KHANDALA-CITY OF LOVERS. Review on Khandala

Lonavala and Khandala are twin hill resorts in the Western ranges of the Sahyadris. I had been there with my friends to see the sunset of Khandala.Really it was so nice and beautiful that I dont wanted to came back .Khandala is the land of natural beauty and finest weather.Raelly due to their salubrious climate, they are also popular health resorts with numerous sanitariums. During the monsoons, both Lonavala and Khandala offer breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls and the surrounding mountains.

Transport and Communication

Air: The nearest airports are Pune 78 Km and 71 Km and Mumbai 80 Kms and 67 Km respectively from Lonavala and Khandala.Fare:Mumbai – Pune, J Class: Rs.2570/- Y Class: Rs.1780/- Apex Fair: Rs.1510/-

Rail:Lonavala and Khandala are railway stations on the Mumbai-Pune section of Central Railway, well connected with other cities/ towns. Fare:Mumbai - Lonavala: A/c.chair car Rs.190/- ; IInd Class Rs.59/-

Road:Lonavala and Khandala lie on the National Highway between Mumbai and Pune. Some important distances from Lonavala are: Aurangabad 288 Km Mumbai 101 Km Goa 555 Km Nashik 264 Km Mahabaleshwar 182 Km Pune 67 Km

Places of Interest in Lonavala and Khandala

Barometer Hills - It is 24 km from Lonavala Railway Station with Tungi and koregad fort is an extensive table and called sakur Pathar, famous for healthy climate.

Bhusi Lake - The road to Lonavala Lake further takes one to Bushi Lake. On one side there is a lush green hill and on other side there are small waterfalls. During monsoon tourists throng this place just to get drenched.

INS Shivaji - A Navy training center also makes Lonavala a vital place. Kune falls - the prettiest falls in the area where the water descends down 100m to a pool below. Lonavala Lake - This Lake is owned by central railway and it is on the way to INS Shivaji. It was constructed in 1876. It is a very beautiful spot. River Indryani is supposed to have originated here.

Rye Forest -- This is a big and beautiful garden situated near Lonavala. This garden covers a lot of ground and it is full of majestic tall trees. There is an old Mahadeo temple in this park. There is history behind the name Ryewood. An English officer Mr. Rye stayed in this place for quite some time. Hence these woods are named after him. The name may also have come from the Marathi words "Rai" which means thick forest.

Shivaji Park -- This ground which was known as a playground, which was converted into a garden in 1956. There is statue of Shri Shivaji Maharaj in this park.

Shirota Lake (Tata Lake) -- This is a large lake which is approachable from many sides with a huge expanse of water at the end of the lake is Rajmachi Fort which is a good cross country walk is popular.

Tiger’s Leap - This is a special spot in this area. If one looks at the valley carefully from this spot it appears as if a tiger is leaping into the valley, that is why this name.

Tungarli Lake & Dam - This Lake is at north of S.T. Stand near Tungarli village. It supplies water to Lonavala City. The hill gives a beautiful view of Rajmachi, Lohagad, Visapur forts and Lonavala City.

Valvan Lake & Dam - This Lake is very close to Lonavala. Here Tata Company has constructed a beautiful dam. There is a garden too as well as a pisciculture center.

So I wish ,once again I must go to that orsom place for the real beauty and natural-healthy environment.