Lonavla & Khandala
Lonavala or Lonavla and the adjacent Khandala are beautiful, charming and twin hill stations, 622 m. above sea level and 5 Kms a part from each other are situated in the Sahyadri ranges.
They are located around 64 km away from the city of Pune and 96 km away from the city Mumbai, popular getaway from Mumbai and Pune.
Lonavala is also known as the ‘Jewel of the Sahyadri’ is situated in the western part of Maharashtra.
Khandala is smaller, quieter and calmer of the two, though browsing through Lonavala’s bazaar could yield some wonderfull surprises. Both the hill stations are known for their scenic beauty, green hills, deep valleys,historic forts, lakes and waterfalls.
How to Reach:
By Road :- From Mumbai – Lonavala – 104 km., Pune – Lonavala – 66 km.
By Rail :- Near Railway Station – Lonavala (Central Railway) from Mumbai – 118 km & from Pune – 64 km.
By Air :- Pune Airport – 66 km.
Accommodation:
Besides a number of luxury and budget hotels in both Khandala and Lonavala, the MTDC runs a resort at Karla and another at Rye Woods, Lonavala
1.The Lagoona Resort
S No. 55, Tungarli, Lonavala
MH
02114 271 788
2.Sahil Sarovar Portico
Near L&T Management Development Centre, Anandgiri Society, Tungarli, Lonavala
MH
02114 270 060
3.Hotel sapphire
Plot no.75/11/12, Near L&T training Center, Gold Valley Road, New Tungarli
Lonavala, MH
02114 324 048
4.Fariyas Holiday Resort
Lonavala, MH
02114 273 852
Tourist Attractions:
Duke’s Nose
This cliff resembles the nose of the Duke of Wellington, which explains its intriguing name. It is a popular viewpoint as it offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, valleys and forests.
Korigad Fort
The hill fort of Korigad in Amby Valley is located roughly 3050 ft. above sea level. To get there, you travel from Lonavla to the village of Shahpur using any available means of transport, and thence proceed by foot to the fort through rugged hills and forests.
Tiger’s Leap
When viewing the valley from a certain point at this location, one has the illusion of a tiger leaping across the valley, hence the name. The echoes caused by dropping rocks into the crevasse is another attraction.
Lohgad
Lohgad attracts visitors with its wide, refreshing waterfalls, an ancient fort, and, of course, those famous caves – atop a steep flight of steps.
Karla & Bhaja Caves
Nestling in the hills of Lonavala, these rock-cut caves rank amongst the oldest finest examples of Early Buddhist temple art in India. The Karla Cave, the largest Early Buddhist shrine in India, imitates the look of more familiar wooden architecture.
Weather:
These hill stations have a pleasant climate as the summer temperatures reach a high of 36° C and drop a minimum of 12° C in winter. So it can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the Monsoon. One must bring the special cloths for different seasons like cool cottons for summer, while woollens are necessary for winter.
