Lonavala & Khandala Weekend

Lonavala & Khandala: history

Lonavala and Khandala are twin hill stations in the Sahyadri range, on the old pass between Mumbai and Pune. The area is far older than the resort. The Buddhist rock-cut caves at Karla and Bhaja date from about the 2nd century BCE.

The hill forts of Lohagad, Visapur and Rajmachi were held by the Marathas. The British developed Lonavala as a hill station in 1871. It is famous for chikki, a sweet made with jaggery and nuts.

Lonavala & Khandala: tourist attractions

• Bhushi DamWater flows over the steps in the monsoon.
• Tiger's Leap & Lion's PointCliff-edge views into the valley.
• Rajmachi PointA view of Rajmachi fort across the gorge.
• Karla CavesThe largest ancient prayer hall cut from rock in India, with the Ekvira temple beside it.
• Bhaja CavesA smaller group of caves from the same period.
• Lohagad FortAn easy climb to a Maratha hill fort.
• Duke's NoseA cliff shaped like a nose, at Khandala.

Lonavala & Khandala: excursions nearby

• Rajmachi Fort about 15 kmA trek or a rough drive to twin forts.
• Pawna Lake about 20 kmA quiet lake below the forts.
• Imagicaa about 25 kmA theme park at Khopoli.
• Pune about 65 kmShaniwar Wada and Aga Khan Palace.

Distances are approximate. Tell us which excursions you want and we add them to your quote.