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Khandala is located in the western part of the state of Maharashtra,India. It
is set amongst the hills and valleys of the Sahyadri mountain range. It is
situated 101 km southeast of Mumbai and 69 km from Pune. It is 5 km from
Lonavala. Khandala, set at a height of 625 mt, located on the western slopes of
the Sahyadri mountain range is a hill station in Maharashtra. Fascinating
panoramic beauty adorns this place. Although it is comparatively small as
compare to lonavala but 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.
Modern industrialisation has not adversely affected Khandala. Whenever a
tourist visits Lonavala he also wishes to visit Khandala. While travelling on
Mumbai Bangalore National Highway, one has to cross the arduous Khopoli -
Khandala Ghat. This is the famous Borghat. In a short distance of 8 Kms one has
to climb a height of 369 meters. This is a difficult Ghat to climb. But once you
reach here, you feel that this climb has been worth the trouble. Khandala is One
place where you will fall in love at First Site. Lonavala and Khandala are full
of tourist practically for the whole year. Main reasons for this is the fact
that it is very close to Mumbai.
Around Khandala :
Rajmachi Park: On the way to Mumbai from Lonavala there is a beautiful
garden before the beginning of the Ghat. It gives a spectacular view of the
surroundings. On the East Side two towers of the Rajmachi Fort can be seen and
at the bottom is the huge valley. There is a restaurant here and a temple close
by. The Ghat begins from this point so many people come to enjoy the view. There
is children's park here and there are regular bus services from lonavala bus
station.
Ryewood : This is a big and beautiful garden situated near Lonavala. This
garden covers a lot of ground and it is full of majestic tall trees. There is an
old Mahadeo temple in this park. There is history behind the name Ryewood. An
English officer Mr. Rye stayed in this place for quite some time. Hence this
woods are named after him. The name may also have come from the Marathi words "Rai"
which means thick forest. Earlier it was under the care of civil dept. In 1959
it was transferred to the State Government's Forest Department. This garden has
plenty of place for children to play.
Duke's Nose : This place is named after Duke Wellington whose pointed nose
this cliff resembles. It also looks like a hood of a snake, which is why it is
also called as "Nagfani" (Hood of Snake). This point can be approach from INS
Shivaji and Kurwande Village. Watching the nature's beauty here is an
unforgettable experience.
Shivaji Park : This ground which was known as a playground which was
converted into a garden in 1956 there is statue of Shri Shivaji Maharaj in this
park. As it is near located near the city many people visit this park.
Lohagad Darshan : In this small garden located in Bhangarwadi, there are
plenty of toys for children to play there is also a big statue of Savarkar here.
Amruntanjan point : At the beginning of the Khandala Ghat, and at the end of
the first slope there is a huge hoarding of Amrutanjan. There is a lot of flat
space around here and the view of the valley and Dukes Nose is breath taking
beyond this one can also see the city of Khopoli.
Kune Falls : This water falls where water comes down from a height of more
than 100 feet is majestic in appearance one can have bath in the water that
flows through the valley. This place is between Lonavala and Khandala. This fall
can be seen in Khandala Ghat while coming from Mumbai. It runs for many days
long after the monsoon is over.
Tiger's Leap : This is a special spot in this area. If one looks at the
valley carefully from this spot it appears as if a tiger is leaping into the
valley, that is why this name. This spot is a furlong away from INS Shivaji. It
gives a fascinating view of the valley. There is provision for viewing the
valley from the safe confines of a big hole. A stone thrown down from here
ricochets at many places and gets destroyed here. Making it as an another unique
experience.
Sakur Plateau : On the way to INS Shivaji there is a turn and a zigzag road.
At a distance of approximately 4 miles and at a height of 1000 feet is a
plateau. This plateau is on the way to village Ambavane. Thick forests occupy it
and it's sparsely populated. Tungi, Korigad, Lohagad etc. Forts are very close
from here.
Monkey Hill : All the trains coming down from Khandala halt here for brake
testing. There is a huge flat land to south of the railway tracks. This place is
exactly above Khopoli town and it can be approach from Khopoli as well as
Borghat reversing station. It is a favourite picnic spot.
Reversing Station : This old place belonging to the railways now remains
unused. This spot is outside tunnel no. 26. On the rail route and one can see
the advertisement boards of Amrutanjan and other Products. At the bottom one can
see Khopoli and the surrounding regions. During the night, this place
illuminated with hundreds of lights becomes alive and gives a fascinating view.
The division of Lonavala and Raigad District starts from here.
Getting there :
By Air : Lonavala & Khandala do not have an Airport one has to fly to
Bombay or to Pune. Nearest International Airport is Bombay and Domestic Airport
is Pune. Bombay international Air port is approximately 110 km. and Pune is 66
km.
By Train : The Nearest railway station is at Lonavala. As Lonavala is on the
main railway line between Mumbai and Pune.
By Road : Khandala is well connected with Mumbai and Pune by road and the
bus service for Pune (travel time 2½ hours) via Lonavala is good. However, it
takes about four hours to reach Mumbai from Khandala.
General Information :
Languages : Marathi, Hindi and English
Best time to visit : October. May
Climate : climate in Khandala is pleasant. Summers (April-June) are mild,
while winters are cool (November-February). It experiences heavy southwestern
monsoon rains between June and September.
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