Often seen in Bollywood films, including the popular song ‘Aati Kya Khandala’, hill station of Khandala has been one of the favourite tourist destinations for decades. Its exceptional scenic beauty dotted with waterfalls, caves, lakes and parks, promises to rejuvenate everyone. Khandala also presents many imposing forts, each depicting the glorious history of the town. At a distance of only 4 kms from Lonavala, it is often clubbed together with its twin hill station. Both the hill stations promise heavenly nature and historical monuments. However, if you want to explore at ease, then have a dedicated one day tour to Khandala.
Whether you are looking for a break from the chaos of city life or want to go for a small vacation with your loved ones, you will find a 1 day Khadana tour as an ideal choice. Here are a few places to visit in Khandala that you can explore in 1 day here.
Khandala Places to visit in 1 Day: Kune Falls, Amrutanjan Point, Rajmachi Fort, Visapur Fort, Shrivardhan Fort, Reversing Station, Shingroba Temple, Shiva Linga Rock, Karla and Bhaja Caves, Duke’s Nose
1. Kune Falls
Of the highest waterfalls in the country, Kune Waterfalls is sure to leave you spellbound. This waterfall, amid the lush greenery of Sahyadri mountains is a famous picnic spot. It is equally popular among adventure lovers for activities like trekking, ziplining, rappelling, etc. This three tiered waterfall is 200 metres in height. The impressive sight of water cascading in thunderous sound makes everyone forget their worries. The pool of water at the bottom makes the area all the more aesthetic. Kune Falls is located in the Lonavala-Khandala valley.
2. Amrutanjan Point
If you want to visit something offbeat, then add Amrutanjan Point in your itinerary for a one day Khandala tour. Located at the start of the Khandala Ghat, this viewpoint is sure to leave you mesmerised with its untouched natural beauty. Surrounded by green valleys, it not only offers a panoramic view of the mountains but also of the other tourist attractions like Duke’s Nose and Khopoli town. Visit this viewpoint for sunset or sunrise, when the sky takes shades of orange, presenting a beautiful contract to the greens of mountains.
3. Rajmachi Fort
Located in the Sahyadri mountain range, Rajmachi Fort is one of the top places to visit in Khandala. Built by the Satavahanas, this ancient fort has had many reigns over the centuries. It was under Shivaji Maharaj, Emperor Aurangzeb, Shahu Maharaj and was eventually taken over by Britishers. Its robust architecture with massive gateways, walls, water reservoirs and houses are worth admiring. Rajmachi fort also has two fortified hills, Shrivardhan and Manoranjan.
One can also visit the Kal Bhairav Temple here. The fort is popular among trekkers, especially the route via Kondana caves which takes around 4 to 5 hours of trekking to reach here. Timings of Rajmachi Fort are 9 AM to 6 PM.
4. Visapur Fort
Another historical place to visit in Khandala is the Visapur Fort. Located in Malavali, this fort stands at a height of 1084 m above sea level. Built by Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa of the Maratha Kingdom, this fort dates back to the 18th century. It is often referred as the bigger twin of the Lohagad fort, with massive walls, caves, water reservoirs, gateways and homes. There is also a Human temple within its premises. The view of the surrounding mountains from Visapur Fort is exceptionally alluring. Hence it is quite popular among photographers and nature lovers who often trek to the fort.
5. Shrivardhan Fort
Shrivardhan Fort is often visited along with Rajmachi Fort. Located in Rajmachi village at a height of 900 metres above sea level, this fort is one of two fortresses that comprise Rajmachi fort. It is open from 9 AM to 6 PM and can be accessed from Tungarli. If you wish to have some adventure, then trek to this fort from Karjat, which takes around 2 hours of time. Surrounded by the dense greenery of the mountains and vast landscape, the walk up to the fort is sure to revive each and every sense.
6. Reversing Station
Located in Khopoli Town, outside the tunnel no 26, Reversing Station is a popular spot for photographers, especially at sunset. This scenic location used to be an active railway station. However, now it’s not used by the railways. It is often frequented by locals and tourists for the view of surrounding hills and other tourist attractions from here. This place looks ethereal at night when it’s lit up after the sunset. A few minutes at this place on your 1 day tour is suggested.
7. Shingroba Temple
Built in the 19th century, Shingroba Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is a prominent shrine, visited by thousands of devotees every day. It has a captivating architecture, consisting of intricate carvings on the pillars and its walls. The natural beauty of verdant hills around the temple makes the experience at this temple even more memorable. Located on the old Khandala Ghat of Khopoli, it can be reached via an auto rickshaw or car from the city centre. It opens from 5 AM to 11 AM and 4 PM to 8 PM.
8. Shiva Linga Rock
Khandala has many spectacular rock formations that must be visited even within a 1 day tour. Shiva Linga Rock is one of the most popular natural rock formations in Sahyadri mountains. Once here, you will be amazed by the panoramic view of the valleys and the landscapes. Also known as Swayambhu, this rock lies on the way to Tiger’s Leap. You can reach here via a taxi or auto rickshaw from the city centre. The best time to visit is between 6 AM to 6 PM.
9. Karla and Bhaja Caves
No tour to Khandala can be complete without visiting the ancient Karla and Bhaja Caves. Located close to each other, both the caves can be visited together. Bhaja Caves, dating back to 2nd Century BCE are a group of 22 rock-cut structures, belonging to Buddhism. Karla Caves were built from 2nd century BCE to 5th century CE.
Cave 6, 9, 12 and 13 are especially worth noticing in Bhaja Caves while the Ekvira Temple at Karla caves deserve special mention. All the caves display intricate carvings, sculptures and stupas. These caves can be visited from 9 AM to 6 PM. If time permits, you can also visit other caves, located nearby, namely Patan Buddhist Cave, Bedse Caves and Nasik Caves.
10. Duke’s Nose
9 km away from Khandala, Duke’s Nose is a viewpoint, also popular for activities like rappelling, zip lining , traversing, etc. Also known as Naagphani, which means Cobra’s hood, this place is frequented for trekking and picnics. After a thrilling experience of trekking, one can sit here and admire the view of Sahyadri Ranges. The Peace of its surroundings and the freshness of air, makes the experience unforgettable. To reach the top of the viewpoint, one has to trek for close to 4 hours from Khandala. Many tourists also opt for overnight camping here.
Located quite close to prominent cities like Mumbai and Pune, Khandala is easily accessible by road and railways. So take out one day out of your busy schedules and explore this hill station in a hassle free manner with our 1 day Khandala tour packages. From adventure tours to romantic getaways, Khandala is suitable for all kinds of holidays. Contact us at Lonavala Khandala Tourism to know more about our wide array of tour packages or to get a customised package as per your budget and preferences.
