Best Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Best Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Lonavala is located on the Indian subcontinent in the district of Pune in Maharashtra state. Khandala is at a distance of 3 km from Lonavala. The geographical coordinates puts the place Lonavala at 16.0080 N and 73.6870  E, and Khandala at 18.059180 N and 74.0126290 E. Lonavala is 622 meters and Khandala is 559 meters above sea level. During the summer season the temperature ranges from 220 C to 400 C and in winter season the temperature ranges from 120 C to 330 C at Lonavala as well as Khandala.

The most favorable time to spend vacation in Lonavala and Khandala is from October to March month.

History of Lonavala and Khandala

During the pre-colonial times, the Yadava clan ruled these two places. Later the Mughals invaded the two places and overthrew the then Yadava ruler, and took control of the two places. The Marathas and Peshwa rulers lead a massive expedition to root out the Mughals in the state. Various forts were constructed, during the reign of these two great rulers, in and around the place. In the year 1870, these two areas were designated as hill stations by Lord Elphinstone, the governor of Mumbai in those days.

People & Culture at Lonavala and Khandala

Lonavala and Khandala have huge influence of the Maratha culture ever since the Marathas ruled this region.  Over time, Lonavala and Khandala have seen a rise in the population with people from different parts of the country settling in Lonavala and Khandala thereby providing a rich and diverse culture. The local language of Lonavala and Khandala is Marathi. But nowadays one can expect to come across people speaking languages like the south Indian, north Indian, Gujarati, and Bengali.

People from all religion such as Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs reside in and around Lonavala and Khandala.

Many festivals are celebrated in a grand way across Lonavala and Khandala with Ganesh Chathurthi, Holi, Krishna Astami and Diwali being the most important.

Food and Shopping at Lonavala and Khandala

All types of lip smacking food ranging from south Indian or north Indian or international, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian are available in Lonavala and Khandala.

Some of the names of shopping complex close to Lonavala and Khandala are

  • Up Hill Mall
  • Shubham Complex
  • Kunal Icon Shopping Complex
  • The Arcade Shopping Center
  • Amit Complex
  • Ashirwad Complex

 

Tourist Places in and near Lonavala and Khandala

There are plenty of Beaches, Forts and Religious places with amazing landscapes of interest in and around Lonavala and Khandala. Some of them are listed below:

  • Tungarli Lake

 

This lake is a man-made water resource with a dam created in the year 1930 during the colonial times. This lake provides water to the locals in the area and is also used for cultivation of various crops.

 

  • Visapur Fort

 

This fort was created during the colonial times. It provides a birds view of nearby places such as downhill plains, Purandar, Tikona Fort, Sinhagad and Tung.

 

  • Lohagad Fort

 

The fort was created in 1563 and was used as a prison. The great Maratha ruler, Shivaji, conquered it in 1669 and used it to store his Kingdoms wealth.

 

  • Bhaja Caves

 

These caves date back to 200 B.C, created by nuns of the Buddhist religion. There are 22 rock cut caves.

 

  • Ryewood Park

 

Created during colonial times, the park was named after the founder by the name ‘Rye’. Varieties of trees and other exotic flower plants are present in this garden with a Shiva temple within the garden.

Few other must see places in Lonavala and Khandala include:

  • Karla and Bhaja Caves
  • Reversing Station
  • Shivaji Park
  • Rajmachi Fort
  • Monkey Hill
  • Valvan dam
  • Shooting Point
  • Bushy Dam
  • Lonavala Lake
  • Bedsa Caves
  • Amrutanjan Point
  • Celebrity Wax
  • Shivlinga
  • Shingroba Temple
  • Bhushi Lake
  • Rajmachi Park
  • Korigad Fort
  • Shrivardhan Fort
  • Lohagad Darshan
  • Sakur Plateau
  • Tunga Fort
  • Kune Waterfalls
  • Tigers Leap
  • Manoranjan Fort
  • Pavana Lake
  • Lion’s Point
  • Duke’s Nose

Means of Commutation to Lonavala and Khandala

Lonavala and Khandala are well connected with the rest of the places in India through roadways, railways and airway. The distance of Lonavala and Khandala by road from cities within Maharashtra and other cities in neighboring states are mentioned below

  • Pune is located at a distance of 64 km from Lonavala and 68 km from Khandala.

 

  • Mumbai is located at a distance of 88 km from Lonavala and 83 km from Khandala.

 

  • Ahmedabad is located at a distance of 657 km from Lonavala and 604 km from Khandala.

 

  • Hyderabad is located at a distance of 657 km from Lonavala and 627 km from Khandala.

 

  • Nagpur is located at a distance of 896 km from Lonavala and 895 km from Khandala.

 

There are plenty of buses both, Private and Government run, available from neighboring states to reach Lonavala and Khandala.

Auto rickshaws, taxis and buses are also the modes of transport available within the town.

Lonavala railway station is located within the vicinity of the Lonavala town. This station is located at a distance of 11 km from Khandala. Trains from Pune and Mumbai pass through this station.

The closest airport is situated in Pune which is located at a distance of 64 km from Lonavala town and 66 km from Khandala. Chatrapati Shivaji International airport is located at a distance of 101 km from Lonavala and 83 km from Khandala.

 

Accommodation Options at Lonavala and Khandala

There are plenty of hotels in and around Lonavala and Khandala. Some of the names of these hotels are mentioned below

  • Cosset-A Boutique Hotel
  • The Lagoona Resort
  • Sahil Sarovar Portico
  • Sai Moreshwar Resort
  • Sunny Retreat
  • Govinda Resort
  • Retreat Heritage Lonavala
  • Citrus Resort
  • Hotel Chandralok
  • Avion Holiday Resort
  • Hotel Sai Niwas
  • Lions Den Hotel
  • Hotel Metropole
  • Orchard Resort
  • Resort Silver Hill

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