Khandala - Your Ultimate Guide to Attractions, Activities, and Travel Tips
Blend of eye-striking ancient archaeological structures and natural wonders, Khandala is a breathtaking hill station that beautifies the Western Ghats Mountains of Maharashtra. It pays homage to a plethora of serene lakes, lush green hills, picturesque valleys, and misty waterfalls. Located on the Mumbai to Pune expressway, this place got immortalization with the famous Bollywood song 'Aati Kya Khandala'. Khandala has been blessed with salubrious climatic conditions where alluring panoramic views make it worthy for sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit Khandala
It experiences summers from April to June with mild temperature conditions whereas November to February is the coolest month. The best time to visit Khandala to enjoy the serenity of Khandala’s environment includes the months from October to May when Khandala's temperature becomes the most amiable for people living out there. One must experience the incredible natural treasures in Khandala for a perfect weekend holiday to get rid of the hustle-bustle of city noises.
History of Khandala
Khandala's origin secures an incredible place in the golden pages of history due to the rulers who ruled this place. The founder of the first Maratha Empire, Chattrapati Shivaji ruled the surrounding area of Khandala. Afterward, the reign went to the hands of Peshwa rulers who were founders of the second empire of Marathas. Finally, the Britishers defeated the Peshwas and took over Khandala.
The famous route present close to the sunset point of Khandala and Khopoli had been existing there for ages. It used to connect a plethora of coastal cities including Sopara and Pune. In the year 1840, hand-pulled and horse-drawn carts were used to transit on this route during British times. Since then, Khandala has been a popular spot for a lot of visitors and travelers.
Places To Visit In Khandala 2025
Khandala is one of the popular tourist places in Maharashtra. Here's the list of the best places to visit in Khandala.
1. Rajmachi Fort
Located in the Konkan range’s Sahyadri Mountains, Rajmachi is a small village in Maharashtra. It is known for Manaranjan and Shivardhan forts present in the vicinity of Khandala and Lonavala hills. It can be the best travel treat for trekking enthusiasts who seek the chance to experience an adventure every moment.
2. Bhedsa Caves
Known for exquisite carvings, Bhedsa caves are made with 25 ft. high pillars and are considered the most essential part of Khandala tourism. Typically, these caves are a compilation of rock-cut Buddhist monuments back from 60 BC. There is a main cave ‘Chaitya’ pays homage to a prayer hall and another cave is a monastery. Being one of the oldest caves of Maharashtra, these are some of the most famous places to visit near Khandala.
3. Kune Waterfalls
Another major picnic spot among Khandala tourist places is the scenic beauty of Kune Waterfalls as it is the 14th highest waterfall in India. The incredible division of the waterfall into two sections makes it an enchanting visual scene to experience. Surrounded by lush greenery, Kune waterfalls serve as a breathtaking place for those who want to enjoy bathing and swimming in water.
4. Duke’s Nose
Among the famous places to visit in Khandala, sightseeing of the Duke’s nose is one of the best things to do in Khandala. The erstwhile Duke of Wellington's nose is identical to the cliff and thus, the whole cliff got the name Duke's nose. Its sprawling greenery and magnificent beauty deserve the footfall of thousands of people.
5. Karla and Bhaja Caves
Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BCE, showcasing intricate carvings and stupas. These caves offer a glimpse into India's rich cultural and religious heritage.
6. Bhushi Dam
A masonry dam on the Indrayani River, famous for its overflowing waters during the monsoon, creating a series of cascading steps. It's a favored spot for tourists to enjoy the natural water flow and scenic surroundings
7. Tiger's Leap
A cliff-top with a sheer drop of over 650 meters, offering a comprehensive view of the hills and valleys. The echo point here is an added attraction for visitors.
Geography and Climate
Situated at an elevation of approximately 622 meters above sea level, Khandala experiences a moderate climate year-round. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rainfall, transforming the region into a verdant paradise with numerous waterfalls and streams. The winter months, from November to February, are cool and refreshing, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.
Adventure Activities
The rugged terrain and favorable climate make Khandala an excellent destination for adventure sports:
- Trekking: Numerous trails of varying difficulty levels attract trekkers from all over. The routes to Rajmachi Fort and Duke's Nose are particularly popular.
- Rock Climbing and Rappelling: The cliffs and rocky outcrops provide ample opportunities for rock climbing enthusiasts.
How to Reach Khandala
By Air
Concerning the air travel to Khandala, one must know that there are no direct flights to this region. The nearest airport to Khandala is Pune International Airport (PNQ) which is about 72 km away from the centric point of this land.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Khandala
By Train
The nearest railway station to Khandala is the Lonavala railway station that lies on the main railway line existing between Mumbai and Pune. Travelers can choose between express or general passenger trains according to their comfort and budget.
- From Mumbai: Board from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus on CSMT HYB SPL train and deboard at Pune Railway Junction
- From Panvel: Board from Panvel Railway Station on LTT TVC SPL and deboard at Roha Railway Station
- From Madgaon: Board from Madgaon Junction on SIDDHESHWAR EX and deboard at Khandala Railway Station
By Road
Khandala is a famous tourist spot being found in the vicinity of the dream city Mumbai. Therefore one can get various road transportation methods including cab, taxi, bus, auto-rickshaw, and e-rickshaw as the travel policies permit entry of all India vehicles there.
- From Mumbai: 83.7 Km via Bengaluru-Pune Highway
- From Mysore: 930.3 km via NH48
- From Hyderabad: 629.8 Km via NH65
Frequently Asked Questions about Khandala
Q. Where is Khandala located?
A. Khandala is a hill station located in the Western Ghats in the state of Maharashtra, India.
Q. What is Khandala known for?
A. Khandala is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune. It is surrounded by lush green hills and valleys, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Q. What are some popular tourist attractions in Khandala?
A. Some popular tourist attractions in Khandala include the Bhushi Dam, Karla Caves, Duke's Nose, Tiger's Leap, and Lohagad Fort.
Q. When is the best time to visit Khandala?
A. The ideal time to visit is from October to June. The monsoon season (June to September) brings lush greenery and cascading waterfalls, while the winter months (October to February) offer cool and pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities
Q. Is it safe to visit Khandala during the monsoon season?
A. While the monsoon enhances the region's beauty, it can also lead to slippery paths and occasional landslides. Exercise caution, especially during outdoor activities.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner.
