Situated along the Bombay-Pune highway, these hill stations are just a hop away from each other. Khandala, is about 2 hours from Bombay by road or rail. Its clean crisp air greets you, as you wind your way up the steep ghats, leaving the humidity, heat and dust behind. Both Lonavala and Khandala offer breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls during the monsoon, and the surrounding mountains of the plain spread out to the horizon far below. Nestling in the Western Ghats Khandala has serene and scenic surroundings, healthy climate and an easy approach.

Karla & Bhaja Caves

The Karla Caves is about 11 km from Lonavala. The Bhaja Caves are about 3 km off the other side of the main road across the railway tracks. The Karla Cave is a steep 500-metre climb up the hill side. A beautiful carved "SUN WINDOW" filters the light in towards the small stupa at the inner end of the deep, narrow cave. Other carvings can also be seen along the sides. A stambha (pillar) topped by four back-to-back lions, an image usually associated with Ashoka, stands outside the cave. The natural beauty in the vicinity is breathtaking! And more quiet than Karla!

Bedsa Caves

About 15 km beyond Karla junction, you come to Kamshet village on the left; a winding road breaks to the right of the highway and 6 km southeast of Kamshet station and takes you to the lesser known Bedse caves. A lovely place to picnic although not much in terms of historic content.

Satayam Sivam Sundaram

Bhushi Dam

This is a beautiful man - made waterfall with a surrounding pool. Visitors can have fun frolicking under the waterfall, or swimming in the pool, by paying a minimal 30 - 40 bucks.

This dam is very popular with holiday makers who come here for picnics. It is a favourite spot with people who want to get drenched during the monsoon.

Kaivalya Dham Yoga Centre

About 2 km out of Lonavala, by the side of the Walvan Dam along Mumbai-Pune road, this institute attracts large number of Indians and foreigners wanting to learn Yoga. Apart from a yoga research centre and a training school for instructors, it runs courses for those who just want to learn Yoga. It offers courses of eight days or more in duration.

Bhairavnath Deva Sthan

Situated close to Lonavala is this sthan which is perched on a mountain. As Vehicles are banned here  visitors will have to rely on walking for going about their way. This place has a fascinating variety of thick forests, deep valleys, peacocks and monkeys, speedy streams etc. There are slippery steps carved out of a rock and a creeper to reach the temple.

Lohagad Fort

Tunga Fort

Located 10 kms from Lonavala, this fort has some spectacular entrance gates, a huge cave which was used for storing grain, and a water tank. Belonging to Shivaji's period, it is definitely worth a visit.

The Tunga fort, surrounded by the Pavana Dam, is to the south of Lohagad. It is a narrow fort with slippery roads for climbing. Used more as a watchtower, this fort also has a Mahadeo temple in the premises.

Ryewood

Reversing Point

Ryewood Park in Lonavala, is a delightfully green public park. Ryewood, named after an English officer Mr.Rye, is a big and beautiful garden situated near Lonavala. Sprawled over a huge area, it is covered with tall frees. There is an old Mahadeo temple in this park.

The Reversing Point and Sunset Point are reputed for the picturesque and panoramic view they offer while Tungarli Lake is a manmade reservoir, an attractive spot for picnickers.  

Other places

Lonavala provides a panoramic view of the lush green surroundings of the Sahyadri ranges. The peaceful environs of the town, which provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai city, attract tourists to this place. Travelers can take a walk along the waterfalls, the grassy abundance and hills in and around Lonavala. The mountainous terrain of Lonavala is ideal for trekking and hiking. Trekkers would love to go up to the various caves and forts. But no trek beats the ones to Duke's Nose (so called because the steep ridge resembled, so it is said, the nose of the Duke of Wellington, a governor during the British era!) and the rugged Rajmachi Fort. There are several lakes about 40-50 km off the Mumbai-Pune road.

How to get there?

By Air - The nearest airport is at Pune, (67 kms) and Mumbai (80 Km).
By Rail -  Most Mumbai-Pune trains stop at the Lonavla Station. The Deccan Queen with its two-hour run is the best bet. Local trains are available by the hour from Lonavla to Pune and back.
By Road -  Lonavla, 104 km from Mumbai is located on the Mumbai-Pune road. Taxes are available from Dadar T.T. Station in Mumbai. The journey takes 3-4 hours.

Accommodation

The Dukes Retreat
Mount View Resort
Highland Resort
Rainbow Retreat

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