the most popular souvenir. Chikki was first invented in Lonavala, and you can savour freshly made ones in many shops while touring the places to visit in Lonavala. Handcrafted mementoes, Maratha souvenirs and classic keychains are some of the other items that you can pick from places to visit in Lonavala.

These places have pleasant climatic conditions throughout the year, making them ideal for vacationing all year round. Monsoon time is incredibly charming here.

Nearby Tourist Places Lonavala

Lonavala is a popular hill station located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India. It is a beautiful destination that attracts a large number of tourists every year. Here are some of the top cities around Lonavala

Mumbai

Mumbai is one of the most popular cities in India and is located at a distance of around 81 km from Lonavala. It takes around 2-3 hours to reach Mumbai from Lonavala by road. Mumbai is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. It is also home to several popular tourist attractions like Elephanta Caves, Juhu Beach, and Siddhivinayak Temple.

Pune

Pune is another popular city that is located at a distance of around 66 km from Lonavala. It takes around 1-2 hours to reach Pune from Lonavala by road. Pune is known for its rich history, beautiful gardens, and vibrant culture. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Pune include the Aga Khan Palace, Shaniwar Wada, and the Pataleshwar Cave Temple.

Nashik

Nashik is a city located in the state of Maharashtra, at a distance of around 234 km from Lonavala. It takes around 4-5 hours to reach Nashik from Lonavala by road. Nashik is known for its beautiful temples and vineyards. The city is home to several popular tourist attractions like the Trimbakeshwar Temple, Sula Vineyards, and the Pandavleni Caves.

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is a beautiful hill station located at a distance of around 180 km from Lonavala. It takes around 4-5 hours to reach Mahabaleshwar from Lonavala by road. Mahabaleshwar is known for its beautiful views, serene atmosphere, and strawberry farms. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Mahabaleshwar include the Venna Lake, Pratapgad Fort, and the Mapro Garden.

Alibaug

Alibaug is a beautiful coastal town located at a distance of around 75 km from Lonavala. It takes around 3-4 hours to reach Alibaug from Lonavala by road. Alibaug is known for its beautiful beaches and historical landmarks. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Alibaug include Alibaug Beach, Kolaba Fort, and Kihim B

Conclusion

Lonavala and Khandala will never cease to amaze you because of the myriad options of tourist spots available here. Monsoon is the best time to explore Lonavala Khandala, hence, make sure you are in appropriate gear and comfortable clothing. Hiking and trekking would demand packing good footwear, backpack and weatherproof clothes. The places to visit in Lonavala are such that spontaneous travel bugs can plan a short one-day trip and friends and family can plan an entire weekend vacay. Unwind yourself and get immersed in the paradisal beauty of Lonavala and Khandala.