LONAVALA AND KHANDALA
Lonavala Is Known As: Jewel Of The Sahyadri
Houses: Many Lakes And Caves
Best Time To Visit: October To May
For A Healthy Holiday
Lonavala and Khandala are two charming little hill stations
on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, 5-km apart, that straddle the
Mumbai
- Pune
highway at an altitude of 625m, quite popular as health resorts. Blessed
by the nature in bounty, the hill resorts have plethora of places of
Tourist Attraction in Lonavala & Khandala - Beautiful Hills, Deep
Green Valleys, Huge Lakes, Historic Forts, Waterfalls, etc.
Lonavala and Khandala offer breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls
during the monsoon, and the surrounding mountains of the plains spread out
to the horizon. A trip to these holiday resorts can be combined with that
on the Karla, Bhaja, and Bedsa caves, which are very near from Lonavala.
Lonavala is located in the western part of the state of Maharashtra.
It is set amongst the slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range. Also known as
the "Jewel of The Sahyadri", Lonavala is a place of this
regionwhere nature is present in its entire splendor. It has become famous
because of nature's gift of beautiful valleys, hills, milky waterfalls,
lush greenery, and pleasant cool winds.
Khandala being the smaller of the two is relatively calmer and is the
pride of the Sahyadri Mountains. It is endowed with abundant natural
beauty and like Lonavala, Khandala also provides a popular gateway from
the hustle and bustle of cities of Mumbai and Pune. The lush greenery of
the mountains especially during the monsoons and the misty paths attract
tourist like honeybees 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 experience.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
There
are numerous lakes around Lonavala and Khandala. Lakes such as Tugauli,
Lonavala and Bhushi are worth a visit; so is the Valvan lake, which has a
beautiful dam, a garden as well as a Pisiculture centre.
Karla & Bhaja Caves
Karla and Bhaja Caves, located in the hills at a distance of 11-km from
Lonavala, are important places to visit. These rock-cut cave temples
dating back to 2nd century BC and are amongst the oldest and finest
examples of Buddhist rock cut temple art in India, belonging to the
Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Adventure seekers can try their hand at rock
climbing at the Duke's Nose peak and other locations in the Karla hills,
near Lonavala.
OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST INCLUDE :-
Satayam Shivam Sundaram - Satayam Shivam
Sundaram is a beautiful man - made waterfall with a surrounding pool.
Bhushi Dam - This dam is very popular with holidaymakers who come
here for picnics.
Lohagad Fort -
It has some spectacular entrance gates, a huge cave, which was used for
storing grain, and a water tank. The Tunga Fort - surrounded by the Pavana
Dam, this fort also has a Mahadeo temple in the premises.
Kaivalya Dham Yoga Centre - Situated on a picturesque hill near
Valvan lake, many visitors flock to this institute, which imparts yoga
education.
Bhairavnath Deva Sthan - This place has a fascinating variety of
thick forests, deep valleys, peacocks and monkeys, speedy streams etc.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Though
one can enjoy the beauty of these places through out the year, the best
time to visit Lonavala and Khandala is from October to May.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Nearest airport is situated in
Pune
at 64-km.
Rail: Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai and
Pune. All express trains plying between the two cities stop here. There is
also an hourly shuttle service for Pune.
Road: Lonavala situated on the Mumbai Pune Highway. It is 104-km
from Mumbai and 64-km from Pune. The bus service between Lonavala and Pune
is good. Buses shuttle between Lonavala and Khandala. Travelers can hire
bicycles on hourly basis to explore Lonavala or to go to Khandala.
WHERE TO STAY
The MTDC runs a resort at Karla and another at Rye Woods, Lonavala. Many hotels that suit your budget and pocket are available in Lonavala / Khandala. It is advisable to stay at Khandala, being quietest of all with less traffic and good scenic views. Also private bunglows are available for picnickers going overnight.
Know more about this Package !!!
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