Khandala-Lonavala-Karla Tour:

Places Covered:

Duke'S Nose, Korigad Fort, Tigers Leap, Lohgad, Karla & Bhaja Caves.

Tour Description:

The twin hill resorts of Khandala and Lonavala have a special attraction for the Mumbai crowd seeking a convenient weekend holiday in the hills.

A mere 3 hours by road from Mumbai, beautifully landscaped Lonavala and Khandala are famous for their seemingly innumerable varieties of chikki, But they also offer many sites worth visiting. Trekking Is a good way to get around. but having a vehicle (even a bicycle) is still better. as some points of interest are quite some distance from the main towns.

Other attractions: Bhushi Dam, Valvan Dam, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Hospital, Duke's Nose. Ryewood Park, Tiger Leap

sights:

Duke's Nose:

This cliff resembles the nose of the Duke of WellinglOn. which explains its inUiguing name, It is a popular viewpoint as it offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, valleys and forests.

Korigad Fort:

The hill fort of Korigad in Amby valley is located roughly 3050 ft. above sea level. Toget there. you travel from Lonavala to thevilJage of Shahpur using any available means of transport. and thence proceed by foot to the fort through rugged hills and forests.

Tiger's leap:

When viewing the valley from a certain point at this location. one has the illusion of a tiger leaping across the valley. hence the name. The echoes caused by dropping rocks into the crevasse is another attraction.

lohgad :

Lohgad attracts visitors wits its wide, refreshing waterfalls, an ancient fort, and of course, those famous caves - atop a steep flight of steps.

Karla & Bhaja Caves:

Nestling in the hills of lonavala, these rock-cut caves rank amongst the oldest & finest example of early Buddhist tample art in India. The Karla caves the largest early Boddhist shrine in Indla, imitates Ihe look of more familiar wooden architecture. ComplctSd in 80 BC, Ihe impressive structure includes a representation of the Buddha, and an aisle made up of 37 pillars and carved elephent heads; which once had real ivory tusks. tha Bhaja Cave complex comprises 18 caves 14 stupas. deting from around 200 BC. these architectural curiosities te amidst thick greenery in a setting that's so calm, it's almost mystical.Just outside Karla caves Ekvira Temple is visited by thousends of devotees, mainly fisher folk.

More:

Location: Khandala and Lonavala lie 5 kms. apart, on the western slopes of the Sahyadries, straddlilg the Mumbai Pune highway an altitude of 625 m. Karla is 8 km. Lonavala.

Languages spoken: Marathi, Hindi & English.

Climate and CIothing: Temperatures very from 12 C In winter to around 36 C at the heignt of summer. The annual rainfall averages 450 cms.

Best time to visit: October to May

Getting There

By Air: The nearest airport is Pune 66 kms away.

By Rail: The convenient railhead is Lonavala, on the mumbai pune line(118 km from mumbai) Pune-Lonavala 64 km.

By Road: Mumbai-Lonavala 104 km. Pune-Lonavala 66 km.

WHERE TO STAY

MTDC Holiday Resort: It is just off Mumbai-pune road. It offers a bar and a restaurant, a water park and boating on a private lake. 2/3/4/6 bedded A/C and non A/C self-contained rooms are availabels but advance booking is advisable.

Reservation: Mumbai, Pune and other Regional Offices.