| The
twin hill resorts of Khandala and Lonavala have a special attraction
for the Mumbai crowd seeking a convenient weekend holiday in the hills. |
| A
mere 3 hours by road from Mumbai, beautifully landscaped Lonavala and
Khandala are famous for their seemingly innumerable varieties of
chikki. But they also offer many sites worth visiting. Trekking is a
good way to get around, but having a vehicle (even a bicycle) is still
better, as some points of interest are quite some distance from the
main towns. |
| Other attractions: Bhushi Dam, Valvan Dam, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Hospital, Duke’s Nose, Ryewood Park, Tiger’s Leap |
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| Duke’s Nose |
| This
cliff resembles the nose of the Duke of Wellington, which explains its
intriguing name. It is a popular viewpoint as it offers a
breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, valleys and forests. |
| Korigad Fort |
| The
hill fort of Korigad in Amby Valley is located roughly 3050 ft.
above sea level. To get there, you travel from Lonavla to the village
of Shahpur using any available means of transport, and thence proceed
by foot to the fort through rugged hills and forests. |
| Tiger’s Leap |
| When
viewing the valley from a certain point at this location, one has the
illusion of a tiger leaping across the valley, hence the name. The
echoes caused by dropping rocks into the crevasse is another
attraction. |
| Lohgad |
| Lohgad
attracts visitors with its wide, refreshing waterfalls, an ancient
fort, and, of course, those famous caves – atop a steep flight of
steps. |
| Karla & Bhaja Caves |
| Nestling
in the hills of Lonavala, these rock-cut caves rank amongst the oldest
finest examples of Early Buddhist temple art in India. The Karla
Cave, the largest Early Buddhist shrine in India, imitates the look of
more familiar wooden architecture. Completed in 80 BC, the impressive
structure includes a representation of the Buddha, and an aisle made up
of 37 pillars and carved elephant heads, which once had real ivory
tusks. The Bhaja Cave complex comprises 18 caves and 14 stupas.
Dating from around 200 BC, these architectural curiosities lie amidst
thick greenery in a setting that’s so calm, it’s almost mystical. Just
outside Karla Caves. Ekvira Temple is visited by thousands of
devotees, mainly fisher folk. |
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| Location |
| Khandala
and Lonavala lie 5 km, apart, on the western slopes of the Sahyadris,
straddling the Mumbai-Pune highway at an altitude of 625 m. Karla is 8
km. from Lonavala. |
| Languages spoken |
| Marathi, Hindi and English. |
| Climate and clothing |
| Temperatures vary from 12° C in winter to around 36° C at the height of summer. The annual rainfall averages 450 cms. |
| Best time to visit |
| October to May |
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| The nearest airport is Pune, 66 km. away.. |
| The convenient railhead is Lonavala, on the Mumbai-Pune line (118 km from Mumbai). Pune-Lonavala: 64 km. |
| Mumbai -Lonavala, 104 km. Pune-Lonavala, 66 km.. |
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| Besides a number of luxury and budget hotels in both Khandala and Lonavala,
the MTDC runs a resort at Karla and another at Rye Woods, Lonavala |
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| www.btpyatra.com |
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| MTDC Holiday Resort |
| It
is just off the Mumba - Pune road. It offers a bar and a restaurant,
a water park and boating on a private lake, 2/3/4/6/-bedded A/C and
non-A/C self-contained rooms are available, but advance bookings is
advisable |
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