Are you looking to enjoy a quick staycation with your loved ones without going far from your abode in Mumbai or Pune? Are you in search of a place where you can get respite from the harsh heat of the summer months? If yes, then how about considering Lonavala or Khandala as your next ideal holiday destination? Both the hill stations are located very close to each other and are often referred to together as Lonavala-Khandala.
Whether you are an adventure junkie looking for an adrenaline rush or a nature lover seeking a serene escape, Lonavala and Khandala have something to offer for everyone. With numerous trekking trails, historical forts, and pristine lakes, these twin hill stations are a perfect getaway destination for those looking to rejuvenate their mind, body, and soul. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and head out to Lonavala and Khandala for an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
The best time to visit Lonavala and Khandala is during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September. During this time, the hills and valleys are covered with lush greenery, and the waterfalls are in full flow, creating a picturesque landscape. The temperature during this time is also pleasant and cool, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
However, if you prefer to avoid the monsoon season, the winter months from November to February are also a good time to visit. The weather during this time is cool and comfortable, with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 20°C, making it perfect for trekking and outdoor activities.
Book an all-inclusive Lonavala Khandala tour package with us for a hassle-free time. The package we offer can also be customized based on your varied holiday needs. Our Lonavala Khandala tour package promises to delight you with an experience you’ve been craving for a long time. We aim to present the best of our services to our diverse clientele so that you can enjoy your trip without worrying about anything. Irrespective of the package you choose, our team doesn’t mind walking the extra mile to bring a smile to your face.
With us, you can pick an accommodation of your choice from our list of best hotels in Lonavala. Whether you need a luxury stay or a budget-friendly cottage with all the basic facilities, we have everything for everyone. To make it more convenient for you, our team provides the service of a private cab with an experienced chauffeur as well.
Not only does it save your precious time and effort but also allows you to spend as much time as you want at your desired location as the cab will wait for you outside. It would be worth noting that the cab driver payment and other charges are already included in the Lonavala Khandala tour package so you need not to pay anything extra to anyone. Please fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch with us.
History of Lonavala and Khandala
Lonavala and Khandala are twin hill stations located in the Sahyadri mountain range in the western state of Maharashtra, India. The history of these two places can be traced back to the early 19th century.
During the British colonial era, Lonavala and Khandala were developed as hill stations and popular summer retreats for the British officers stationed in Mumbai (then known as Bombay). In 1871, the railway line connecting Mumbai and Pune was completed, which made it easier for people to travel to these tiny hamlets.
The natural beauty and pleasant climate of these places soon made them famous among tourists from all over India. Many wealthy families from Mumbai and Pune built bungalows and villas in Lonavala and Khandala, which added to the charm of these hill stations.
During the Indian independence movement, Lonavala and Khandala played a significant role. The British officers stationed in these places were often targeted by the freedom fighters. One of the famous incidents was the bombing of a British army convoy in 1944 by the Indian National Army (INA) led by Subhas Chandra Bose. The attack took place on the Khandala-Lonavala road, which is still known as the "Bosegaon Road" in memory of the incident.
After India gained independence in 1947, Lonavala and Khandala continued to grow as popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Today, they are known for their scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and numerous tourist attractions including waterfalls, lakes, trekking trails, and historic forts.
Places to Visit in Lonavala and Khandala
There are plenty of sightseeing places in Lonavala and Khandala that are worth your time. Depending on your holiday duration, style, and budget, you can curate an itinerary of tourist attractions you’d like to explore on your trip.
Visit Tiger’s Leap to give a fantastic start to your getaway. It is a cliff-top viewpoint that offers a breathtaking view of the valleys below and the Western Ghats to delight tourists of all types. The view from the top looks stunning especially during the monsoon season, giving you a major reason to flock to this destination time and again.
Head to Bhushi Dam from there to enjoy a cascading waterfall falling from a height of around 20 -30 feet, which creates a natural pool at the bottom. Visitors can enjoy bathing in the pool surrounded by lush greenery and majestic hills.
Lying a short stroll away from the dam is the Lonavala Lake which offers a delightful experience to people of all ages looking to be in the serenity of nature. As a nature admirer, you can also plan to explore the Amrutanjan Point, Duke’s Nose, Lion’s Point, Shooting Point, and Shivling Point to relax and unwind in the lap of Mother Nature.
For history buffs, both the hill stations boast ancient forts like the Rajmachi Fort, Lohagad Fort, Tikona Fort, Tunga Fort, Visapur Fort, Korigad Fort, Manoranjan Fort, and Shrivardhan Fort. For people seeking to be spiritually enlightened, the hill stations have the Shingroba Temple, Narayani Dam Temple, Ekvira Devi Temple, and Bhairavnath Temple.
And for archaeologists, there are Bhaja Caves and Karla Caves that date back to the 2nd century BC. Ideal for all those interested in history, architecture, and Buddhism, these caves are important examples of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture and are considered to be national monuments.
Don’t miss the Kune Waterfalls on your Khandala tour as it is one of the most popular waterfalls in the region that draws a huge influx of visitors every year. The Kune Waterfalls is a perfect destination for people who love nature, photography, and adventure, and can be frequented by families with children as well.
While the Adlabs Imagicaa serves as a one-stop destination for all kinds of recreational entertainment, the Wet N Joy Water Park promises unlimited fun, excitement, and happiness to water babies. The Della Adventure Park is also there for people to enjoy a staycation for a day or two.
In addition to all these points of interest, Lonavala and Khandala present numerous adventurous activities for thrill seekers wanting to explore the outdoors and challenge themselves. You can give a try to trekking, paragliding, camping, rappelling, rock climbing, or bungee jumping. The choice is yours!
Not to forget about the Maharashtrian cuisine that allows you to discover the real essence of both the hill stations. Some of the must-try dishes are Vada Pav, Bhakarwadi, Misal Pav, Poha, Batata Vada, Sabudana Vada, Poha, and Chikki.
Combine all this with an extensive shopping experience to enjoy your trip to the fullest. You can explore the Lonavala Bazaar located in the heart of Lonavala to purchase items like clothes, handicrafts, and other accessories. The Maganlal Chikki Centre is famous for its chikkis, the Kala Handicraft is known for selling handicrafts made by local artisans, and the Bombay Store is perfect for all who are looking for products for gifting or personal use.
How to Reach Lonavala and Khandala?
Due to the great connectivity of Lonavala to its neighboring hill station, Khandala, and other metro cities of India like Mumbai and Pune, it can be easily accessed by people via all modes of transportation.
For example, if you like air travel, you can fly to the Pune International Airport as it is considered as the nearest airport to Lonavala. In case there is no availability of a flight to the Pune Airport, catch a flight to the Mumbai International Airport, which is 90 km away. Outside both airports, one can book a cab to commute further to their desired destination.
Another convenient way is via railways. The Lonavala Railway Station receives frequent trains from Mumbai and Pune Stations which are connected to the railheads of the rest of the country through several trains. Not only is it comfortable for all age groups but is also a pocket-friendly way to be there in Lonavala and Khandala at your ease.
Last but not least, for your ease, the MSRTC department also operates many state-owned buses on an everyday basis. So, if you don’t mind sitting for long hours, you can enjoy traveling via roadways. The facility of luxury coaches is also available for people to experience utmost comfort. Alternatively, choose to self-drive for a mesmerizing road trip. After reaching the hill station, hire a private taxi from top car rental companies in Lonavala & Khandala for further travel.
