| Khandala |
On the way to Pune from
Mumbai come the two pleasant hill stations of Maharashtra, Lonavala and
Khandala. Set at a height of 625 m they are located on the western slopes
of the Sahyadri mountain range. The two hill stations are 5 kms apart.
Fascinating panoramic beauty adorns these places. Khandala being the
smaller of the two is relatively calmer. The lush greenery of the
mountains especially during the monsoons and the misty paths attract
tourist like honey bees 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 experienceThe largest
Chaitya caves in India, built in 80 B.C. are set at Karla, which is 12 kms
from Lonavala. The purity of Buddhist style temple architecture is unique
only to this place and is among the best-preserved Buddhist temples. Many
taxis and autorikshaws available easily at Lonavala and Khandala could
take you to and from Karla.
The best time to visit these hill
stations are Oct to May. Temperature varies from 12 degree
Celsius to 36 degree Celsius.
How To Get There
Pune, 66 km away,
is the nearest airport. All trains from Mumbai to Pune and the south stop
at Lonavala. Mumbai is 104 km away by road.
Where to stay in
Lonavala
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation runs a resort at
Karla, and another at Rye Woods, Lonavala.
| Pune City |
| Khed |
| Maval |
| Mulshi |
| Purandar |
| Shirur |
| Velhe |
| Ambegaon |
| Baramati |
| Bhor |
| Daund |
| Indapur |
| Junnar |