KHANDALA, MAHARASHTRA – ENJOY LUSH GREENERY AND CASCADING WATERFALLS

Khandala is a hill station located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. It is situated at an elevation of 550 meters above sea level and is known for its scenic beauty and pleasant weather. Khandala is located just a few kilometers away from another popular hill station, Lonavala, and the two are often visited together by tourists.

Khandala is surrounded by lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque valleys, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The hill station is also home to several historic sites and attractions, including the Bhaja and Karla Caves, which are ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC.
Some of the popular activities that tourists enjoy in Khandala include trekking, hiking, camping, and sightseeing. The hill station is also known for its delicious local cuisine, which includes dishes such as vada pav, pav bhaji, and bhel puri.
Khandala is well connected by road and rail, with regular bus and train services from Mumbai and Pune. The best time to visit Khandala is during the monsoon season (June to September) when the hills are covered in lush greenery and the waterfalls are in full flow. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

What Makes it a Popular Tourist Destination
Khandala is a popular tourist destination for several reasons:
- Scenic Beauty: Khandala is located in the Western Ghats, a mountain range known for its stunning natural beauty. The hill station is surrounded by lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque valleys, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
- Pleasant Weather: Khandala enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, with cool temperatures and fresh air. The hill station is a popular getaway from the hot and humid weather of nearby cities like Mumbai and Pune.
- Outdoor Activities: Khandala offers several opportunities for outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, camping, and sightseeing. The hill station has several scenic trails that lead to stunning viewpoints and waterfalls, making it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts.
- Historic Sites: Khandala is home to several historic sites and attractions, including the Bhaja and Karla Caves, which are ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC. These sites offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- Accessibility: Khandala is well connected by road and rail, with regular bus and train services from Mumbai and Pune. This makes it a convenient destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Popular Activities Enjoyed by Tourists
There are several popular activities that tourists enjoy in Khandala, including:
- Trekking: Khandala has several scenic trekking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The Rajmachi Point trek, the Duke’s Nose trek, and the Korigad Fort trek are some of the popular treks in Khandala.
- Hiking: Khandala is home to several picturesque hills and mountains that are perfect for hiking. The Tiger’s Leap, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, is a popular hiking spot.
- Waterfall Visits: Khandala is famous for its waterfalls, and tourists love to visit these cascading waterfalls during the monsoon season. The Kune Waterfall, the Bhivpuri Waterfall, and the Lonavala Waterfall are some of the popular waterfalls in Khandala.
- Camping: Khandala offers several camping sites that are perfect for a peaceful getaway. Visitors can enjoy the cool breeze and scenic views while camping in the hills.
- Sightseeing: Khandala is home to several historic sites and attractions, including the Bhaja and Karla Caves, the Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple, and the Korigad Fort. Tourists can explore these sites and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- Local Cuisine: Khandala is famous for its delicious local cuisine, which includes dishes like vada pav, pav bhaji, and bhel puri. Tourists love to try these dishes at the local restaurants and food stalls.

Top Attractions and Must See Places
Khandala and its surrounding areas offer several attractions and must-see places that tourists should not miss, including:
- Rajmachi Point: Rajmachi Point is a scenic viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. It is a popular spot for trekking and hiking.
- Duke’s Nose: Duke’s Nose is a mountain peak that is named after its unique shape, which resembles the nose of the Duke of Wellington. It is a popular spot for trekking and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Bhaja and Karla Caves: The Bhaja and Karla Caves are ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC. These caves feature intricate carvings and sculptures and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- Kune Waterfall: The Kune Waterfall is a picturesque waterfall located near Khandala. It cascades from a height of 200 meters and is a popular spot for picnics and photography.
- Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple: The Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. It is located in Aamby Valley and is a popular spot for tourists and devotees.
- Lonavala: Lonavala is another popular hill station located just a few kilometers away from Khandala. It is known for its scenic beauty, historic sites, and outdoor activities like trekking and camping.
- Tiger’s Leap: A famous tourist spot in Khandala, Tiger’s Leap offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. The cliff resembles a tiger leaping into the valley, hence the name. The view of the surrounding hills and valleys from this spot is mesmerizing.
- Bhushi Dam: Located near Lonavala, Bhushi Dam is a popular tourist attraction that offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It is also a popular spot for picnics and water activities during the monsoon season.
- Lohagad Fort: A historic fort located near Lonavala, Lohagad Fort is a popular trekking spot that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The fort has a rich history and is known for its architectural beauty.
- Karla Caves: Located near Lonavala, the Karla Caves are a series of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC. The caves feature intricate carvings and sculptures and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- Rajmachi Fort: A historic fort located near Khandala, Rajmachi Fort is a popular trekking spot that offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The fort has a rich history and is known for its architectural beauty.
- Wax Museum: Located in Lonavala, the Wax Museum features lifelike wax figures of famous personalities from different walks of life. It is a popular tourist attraction, especially among families with children.

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Khandala is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and favorable for outdoor activities. During this period, the temperature ranges from 12°C to 35°C, and the humidity is relatively low. The monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rainfall, which can lead to landslides and disrupt travel plans.
The summer months from March to May can be hot and humid, but the evenings are usually pleasant, making it a good time to enjoy outdoor activities like trekking and sightseeing. The winter months from December to February can be chilly, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 25°C. However, the cool weather and clear skies make it a good time for trekking and other outdoor activities.