Lonavla And Khandala
Situated about 60 km from Pune (110 km from Mumbai on the Mumbai-Pune Highway), Lonavla and Khandala are beautiful twin hill stations, 622 m. above sea level, in the Sahyadri ranges that demarcate the Deccan Plateau with the Konkan coast. The hill stations sprawl over an approximate area of 38 sq km
These popular holiday destinations are lush and beautiful during the monsoons. People prefer visiting Lonavla and Khandala in the rainy season. Lonavla and Khandala were discovered in 1871 by Sir Elphinstone, the Governor of the Bombay Presidency. The name Lonavla is derived from the Sanskrit lonavli, which refers to the many caves like Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa that are close to Lonavla. A trip to Lonavla and Khandala can be combined with sight-seeing visits of Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa caves and also the two fortresses, Lohagad and Visapur.
Places of interest around Lonavla and Khandala
Rajmachi Point
Rajmachi Point is located about 6.5 km from Lonavla. This point commands a magnificent view of Shivaji's famous fort, Rajmachi (Royal terrace) and the surrounding valley. Regular State Transport buses ply between Rajmachi Point and Lonavla from the State Transport Bus Stand. The famous Vaghjai Dari is also located here.
Tungarli Lake
The lovely Tungarli Lake supplies water to Lonavla town. There are no buses to the site, but taxis and autorickshaws are available from Lonavla Station (3 km).
Valvan Dam
Valvan Dam has a beautiful garden at its foot, and is a popular evening spot 2 km from the town. This exquisitely-built dam supplies water to the Khopoli power station at the foothills of the Sahyadris for generating electricity.
Lonavla Lake
Lonavla Lake is a picturesque spot surrounded by natural scenery, about 1.6 km from the town. The lake dries up during the hot summer months.
Duke's Nose
Duke's Nose stands 12 km from Lonavla, clearly visible from the highway while driving towards Mumbai. This is the finest landmark in Khandala and is popular with hikers. The cliff owes its name to the Duke of Wellington, whose famous and ample nose it resembles.
Tiger's Leap
Tiger's Leap is a cliff-top with a sheer drop of over 650 m. The magnificent view from Tiger's Leap is enthralling. Buses are available up to I.N.S. Shivaji and the remaining distance of about 1.6 km has to be covered on foot.
I.N.S.Shivaji
I.N.S.Shivaji is a Naval Engineering Training Base.
Reversing Station Point
Reversing Station Point is near Rajmachi Point, Khandala, 7 km from Lonavla. Famous for the panoramic view of the Railway line going through tunnels on the one side and the Duke's Nose on the other.
Lohagad Fort
A robust climb of about 11.2 km from Malavali Railway Station takes you to the 'Iron Fort', once a formidable battle-station of Shivaji. The fort commands an exhilarating view of the surrounding hills and hamlets.
Bhushi Dam
A fabulous Waterfall near the dam is one of the most exciting spots of Lonavla. It's a beautiful water fall between Lonavla and I.N.S.Shivaji. Buses running on the I.N.S. Shivaji Road stop here. 5 km from Lonavla.