Khandala Travel Guide

Our travel guide to Khandala offers comprehensive information on places to visit, outdoor activities to try, local food to try, where to stay, and much more.


Introduction to Khandala

Khandala, a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, is an ideal tourist destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Surrounded by lush green mountains, the town provides a breathtaking view of the valley below. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, then Khandala should be your next destination.

List of Places to Visit in Khandala

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Kune Waterfalls
    • Located on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, it is a three-tiered waterfall and a popular tourist attraction.
  2. Bhairavnath Temple
    • A beautiful temple in the hills dedicated to Lord Bhairav.
  3. Shingroba Temple
    • Built in the Hemadpanthi style of architecture, it is a popular place of worship for tourists.
  4. Karla Caves
    • Located around 10 kilometers from Khandala, these caves date back to the second century BC and are known for their unique Buddhist architecture.

Natural Attractions of Khandala: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Rajmachi Point
    • A popular viewpoint offering panoramic views of the valley.
  2. Tiger’s Leap
    • Known for its striking resemblance to a tiger leaping into the valley, this viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the Sahyadri Mountains.
  3. Duke’s Nose
    • A cliff that resembles the shape of a nose, Duke’s Nose is a popular spot for rock climbing and trekking.
  4. Lohagad Fort
    • A historic fort in the hills, Lohagad Fort offers a stunning view of the valley below and is a popular spot for trekking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Khandala

Khandala offers various hiking and biking routes that take you through the beautiful landscapes of the Western Ghats. Some of the popular hiking routes include:

  1. Khandala to Rajmachi Fort Trek
  2. Khandala to Duke’s Nose Trek
  3. Khandala to Lohagad Fort Trek

Best Things to Do in Khandala: Activities and Tours

  1. Paragliding
  2. Trekking
  3. Camping
  4. Rock climbing
  5. Sightseeing tours

Week-Long Itinerary for Khandala

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Khandala, visit Kune Waterfalls, and Bhairavnath Temple
2 Trek to Lohagad Fort
3 Visit Karla Caves
4 Paragliding in Kamshet
5 Relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of Khandala
6 Visit Tiger’s Leap and Duke’s Nose
7 Depart Khandala

Food and Drink Scene of Khandala

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Pohe
  2. Misal Pav
  3. Batata Vada
  4. Bhel Puri

Local Beverages

  1. Masala Chai
  2. Kokum Sherbet
  3. Buttermilk

Where to Stay in Khandala: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. MTDC Holiday Resort Khandala
  2. The Dukes Retreat
  3. Fariyas Resort Khandala

What to Buy in Khandala: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Chikki
  2. Fudge
  3. Kolhapuri Chappals

Local Culture and Customs of Khandala

Khandala is predominantly Hindu, and as such, it is advised to dress modestly while visiting religious places.

Best Time to Visit Khandala

The best time to visit Khandala is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Khandala

Do:

  1. Carry warm clothes with you, as the weather can get chilly in the evenings.
  2. Try the local cuisine.
  3. Respect the local customs and culture.

Don’t:

  1. Litter the natural surroundings.
  2. Wear revealing clothes while visiting religious places.
  3. Use plastic bags or single-use plastic.

Safety and Health

Safety in Khandala

Khandala is a relatively safe place to visit, but it is always advisable to take necessary precautions, such as not venturing out alone after dark and avoiding deserted areas.

Health in Khandala

The nearest hospital to Khandala is in Lonavala, which is around 5 kilometers away. It is advisable to carry necessary medications and consult with a doctor before embarking on any outdoor activity.

Getting to Khandala: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Khandala

  1. Pune Airport (64 kilometers)
  2. Mumbai Airport (97 kilometers)

Bus Stations Near Khandala

  1. Lonavala Bus Stand
  2. Khopoli Bus Stand

Other Options

  1. Train - Khandala has its own railway station and is well connected to major cities in Maharashtra and India.
  2. Private Vehicle - Khandala is easily accessible by road from Mumbai, Pune, and other nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Khandala

The best way to get around and explore Khandala is by hiring a private vehicle or by taking a local taxi.

Where to Go Next from Khandala: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Lonavala (5 kilometers)
  2. Matheran (50 kilometers)
  3. Mahabaleshwar (163 kilometers)

Conclusion

Khandala is a beautiful hill station that offers a wide variety of outdoor activities and scenic vistas. With our comprehensive travel guide, we hope to help you plan your next visit to this charming town in Maharashtra, India.