Khandala Tour Guide

About Khandala

Khandala is one of the important hill stations in the state of Maharashtra and because of which, it is the pride of Sahyadri Mountains. Khandala is gifted with abundant natural beauty and it is definitely proved a popular destination for the people of cities of Mumbai and Pune. The beauty which khandala have is actually has to be experienced.
The origin of the place is obscure. Chattrapati Shivaji, the founder of the first Maratha Empire, ruled the area around Khandala. Later it came under the Peshwa rulers, who founded the second Maratha Empire. It was finally taken over by the British when they defeated the Peshwas.

Location of Khandala:   Location of Khandala is in the western part of the state of Maharashtra, in the western region of India. It is set at a height of 625 m they are located on the western slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range, beautifully located amongst the hills and valleys of the Sahyadri. It is situated 69 km from Pune and 101 km southeast of Mumbai.

How to reach Khandala

By Air
Khandala doesn't have an airport of its own. The nearest domestic airport near Khandala is located in Pune (64 km) and the nearest international airport is in Mumbai (110 km). All the major domestic airways offer their services at both these airports. So, people traveling to Khandala via air have to board a flight either till Mumbai or till Pune, and then avail local modes of transport to reach the place. International tourists can travel till Mumbai, and then easily avail Khandala-bound taxis, buses or private cars from the Mumbai airport.

By Train
The nearest railway station for reaching Khandala is located at Lonavala. Lonavala, being located on the Mumbai-Pune rail route, has various express and local trains that shuttle play till these two cities. It takes three hours to reach Lonavala from Mumbai and about an hour from Pune. The journey to Khandala from Lonavala is feasible by availing any of the local modes of transport or even on foot, as it takes only 15 min to cover the distance. Some of the daily express trains that pass through Lonavala are:

• Mumbai-Pune Deccan Express
• Mumbai-Pune Deccan Queen
• Mumbai-Pune Sihangad Express
• Mumbai-Pune Pragati Express
• Mumbai-Pune Indryani Express
•  

By Road
The roadways that connect Khandala to Mumbai and Pune are excellent and well-maintained. Moreover, the Mumbai-Bangalore National Highway passes through it, which makes it readily accessible from these cities and nearby areas. Various state-operated buses (AC, Deluxe, Non-Deluxe) are easily available from Mumbai and Pune, for getting to Khandala. Private tour operators also provide luxury/non-luxury bus and taxi services to reach the place. The travel time to reach Khandala from Pune by bus is about 2½ hrs, while it takes around 4 hrs to reach the place from Mumbai.

When to visit Khandala

Best Timae to visit khandala

The best suitable time to visit & experience Khandala is between the months of October and May. In monsoon season, it will be preferable if you do not visit Khandala.

Archeological Attractions in khandala 

Lohagad Fort
Lohagad Fort or the Iron Fort is certainly one of the most spectacular sightseeing spots in the twin hill stations of Khandala and Lonavala. The narrow, zig zag steps leading up to the fort are estimated to be about 500 in number. Enveloped in a rich historical past, the fort was said to be used by Chatrapati Shivaji and other dynasties which ruled Maratha and Vidharbha kingdoms. 

Rajmachi Fort
Elegantly located between Khandala and Lonavala, the Rajmachi fort offers mesmerising views of the valley below and the surrounding Sahyadri Range. A small trek leads one to this long standing fort. Starting from Tungrali Lake, the trekking trail leads you to the fort standing on Shrivardhan and Manaranjan Peaks. 

The small fort was built to overlook the activities in the Konkan area and offers a panoramic view of Rajmachi. After a short but tiring trek, the first few glimpses of your surroundings will simply amaze you. Spend some time here and explore the fort while taking in the fresh air and abundant greenery.

Korigad Fort
Located close to Pune, Korigad fort is thronged by tourists all through the year. Considered to be one of the most popular sightseeing spots, the fort is certainly a must visit for its architecture. 

The climb to the fort is quite scenic and promises to be worth the effort once you reach your spot. The fort comprises of two lakes which spell serenity and a number of small temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Shiva. Even though the fort was recently renovated, some parts of this historic fort are still in ruins. It is said that the fort was included in the Maratha kingdom by Shivaji along with other forts like Tikona and Lohagad. 

Tikona fort

One of the most popular sightseeing spots around Lonavala and Khandala, Tikona fort also known is 'Triange fort' is a must visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The fort, once a part of the Maratha kingdom, was an important center of various activities of the Pauna Mawal. The fort comprises of numerous tanks and lakes, which served as the main source of water in earlier days. The fort also encloses within it the famous Trimbakeshwar Mahadev temple along with enchanting archaic Buddhist and Satvahan caves.