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Khandala

Introduction
Khandala, set at a height of 625 mt, located on the western slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range is a hill station in Maharashtra. Fascinating panoramic beauty adorns thisplace. Although it is comparatively small as compare to lonavala but it is equally blessed with natural beauty and bounty. Deep valley on one side and high hills on the otherside divide Khandala and Lonavala.

Luckily, modern industrialisation has not adversely affected Khandala. Whenever a tourist visits Lonavala he also wishes to visit Khandala. While travelling on Mumbai Bangalore National Highway, one has to cross the arduous Khopoli - Khandala Ghat. Thisis the famous Borghat. In a short distance of 8 Kms one has to climb a height of 369 meters. This is a difficult Ghat to climb. But once you reach here, you feel that this climb has been worth the trouble. Khandalais One place where you will fall in love at First Site. Lonavala and Khandala are full of tourist practically for the whole year. Main reasons for this is the fact that it is very close to Mumbai.

Location
Khandala is located in the western part of the state of Maharashtra,India. It is set amongst the hillsand valleys of the Sahyadri mountain range. It is situated 101 km southeast of Mumbai and 69 km from Pune. It is 5 km from Lonavala.

When to Visit
The best time to visit Khandala is between the months of October and May.

History
The Past of khandala is similar to Lonavala. Chattrapati Shivaji, the founder of the first Maratha Empire, ruled the area around Khandala. then it came under the Peshwa rulers, finally it was taken over by the British when they defeated the Peshwas.

Places to See
There are Plethora of Places of Tourist attraction in Khandala & Lonavala ... Beautiful Hills, Deep Green Valleys, Huge Lakes, Historic Forts, Waterfalls etc.

Rajmachi Park:
On the way to Mumbai from Lonavala there is a beautiful garden before the beginning of the Ghat. It gives a spectacular view of the surroundings. On the East Side two towers of the Rajmachi Fort can be seen and at the bottom is the huge valley. There is a restaurant here and a temple close by. The Ghat begins from this point so many people come to enjoy the view. There is children's park here and there are regular bus services from lonavala bus station.

Ryewood
This is a big and beautiful garden situated near Lonavala. This garden covers a lot of ground and it is full of majestic tall trees. There is an old Mahadeo temple in this park. There is history behind the name Ryewood. An English officer Mr. Rye stayed in this place for quite some time. Hence this woods are named after him. The name may also have come from the Marathi words "Rai" which means thick forest. Earlier it was under the care of civil dept. In 1959 it was transferred to the State Government's Forest Department. This garden has plenty of place for children to play.

Duke's Nose
This place is named after Duke Wellington whose pointed nose this cliff resembles. It also looks like a hood of a snake, which is why it is also called as "Nagfani" (Hood of Snake). This point can be approach from INS Shivaji and Kurwande Village. Watching the nature's beauty here is an unforgettable experience.

Shivaji Park
This ground which was known as a playground which was converted into a garden in 1956 there is statue of Shri Shivaji Maharaj in this park. As it is near located near the city many people visit this park.

Lohagad Darshan
In this small garden located in Bhangarwadi, there are plenty of toys for children to play there is also a big statue of Savarkar here.

Amruntanjan point
At the beginning of the Khandala Ghat, and at the end of the first slope there is a huge hoarding of Amrutanjan. There is a lot of flat space around here and the view of the valley and Dukes Nose is breath taking beyond this one can also see the city of Khopoli.

Kune Falls
This water falls where water comes down from a height of more than 100 feet is majestic in appearance one can have bath in the water that flows through the valley. This place is between Lonavala and Khandala. This fall can be seen in Khandala Ghat while coming from Mumbai. It runs for many days long after the monsoon is over.

Tiger's Leap
This is a special spot in this area. If one looks at the valley carefully from this spot it appears as if a tiger is leaping into the valley, that is why this name. This spot is a furlong away from INS Shivaji. It gives a fascinating view of the valley. There is provision for viewing the valley from the safe confines of a big hole. A stone thrown down from here ricochets at many places and gets destroyed here. Making it as an another unique experience.

Sakur Plateau
On the way to INS Shivaji there is a turn and a zigzag road. At a distance of approximately 4 miles and at a height of 1000 feet is a plateau. This plateau is on the way to village Ambavane. Thick forests occupy it and it's sparsely populated. Tungi, Korigad, Lohagad etc. Forts are very close from here.

Monkey Hill
All the trains coming down from Khandala halt here for brake testing. There is a huge flat land to south of the railway tracks. This place is exactly above Khopoli town and it can be approach from Khopoli as well as Borghat reversing station. It is a favourite picnic spot.

Reversing Station
This old place belonging to the railways now remains unused. This spot is outside tunnel no. 26. On the rail route and one can see the advertisement boards of Amrutanjan and other Products. At the bottom one can see Khopoli and the surrounding regions. During the night, this place illuminated with hundreds of lights becomes alive and gives a fascinating view. The division of Lonavala and Raigad District starts from here.

HOW TO REACH

By Air : Lonavala & Khandala do not have an Airport one has to fly to Bombay or to Pune. Nearest International Airport is Bombay and Domestic Airport is Pune. Bombay international Air port is approximately 110 kms. and Pune is 66 kms

Train : The Nearest railway station is at Lonavala. As Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune.

Road: Khandala is well connected with Mumbai and Pune by road and the bus service for Pune (travel time 2½ hours) via Lonavala is good. However, it takes about four hours to reach Mumbai from Khandala.




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