If there is a hill station in India that needs no introduction, then it has to be Khandala. It is a frequently visited weekend getaway that offers a quick respite to people from Mumbai and Pune looking to escape the harsh sunny heat of the warmer days.
There are stunning lakes, hills, and valleys for nature admirers. There are ancient forts for history buffs. There are pilgrimage sites for religious lovers. And then there are a plethora of adventurous activities to bring out the best of adventure in you. Combine all this with a range of culinary delights and plenty of shopping opportunities and we bet you’ll have the best experience here.
While there are several interesting things to make you feel happy throughout the time, there are a few tourist attractions that you must not avoid no matter what. To help you out, we have curated a list that you can keep handy the next time you plan a getaway to Khandala with our Khandala darshan packages. These are as follows:
Kune Waterfalls
The 14th largest waterfall in India, Kune Waterfalls are a sight to behold. It is an excellent escapade for people to tuck their souls free in tranquility and attain peace of mind without anyone’s disturbance.
Nestled against the backdrop of Sahyadri ranges, Kune Waterfalls is a beautiful natural wonder where you can enjoy the water cascading down from a height of about 200 meters. Visitors can take a dip in the pool at its base or simply relax to soak in the serene surroundings.
The best time to visit Kune Waterfall is during the monsoon season, from June to September, when the waterfall is at its full glory. However, it is recommended to exercise caution while visiting as the area can become slippery and dangerous.
Duke’s Nose
Surrender yourself to the impeccable beauty of Duke’s Nose in Khandala. A must-visit destination for nature admirers, Duke’s Nose invites locals as well as tourists to look over the splendid views of the dense forests and valleys encompassing the Sahyadris.
It is renowned for its magical ambiance and charm that draws the attention of thousands of travelers from different parts of the nation. One can try their hand at trekking to explore the best of its beauty. This viewpoint is also famous among adventure seekers for its rock-climbing activity as well.
Don’t forget to bring a good quality camera with you; you never know when you’d want to capture worth-cherishing pictures with a mind-blowing background at the backdrop.
Lonavala Lake
Lying 2 km away from Khandala is the Lonavala Lake which is considered as the best picnic spot for families looking to enjoy some quality time with their little ones during the monsoon season. It is a seasonal lake that boasts scenic surroundings to delight people and is blessed with an abundance of picturesque beauty for all who don’t mind walking the extra mile to provide a treat to their eyes.
Here you can enjoy a varied species of fauna along with engaging yourself in recreational activities like swimming, angling, and nature walks. The food stalls around the lake selling quick refreshments such as Mumbai’s famous vada pav, chaat, bhelpuri, smoked corn, and hot ginger tea compliment the overall atmosphere, making it a great location for locals to visit in the evening.
Lohagad Fort
Widely renowned for boasting a rich history and stunning architecture, the Lohagad Fort is an ancient fort that stands at an altitude of 1033 meters high above sea level. It was built during the 18th century by the Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and was used as a stronghold during his reign. Later, the fort was occupied by the British and was used as a military base during the colonial era. Today, it is a popular point of interest and a trekking spot for adventure enthusiasts.
To reach its top, you need to undertake a trek that starts from the base of the hill. The trek is considered easy and hence, can be enjoyed by beginners as well. Overall, it takes around 2-3 hours to complete and visitors get to see the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats along the way. Make sure to wear trekking shoes and carry enough drinking food as you might feel hungry in between.
Explore the above-mentioned places to have a memorable time in Khandala. If you’re interested and have time, you can add a few more tourist attractions to your itinerary list of Khandala Darshan Packages to enjoy your trip to the fullest. These include the Rajmachi Fort, Bhushi Lake, Bhaja Caves, Tiger’s Leap, Shooting Point, Lion’s Point, Celebrity Wax Museum, etc.
Catering to everyone’s diverse holiday needs, we at Lonavala Khandala Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, offer a comprehensive range of Khandala tour packages that can be personalized as per your prerequisites. Our agenda is to make your travel experience as smooth as it can be and we leave no stone unturned to accomplish that. Please fill out the Contact Us form to know how we can help you have the best time.
How to Reach Khandala?
Due to its close proximity to Lonavala and the two metro cities of the country like Mumbai and Pune, Khandala can be easily accessed by domestic and international tourists from all over the world at their ease. The 3 common modes of transportation are as follows:
By Airways: Pune International Airport is the nearest airport that receives flights from within India as well as from overseas countries on an everyday basis. After deboarding your plane, you can book a private taxi from the list of top car rental companies in Khandala to commute further to your desired destination.
By Railways: Next, catch a direct train to Lonavala Railway Station which is well-connected to Mumbai and Pune via all the local trains. Outside the station, you’ll find several options that will help you reach Khandala in your utmost comfort.
By Roadways: Last but not least, several state-owned buses operated by the MSRTC department are also available to be there at reasonable prices. One can also opt to travel in deluxe coaches that come with AC facilities. Alternatively, choose to self-drive if you don’t mind sitting for long hours. The road journey to Khandala is mesmerizing and worth your time.
