This wouldn't be a revelation for Mumbaikars and Puneris, but if you happen to visit Mumbai or Pune or happen to ride the picture-book Mumbai - Pune highway, you should definitely pay a visit to these twin gem of a beauties - Khandala and Lonavala! These are twin hill stations within a distance of 3 kilometres, near Mumbai (96 km) and Pune (64 km). These two gems prettify the Mumbai - Pune express highway which is already magnificent!
A view from Rajmachi point - PC : Ravinder Singh Gill
Let's see what makes Khandala and Lonavala, the most sought tourist destinations near Mumbai and Pune!
Lonavala and Khandala - The Twin beauties
A monsoon paradise, Lonavala is a popular hill station in Maharashtra located at 2,041 ft above sea level in the Sahyadri ranges. Situated in the close proximity to Mumbai and Pune, it is the most sought out tourist destination near Mumbai and Pune.
Shooting point in Lonavala - PC : Ashish Gaur
Khandala is a picturesque hill station perched on the foothills of Sahyadris in Maharashtra. Located at a distance of about 3km from Lonavala, they make a perfect weekend respite for the Mumbai and Pune population. You remember the song "Aati kya Khandala?" from Ashok Kumar's 1975 classic Chhoti Si Baat?! Yes, the twins of Khandala and Lonavala is calling you. Let's see why!
Best Places to visit in Khandala and Lonavala
Best Places to visit in Khandala
A view from Duke's nose - PC : Alewis2388
Duke's nose is one of the most fascinating places in Khandala, known for it's breathtaking backdrop! It is a 2506 ft. tall straight cliff named after the Duke of Wellington who had a nose resembling the cliff. It is a very popular place for trekking, valley crossing, rock climbing & rappelling.
They say you can see the image of a tiger leaping into the valley if one carefully observed the valley from Tiger's leap! Amrutanjan point offers excellent panoramic views of the valley and Duke's nose. Karla and Bhaja Caves and Bhushi lake are the other best places to visit in Khandala.
Tiger leap - PC :Ankur Gulati
Best Places to visit in Lonavala
Shivaji's favourite fort, Rajmachi and its surrounding valley offers a surreal view at Rajmachi point! Shooting point is a photographer's paradise as its name suggests. Picturesque lake of Lonavala mesmerises one and all with its splendour.
Ryewood Park & Shivaji Udyan, Lohagad Fort, Bhushi Dam, Lion point, Tungarli Lake and Dam are other best places to visit in Lonavala.
Best Things to do in Khandala and Lonavala
Falls in Khandala - PC Alosh Bennett
Khandala is a hiker's paradise. Since its close to Mumbai and Pune, it is a favourite place for trekking and hiking enthusiasts.Duke nose in Khandala is a cliff which every rock climber aspires to conquer! It is a very popular place for trekking, valley crossing, rock climbing & rappelling.
For historical and natural enthusiasts, many stunning forts of Shivaji are located in this region. Lonavala is well famed as a monsoon paradise. Visit Lonavala during monsoon to get soaked in nature!
Bushy dam - PC : Arun P
Do not forget to try on the local Chikkis of different flavours in Lonavala, Bhakarwadis and the street food in Pune and Mumbai!
The twin hill stations of Khandala and Lonavala inspires every traveller. Have a relishing and reviving vacation in these nature's marvels! Happy Travelling :)