From Distance Driving Time
Mumbai 104 km. 3 hr. 0 min. Getting There

Destination Description

Lonavala and Khandala, twin hill stations are a great choice as weekend getaways from Mumbai. For many couples, visiting Lonavala and Khandala on their honeymoon is de-rigueur as these hill stations are imbued with beautiful vistas and romantic aura. Lonavala commands an exalted position on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, at a height of 625 m and Khandala is a little lower. The journey to Lonavala and Khandala is wonderful - a picturesque drive on roads winding around the Western Ghats. If you prefer to take the train to Lonavala and Khandala, get ready for at least twenty tunnels cut into the basaltic rock, a train ride of a lifetime for sure!

Best Time To Visit

You can come here any time of the year, especially in winter, from October to April. Try to avoid the monsoon season, as it rains incessantly here.

Accommodation Option

Besides the middle budget MTDC resorts at Karla and Lonavala, there are numerous accommodation options to suit all budgets. You might prefer staying at Khandala, which is quieter and less crowded than Lonavla.

Activities

Dotted along the hillside are the famous caves and forts of Shivaji's Maratha kingdom. Deep valleys and a thick forest surround the imposing Rajmachi Fort. Other equally impressive forts are the Manoranjan Fort, Shrivardhan fort, Visapur Fort, Lohagad Fort and the Tunga Fort with arsenals and guardhouses. A special attraction here is the three ancient Chaitya Caves dating back 2000 years that were Buddhist prayer halls. Built on a grand scale and splendid in architectural execution, the Karla Caves were a monsoon retreat for Buddhist monks. The smaller Bhaja Caves are built so that the rays of the setting sun gilds the dark interiors and brings to life the carved gods and goddesses.

The Bedsa Caves are close to the Mumbai Pune Road near Kamshet. Placid water bodies and silver cascades add their charm to Lonavala-Khandala. Walk around the Pavna Lake, Lonavala Lake, Tungarli Lake, Valvan Lake on the Valvan Dam and Bushi Lake. From the beautiful Kune Falls the water crashes down 100m to a pool below, a sight visible from the Khandala Ghat. Tiger's Leap is curiously shaped cliff - a sheer 650 m drop into the valley. The days will just slip by before you know it, walking, pony riding, browsing through Lonavala's bazaars and feasting on delicious sweet peanut and dry fruit chikki and jams. So head off for these perennial hill stations, and discover that bliss is lurking right in your own backyard!

Places Nearby

Karla Bhaja Caves: A special attraction near Lonavla-Khandala are the Karla and Bhaja Caves. Built on a grand scale and splendid in architectural execution, the Karla Caves were a monsoon retreat for Buddhist monks. The smaller Bhaja Caves are built so that the rays of the setting sun gilds the dark interiors and brings to life the carved gods and goddesses.