SIGHTS TO SEE

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.

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Other attractions: Bhushi Dam, Valvan Dam, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Hospital, Duke's Nose, Ryewood Park, Tiger's Leap.

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 Lonavala 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 and 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

WHERE TO STAY

MTDC Holiday Resort: It is just off the Mumbai-Pune road. It offers a bar and a restaurant, a water park and boating on a private lake. 2/3/4/6-bedded NC and non-NC self-contained rooms are available, but advance bookings is advisable.

Reservation: Mumbai, Pune and other regional offices.

GETTING THERE

By Air - The nearest airport is Pune, 66 km away.

By Rail - The convenient railhead is Lonavala, on the Mumbai-Pune line (118 km from Mumbai). Pune - Lonavala: 64km.

By Road - Mumbai - Lonavala: 104 km. Pune - Lonavala: 66 km.

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