Lonavala and Khandala are twin hill resorts in the Western ranges of the Sahyadris. Due to their salubrious climate, they are also popular health resorts with numerous sanitariums. During the monsoons, both Lonavala and Khandala offer breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls and the surrounding mountains.

Khandala and Lonavala are two charming hill stations on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, 5 kms apart straddling the Mumbai-Pune highway at an altitude of 625 m. Very popular with Mumbaities, they also alternate as getaways and health resorts. Khandala is the smaller and calmer of the two, although browsing through Lonavala's bazaar could yield some wonderful surprises. Both towns offer some spectacular scenic views of the surrounding hills and in the monsoon, with a myraid waterfalls, the atmosphere is enchanting.

Karla about 12 kms from Lonavala, is the site of the largest chaitya Caves (shrines) in India, built in 80 BC. Amongst the best-preserved Buddhist temples in India, they represent the zenith, in terms of design purity, of this style of temple architecture. About 3 kms from the main road is the more peaceful setting of the Bhaja Caves. Thought to date from around 200 BC, 10 of the 18 Caves here are viharas (monasteries) while Cave 12 is an open chaitya earlier than Karla.

Map Of Lonavala & Khandala (Click to Enlarge)

Places you can see in Lonavala and Khandala:

Barometer Hills
It is 24 km from Lonavala Railway Station with Tungi and koregad fort is an extensive table and called sakur Pathar, famous for healthy climate.
 
Bhusi Lake
The road to Lonavala Lake further takes one to Bushi Lake. On one side there is a lush green hill and on other side there are small waterfalls. During monsoon tourists throng this place just to get drenched.
 
INS Shivaji
A Navy training center also makes Lonavala a vital place.
 
Kune falls
The prettiest falls in the area where the water descends down 100m to a pool below.
 
Lonavala Lake
This Lake is owned by central railway and it is on the way to INS Shivaji. It was constructed in 1876. It is a very beautiful spot. River Indryani is supposed to have originated here.
 
Rye Forest
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 these woods are named after him. The name may also have come from the Marathi words "Rai" which means thick forest.
 
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.
 
Shirota Lake (Tata Lake)
This is a large lake which is approachable from many sides with a huge expanse of water at the end of the lake is Rajmachi Fort which is a good cross country walk is popular.
 
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. Tungarli Lake & Dam - This Lake is at north of S.T. Stand near Tungarli village. It supplies water to Lonavala City. The hill gives a beautiful view of Rajmachi, Lohagad, Visapur forts and Lonavala City.
 
Valvan Lake & Dam
This Lake is very close to Lonavala. Here Tata Company has constructed a beautiful dam. There is a garden too as well as a pisciculture center. 
 
Karla Caves (11 Km)
One of the finest examples of Buddhist rock-cut architecture, the Karla Caves, dating back to the 2nd century B.C., belongs to the Hinayana period. The caves at Karla comprise of one Chaitya, which is the largest in the country and several viharas or monasteries on a hill 150 meter high.

Bhaja Caves (12 Km)
This group of 18 Buddhist Caves is believed to have been excavated in the 2nd century B.C. 
 
Lohagad Fort (20 Km)
Soaring up to heights of 1025 meters, it is situated on an enormous cliff of sheer rock. Visapur Fort and Korigad Fort are also in the vicinity. 
 
Bedsa Caves (23 Km)
Famous for the ancient 1st cent BC Buddhist rock-cut caves.

Duke’s Nose
Adventure seekers can try their hand at rock climbing at the Duke's Nose peak and other locations in the Karla hills, near Lonavala.
 
Rajmachi Fort
The imposing Rajmachi Fort can be approached only on foot as it sits surrounded by deep valleys on three sides and a thick forest on the fourth.
 
Rajmachi Point
It is about 6.5 km from Lonavala Railway Station. Regular S.T. Buses run in between Rajmachi Point And Lonavala S.T. Stand. 
 
Reversing Point
It is near Rajamachi Point & it is know for the panoramic view.
 

Essentials

Reaching Lonavala & Khandala

Air: The nearest airports are Pune 78 Km and 71 Km and Mumbai 80 Kms and 67 Km respectively from Lonavala and Khandala.

Rail: Lonavala and Khandala are railway stations on the Mumbai-Pune section of Central Railway, well connected with other cities/ towns.

Road:  Lonavala and Khandala lie on the National Highway between Mumbai and Pune. Some important distances from Lonavala are: Aurangabad 288 Km, Mumbai 101 Km, Goa 555 Km, Nashik 264 Km, Mahabaleshwar 182 Km, Pune 67 Km.
 
Hotels in Lonavala & Khandala
There are plenty of budget hotels available in Lonavala & Khandala.

Climate of Lonavala: Summer Max: 36.0 deg. C. Min : 12.6 deg. C. Winter Max: 30.7 deg. C.  Min : 11.9 deg. C.

Climate of Khandala: Summer Max: 38.6 deg. C. Min : 12.6 deg. C. Winter Max: 33.9 deg. C.  Min : 11.0 deg. C.
 
Best Time to Visit Lonavala & Khandala: October to May

Tourist Information Center

M.T.D.C.,
Karla Holiday Resort,
Karla,
Tel: 282230 / 282064 / 282102
Fax No: 282370

Languages: Marathi, English, Hindi

STD Code of Lonavala & Khandala:  02114