Khandala - its copious natural beauty OR its enormous innate magnificence OR its surrounding and trek and hiking trails

STATE - MAHARASTRA

DISTANCE - 69 KM From Pune, 101 KM From Lonavala

CONNECTION

By Air : The airport that lies nearest to Khandala is that of Pune, connected with all the major cities of India by direct flights. It is situated at a distance of around 65 km from the hill station. The next nearest airport from Khandala is Mumbai, which is about 101 km away.

By Rail : Khandala hill station falls on the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune. Each and every express train that plies between the two cities makes a stoppage here. Lonavala railway station is also situated quite nearby.

By Road : Regular buses ply between Lonavala and Khandala, at an interval of 15 minutes. Apart from that, one can easily get buses as well as taxis, from Khandala to Mumbai and Pune. By bus, it takes approximately 2 hrs from Pune and 4 hrs from Mumbai to reach here.

ABOUT KHANDALA
The town of Khandala provides a spectacular view of the lush green hilly surroundings. If you are tired of the daily work and toil. It has several trekking trails around it which is a delight for the adventure lovers.

Earlier, Khandala was a part of the terrain of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Later it eventually went to the power of the British. Khandala is positioned at the top end of the Bhor Ghat on the roadway between the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan plain. The Ghat serves an extensive amount of both road and rail traffic. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the main connection between the main cities of Mumbai and Pune, cuts through Khandala.
PLACES OF INTERESTS IN KHANDALA

Lakes near Khandala : There are a number of interesting lakes in and around Khandala hill station in Maharashtra Some  important ones include Tugauli Lake, Lonavala Lake and Bhushi Lake. There's also the Valvan Lake that has a nice dam, garden as well as a pisiculture centre.

Satayam Shivam Sundaram Waterfall : Satayam Shivam Sundaram is a gorgeous man-made waterfall with an adjoining pool. This is a very popular spot of vacationers.

Lohagad Fort : Apart from a huge cave, the Lohagad Fort located very near from Khandala has few magnificent-looking entrance gates and a water tank. The cave was, once upon a time, used for storing grains.

Tunga Fort : You can also see the Tunga Fort surrounded by the Pavana Dam in this region. The Tunga Fort also has an old Hindu Mahadeo temple within its precincts.

Kaivalya Dham Yoga Centre : Kaivalya Dham Yoga Centre is here is quite popular with the health enthusiasts. People of all age and walks of life come here to participate in the yoga classes held at the institute.

Bhairavnath Deva Sthan : This place comprises a stretch of green belt abounding in deep valleys, variety of animal and plant life. As Vehicles are banned to this area, visitors will have to rely on walking for going about their way.

Lonavala : About just five kilometers away from Khandala is the Lonavala hilly station. This too is rich in forest cover, ponds, lakes and other seeable spots. The fine infrastructure connectivity makes both these places a popular holiday hub.

RELIGIOUS PLACES IN KHANDALA

Karla and Bhaja Caves : Karla and Bhaja Caves found at a distance of just 16 km from Khandala are significant places one can visit. These rock-cut cave temples date back to 2nd century BC and are regarded amongst the oldest and best examples of Buddhist rock-cut temple in India. These structures belong to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism.

WHEN TO GO KHANDALA

The optimum time to visit Khandala is between the months of October and May every year. It is suggested not to come here during monsoons from June and September due to the heavy rains.

WEATHER FORECAST

Khandala experiences a pleasant climate. Summers extend from April to June and are mild. November to February are the winter months. The weather is cool during the period. Heavy southwestern monsoons come between the months of June and September.