India /Maharashtra / Pune /Khandala

Khandala is located just stone’s throw away from Lonavala, Khandala is an ideal picnic spot filled with various sight seeing spots, panoramic sunsets and various caves to be explored. Visit Khandala during the months of October to May, as during the other months the area experiences heavy rains making the road slippery. Some of the most popular places to see in Khandala are – Walvan Dam, Karla and Bhaja Caves, Tagauli Lake and Bhusi Lake. Shopping for the chikki and jams here is not to be missed. The most convenient way to reach Khandals is through roads. The city can be reached via well linked roads from Mumbai and Pune. Summers in Khandala are warm with a maximum temperature of about 32°C. Monsoons (June to August) are marked with heavy rainfalls. The months October to February experiences winters with a minimum temperature touching about 12°C. The popular regional festivals are the Banganga festival that falls in August and the Ganesh Chaturthi dedicated to Lord Ganesh that falls in September. Both these festivals are celebrated here with much fervor and gaiety. Khandala can be visited anytime of the year.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Hill Station

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 431xxx

STD Code: 2167

Info Website: http://www.khandala.com/

Best Time to Visit:  Throughout the year

HistoryEdit

Because of its strategic location, various dynasties have vied for control of Khandala and surrounding regions. Khandala was a part of the Yadava dynasty which ruled the region from its capital at Devgiri. It was controlled by the Mughals too. Several forts including Lohagad, Tunga and Tikona were handed over by Shivaji to the Mughals under the Treaty of Purandar. Several forts in the region were important battle stations during the reign of Shivaji and subsequent Maratha rule. Khandala and Lonavala hill stations were discovered by Lord Elphinstone, the then Governor of Bombay Presidency in 1871.

Places to VisitAd 

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Nearest domestic airport is Pune, which is at a distance of 66 km from Khandala. Taxi charge from Pune to Khandala is about Rs 2,000. Pune is well connected to all major cities in India.

By Train : Lonavala is the nearest railway station which is connected to Pune and Mumbai by regular local trains. Lonavala to Khandala costs about Rs 200 by taxi for covering a distance of 10 km.

By BUS : Khandala hill station is well connected to other cities in and around by state owned public transport buses. Many private owned buses also provide transport service between Khandala and neighboring cities, including Mumbai and Pune.

By Taxi : Taxis and Auto rickshaws are easily available for moving about in the city.

By Other : N.A.

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800

• Hotel La Revival ; Opposite: Hotel Kamat, Mumbai – Pune Highway, Kahandala. ; Ph – 022 4030 3018 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour room service, Laundry, Doctor on call.

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Zara’s Resort ; Mumbai Pune Hwy, Khandala, Kune N.M., Maharashtra 410301. ; Ph – N.A. ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Laundry, Parking, 24-Hour Security, Cocktail Lounge, Concierge, Lounge, Doctor on call.

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Kamats Hotel ; Mumbai Pune Hwy, Khandala, Kune N.M., Maharashtra 410301. ; Ph – 02114 269 123 ; Facilities – 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Baby sitting, Conference facilities, Elevators, Laundry, Parking, Wheel chair access, Non-smoking rooms, 24-Hour Security, Cocktail Lounge, Lounge, Doctor on call.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Yumie Tummy ;  Ambience Villa, Khandala, Kune N.M., Maharashtra 410301. ; M –  N.A. ; Food Serve :  Multi-Cuisine.

• EL-Taj Restaurant, Khandala ;  Ground Floor, Kamats Hotel, Khandala, Pune. ; M –  N.A. ; Food Serve :  Multi-Cuisine.

• Duchess Restaurant ;  The Dukes Retreat, Khandala, Pune. ; M –  N.A. ; Food Serve :  Multi-Cuisine.

• Rani’s Rasoi ;  Pune Mumbai Road, Next To Kohinoor Hotel Institute, Khandala, Pune. ; M –  N.A. ; Food Serve :  Multi-Cuisine.

Must Eat FoodAdd

Chikki ; Khandala Market ;  Khandala Market, Khandala. ; Ph/M:  N.A.

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd 

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

SpaAdd 

FestivalAdd

Banganga Festival ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  N.A. ; Details:  Banganga Festival held every year in the city of Mumbai is a musical tribute to Lord Ram. The aim behind the celebration of this musical carnival is to protect the existing rich heritage. According to the legend Lord Ram had stayed here for some time on his return from Lanka after winning over Ravan. The natives were probably Shaivites and worshiped Shivalinga (Phallus stone). When Ram happened to visit the place locals asked him for water to perform bath ritual for Shivalinga. Lord Ram shot an arrow (Bana) and water profuse from holy Ganges itself.
Ganesh Chaturthi ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  August or September ; Details:  Ganesha Chaturthi is a very popular festival in all of Maharashtra and is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm in the region. Idols of Lord Ganesha are installed in the town and people also bring idols into their homes to worship the elephant god. It’s a nine-day festival usually held in August or September. It ends with the visarjan or immersion of the idols into the sea and a prayer for the lord to return the next year.

Safety / WarningEdit

• Beware of pickpockets as Khandala is a major tourist city in India.
• Avoid false saller, they may sale you fake items.

HelplineEdit

• Ambulance : 102
• Fire Brigade : 101
• Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

N.A.

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