.Lonavala and Khandala are two charming little hill stations on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, 5-km apart, that straddle the Mumbai - Pune highway at an altitude of 625m, quite popular as health resorts. Blessed by the nature in bounty, the hill resorts have plethora of places of Tourist Attraction in Lonavala & Khandala - Beautiful Hills, Deep Green Valleys, Huge Lakes, Historic Forts, Waterfalls, etc.

Lonavala and Khandala offer breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls during the monsoon, and the surrounding mountains of the plains spread out to the horizon. A trip to these holiday resorts can be combined with that on the Karla, Bhaja, and Bedsa caves, which are very near from Lonavala.

Lonavala is located in the western part of the state of Maharashtra. It is set amongst the slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range. Also known as the "Jewel of The Sahyadri", Lonavala is a place of this regionwhere nature is present in its entire splendor. It has become famous because of nature's gift of beautiful valleys, hills, milky waterfalls, lush greenery, and pleasant cool winds.

Khandala being the smaller of the two is relatively calmer and is the pride of the Sahyadri Mountains. It is endowed with abundant natural beauty and like Lonavala, Khandala also provides a popular gateway from the hustle and bustle of cities of Mumbai and Pune. The lush greenery of the mountains especially during the monsoons and the misty paths attract tourist like honeybees here. The silver waterfalls amidst the lush greenery are extremely magical. Lonavala's bazaar is filled with surprises. The beauty of this place is a refreshing experience.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

There are numerous lakes around Lonavala and Khandala. Lakes such as Tugauli, Lonavala and Bhushi are worth a visit; so is the Valvan lake, which has a beautiful dam, a garden as well as a Pisiculture centre.

Karla & Bhaja Caves

Karla and Bhaja Caves, located in the hills at a distance of 11-km from Lonavala, 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 Lonavala.

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST INCLUDE :-

Satayam Shivam Sundaram - Satayam Shivam Sundaram is a beautiful man - made waterfall with a surrounding pool.

Bhushi Dam - This dam is very popular with holidaymakers who come here for picnics.

Lohagad Fort - It has some spectacular entrance gates, a huge cave, which was used for storing grain, and a water tank. The Tunga Fort - surrounded by the Pavana Dam, this fort also has a Mahadeo temple in the premises.

Kaivalya Dham Yoga Centre - Situated on a picturesque hill near Valvan lake, many visitors flock to this institute, which imparts yoga education.

Bhairavnath Deva Sthan - This place has a fascinating variety of thick forests, deep valleys, peacocks and monkeys, speedy streams etc.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Though one can enjoy the beauty of these places through out the year, the best time to visit Lonavala and Khandala is from October to May.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Nearest airport is situated in Pune at 64-km.

Rail: Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune. All express trains plying between the two cities stop here. There is also an hourly shuttle service for Pune.

Road: Lonavala situated on the Mumbai Pune Highway. It is 104-km from Mumbai and 64-km from Pune. The bus service between Lonavala and Pune is good. Buses shuttle between Lonavala and Khandala. Travelers can hire bicycles on hourly basis to explore Lonavala or to go to Khandala.

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WHERE TO STAY