Lonavala and Khandala- Scenic Hill Stations in Maharashtra

Located on the Mumbai-Pune highway, at an altitude of 625 m, on the slopes of the Sahyadri hills lie the charismatic Khandala and Lonavala hill stations. The twin cities Lonavala and Khandala were built by British in 1811. Lonavala and Khandala are surrounded by dense forests and canopied trees, which displays spectacular views of gushing waterfalls. The climate is cool and pleasing, and is blessed with great natural beauty which makes it one of the most favorable romantic spots.

Lonavala: About 64 km away from Pune, and 94 km away from Mumbai Lonavala is a hill station in Maharashtra offering magnificent views of the lush green countryside and innumerous waterfalls during monsoon.

Adorned with valleys, hills, milky waterfalls, lush greenery and pleasant cool winds, Lonavala is blessed with plethora of natural beauty. Words are not enough to describe the beauty for this place. Lonavala is an epic poem created by God. The mountain ranges trying to kiss the sky are sites that impart heavenly pleasure. Be it the morning sun rising, or the chirping birds, or the fog covering this place, all together it adds on the beauty of this place and takes you on a completely different trip .

Khandala: The very well known song which says "AATI KYA KHANDALA" from the movie Ghulam created huge waves across the nation, hence its self explanatory as to why Khandala is so famous and an inspiring source in all ways. Khandala is about 3 kms from Lonavala. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway passes through Khandala which adds to the importance of the location. Also being located near Bhor Ghat, which connects Deccan plateau and Konkan, Khandala is a very important destination in terms of transportation.

Khandala is smaller than Lonavala and relatively calmer. It is known to be the pride of the Sahyadri Mountains. Beautiful waterfall amidst green environment is really splendid to see. Tugauli, Lonavala, Bhushi and Valvan Lake are the picturesque lakes of this hill station.

Khandala neighbours Lonavala. Although is comparatively small, it is equally blessed with natural beauty and bounty. Deep valley on one side and high hills on the other side divide Khandala and Lonavala. Luckily, modern industrialization has not adversely affected Khandala. On travelling on the Mumbai Bangalore National Highway, the arduous Khopoli - Khandala Ghat falls on the way. This is the famous Borghat. This is a difficult Ghat to trek, but its worth the trouble. Khandala is one place where you will fall in love at the first sight.

Also, Lonavala and Khandala are full of tourist practically for the whole year. The natural beauty of Lonavala and Khandala is absolutely mind blowing. Being at a considerable height from sea level, these two places enjoy a cool climate. That is why many people stay here for a month or more during summer and winter. Many people make it a point to visit during the weekends to forget the Big City Blues. So, whenever a tourist visits Lonavala he also wishes to visit Khandala.

Places to Visit:

• Rajmachi Park



• Ryewood



• Duke's Nose



• Shivaji Park



• Lohagad Darshan



• Amruntanjan point



• Kune Falls



• Tiger’s Leap



• Sakur Plateau



• Monkey Hill



• Reversing Station

Excursions:

• Kaivalya Dham Yoga Center



• Bhairavnath Deva Sthan at Dhak



• Antar Bharatiya Balgram



• Manashakti Kendra



• Satayam Shivam Sundaram



• Bhushi Dam



• Lohagad Fort

Bus tickets booking is fairly easy nowadays on internet. If you plan early you’ll get cheap bus tickets online. For bus booking you can check different OTA’s website. Search best bus service, compare and buy cheap tickets.