Khandala : Pride of Maharashtra. Review on Khandala

Khandala is one of the important hill stations in the state of Maharashtra and because of which, it is the pride of Sahyadri Mountains. Khandala is gifted with abundant natural beauty and it is definitely proves a popular destination for the people of cities of Mumbai and Pune. The beauty which khandala have is actually has to be experienced.

The origin of the place is obscure. Chattrapati Shivaji, the founder of the first Maratha Empire, ruled the area around Khandala. Later it came under the Peshwa rulers, who founded the second Maratha Empire. It was finally taken over by the British when they defeated the Peshwas.

Geograhical Location:

Geograhical Location of Khandala is in the western part of the state of Maharashtra, in the western region of India. It is set at a height of 625 m they are located on the western slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range, beautifully located amongst the hills and valleys of the Sahyadri. It is situated 69 km from Pune and 101 km southeast of Mumbai.

From Lonavala, which is another exotic location, it is 5 km away. Khandala have a pleasant weather. In Summer season, that is April-June, are quite mild, while Winter season, that is November-February, are cool. But, in Monsoon season, it rains heavily between June and September.

Visiting Time:

The best suitable time to visit & experience Khandala is between the months of October and May. In monsoon season, it will be preferable if you do not visit Khandala.

By Air

Since Khandala do not have an Airport one has to fly to Bombay or to Pune. Nearest International Airport is Bombay and Domestic Airport is Pune. Bombay international Air port is approximately 110 kms. and Pune is 66 kms.

By Train

The Trains are available from Mumbai C.S.T and Pune

Names of the Trains Arrival Departure Departure from CST Days

Mumbai Pune Indryani Express 8:17 8:20 5:45 Daily

Mumbai Pune Deccan Express 9:50 9:55 6:35 Daily

Mumbai Pune Deccan Queen 19:22 19:25 17:10 Daily

Mumbai Pune Sihangad Express 17:40 17:45 14:35 Daily

Mumbai Pune Pragati Express 18:52 18:55 16:20 Daily

• Note: Check out the updated Train Timetable with Railways.

Apart from these trains there are several other Trains available from Bombay and Pune also there is a continues frequency of local trains from Pune to Lonavala.

Approximate fares Rs. 70/- to Rs. 200/- from Mumbai C.S.T.

By Bus

Khandala is well connected with Mumbai and Pune by road and the bus service for Pune (travel time 2½ hours) via Lonavala is good. However, it takes about four hours to reach Mumbai from Khandala. Buses shuttle between Khandala and Lonavala (15 minutes)

Maharashtra State Transport runs S.T., Asiad, Deluxe and A/C Deluxe buses from Dadar T.T. in Bombay to Pune at regular interval of 15 minutes, also there are lot of private bus operators offering bus services both from Pune and Bombay.

There are Taxis available from Dadar T.T. in Bombay and from Pune. Approx. fares from Bombay to Lonavala and Khandala ranges from Rs. 50 to Rs. 200/-.

Handy Tips for Reaching at Khandala

Tourists using Asiad buses to go to Lonavala have to get down at Khandala, 3 kms away and take a rickshaw costing around Rs.15/- per head.