Lonavala & Khandala, Maharashtra
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Surrounded by hills, valleys, streams, waterfalls, viewpoints, grasslands, lakes, forts and dams these 2 twin towns 4 kilometres apart are the ideal getaway locations during monsoon. Great weather, easy access, and many accommodation choices make these places a favourite among tourists. Located on the Mumbai–Pune highway, these places are known for the pleasant weather that prevails here for the most part of the year. Perched atop the Sahyadri range of mountains at more than 2000 feet above sea level, the twin cities, spread over an area of 38 square kilometres, are also known for religious places and caves. For the family crowd, these are great places to unwind and enjoy the spectacular beauty and charm of the monsoon.
Nearby Places to See
Kune Waterfalls
Located about 3 kilometres from the twin cities, the waterfall is the starting point of the Ulhas River, which flows towards the Arabian Sea. Originating from the lakes around the Kune village, the waterfall cascades into the Ulhas valley from about 600 feet high in a couple of tiers. The falls can be watched from Rajmachi Point on the Mumbai-Pune highway.
Located about 3 kilometres from the twin cities, the waterfall is the starting point of the Ulhas River, which flows towards the Arabian Sea. Originating from the lakes around the Kune village, the waterfall cascades into the Ulhas valley from about 600 feet high in a couple of tiers. The falls can be watched from Rajmachi Point on the Mumbai-Pune highway.
Karla & Bhaja Caves
These are Buddhist caves located at Karla and Bhaja villages, which are equidistant from Lonavala. At Bhaja, there is a group of 22 caves located about 400 feet above the village. At Kalra, there is a cluster of 16 caves. Both sets of caves feature a large Chaityalaya and many stupas.
These are Buddhist caves located at Karla and Bhaja villages, which are equidistant from Lonavala. At Bhaja, there is a group of 22 caves located about 400 feet above the village. At Kalra, there is a cluster of 16 caves. Both sets of caves feature a large Chaityalaya and many stupas.
Visapur Fort
Located in the village of Visapur, the fort is 14 kilometres away from Lonavala. Based at nearly 3300 feet above sea level, it is a hike of nearly two hours to the fort. Monsoon is the best time to visit as the hill and the grasslands are at their verdant best. The fort was built in the early decades of the 18th century.
Located in the village of Visapur, the fort is 14 kilometres away from Lonavala. Based at nearly 3300 feet above sea level, it is a hike of nearly two hours to the fort. Monsoon is the best time to visit as the hill and the grasslands are at their verdant best. The fort was built in the early decades of the 18th century.
Lohagad Fort
This fort, at nearly 3400 feet above sea level, is amazingly built on a steep ledge that takes about 45 minutes to ascend. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spectacular view of the large expanse of the backwaters of the Pavana dam built across the Pavana river is available from the top.
This fort, at nearly 3400 feet above sea level, is amazingly built on a steep ledge that takes about 45 minutes to ascend. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spectacular view of the large expanse of the backwaters of the Pavana dam built across the Pavana river is available from the top.
Rajmachi Fort
Udhewadi village, the starting point of the hike to this fort, is about 15 kilometres away from Khandala. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top of the fort. The route is pleasant, and the hike is not tiring. Waterfalls, valleys, and hills all combine to offer a beautiful view from the fort. A small cave temple nearby can also be visited.
Udhewadi village, the starting point of the hike to this fort, is about 15 kilometres away from Khandala. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top of the fort. The route is pleasant, and the hike is not tiring. Waterfalls, valleys, and hills all combine to offer a beautiful view from the fort. A small cave temple nearby can also be visited.
Kondhane Caves
Located near the Udhewadi village, 15 kilometres from Khandala, these caves are about a 3 kilometres hike from the village. This is a group of 16 Buddhist caves dating back to the 1st century, carved on the front side of a long, horizontal rocky hill. A waterfall is located in front of the caves, adding a touch of myth to the ancient site.
Located near the Udhewadi village, 15 kilometres from Khandala, these caves are about a 3 kilometres hike from the village. This is a group of 16 Buddhist caves dating back to the 1st century, carved on the front side of a long, horizontal rocky hill. A waterfall is located in front of the caves, adding a touch of myth to the ancient site.
Other Places
There are several forts namely Tung fort, Mrugagad Fort, Morgiri Fort, Korigad Fort, Anghal fort and many others which can be explored by hiking within 45 kilometres from the twin cities. The waterfalls that are around the twin cities are Kataldhaar Waterfall, Reverse Waterfall, and KP Waterfall. Apart from these, there are the dams, namely the Valvan dam close to Lonavala and the Shirvata dam across the Indrayani River about 25 kilometres from Lonavala.
There are several forts namely Tung fort, Mrugagad Fort, Morgiri Fort, Korigad Fort, Anghal fort and many others which can be explored by hiking within 45 kilometres from the twin cities. The waterfalls that are around the twin cities are Kataldhaar Waterfall, Reverse Waterfall, and KP Waterfall. Apart from these, there are the dams, namely the Valvan dam close to Lonavala and the Shirvata dam across the Indrayani River about 25 kilometres from Lonavala.
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