Khandala is one of the many beautiful hill stations in the state, which serves as an ideal weekend retreat for the happening crowd of Mumbai. The pristine and unspoiled surroundings of this hill station make it an ideal gateway. It is placed in the verdant western slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range, at 625 metres above sea level. It is a much loved and famous tourist destination in the country with tourists flocking here especially during winters when the clouds descend on the peak of the mountains, making it seem like a picture postcard.

During the earlier times, this hill station was under the empire of Chattrapati Shivaji. Thereafter it was also witness to the British rule, after witnessing the Peshwas regime. The most favourable time to visit Khandala is between October to May. The hill station has a cool temperature and acquires an added beauty during winters. But overall, the weather remains lovely year round, and makes it a hill station for all seasons. However, in the rainy season, it rains heavily in Khandala.

There are many tourist attractions in Khandala. The Duke’s Nose is a favourite spot among many. As the name itself suggests, its shape is in the form of a nose, believed to be that of Duke Wellington. Due to a strange resemblance to the hood of a snake it is also called as Nagfani. Here one can get awestruck by the unparalleled natural beauty. The Shivaji Park and the Rajmachi Park are two other attractions here. The Shivaji Park is a fine garden, housing the statue of Shivaji, and the Rajmachi Park has a temple which is visited by many. Rajmachi Park is also the starting point of the Western Ghat, which affords a wonderful view. The Ryewood is another garden which houses many unique trees.

The majestic Kune Falls is a delight to the eye, and you will find it somewhere between Lonavala and Khandala. The Tiger’s Leap is another thrilling place to visit, when in Khandala. It is a lovely spot, from where you will get a scenic view of a deep valley. A careful observation of the valley from this point would reveal the impression as if a tiger is jumping down the valley. Therefore the place has been christened as Tiger’s Leap. The Monkey Hill is frequented by many tourists and is ideal for having picnics. The Sakur Plateau, Lohagad Darshan, and the Reversing Station are other places which attract tourists.

There are also many places worth visiting around Khandala. Lonavala, Bhushi Lake and the Karla and Bhaja caves are some of them. These places are also very beautiful and surely not worth missing. Khandala happens to be an exciting haven for the adventure sports lovers. Rock climbing is a favourite activity of many here. Also many adventure camps and excursions are held here. People also come for treks in these areas to explore the relatively unexplored parts of this quaint hill station.

Reaching Khandala is not a problem at all. However it does not have an airport of its own. You can travel to Mumbai or Pune by air and then can avail of the railway which is a very convenient option. Khandala is also accessible by road. Buses are available or you can take your own car. Accommodation is also not a problem here. A variety of hotels suiting all pockets are found here.