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Lonavala
[ Edit ] Overview
The hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala are set in the western slopes of the Sahyadri ranges in Maharashtra. Lonavala at an altitude of 625 m and Khandala at a distance of 5 km north west of Lonavala are popular weekend and monsoon getaways for the residents of Mumbai and Pune.
Apart from being well known as a hill station which comes to life during the monsoons, Lonavala is also known for its famous Chikki, a hard sweet brittle candy.
[ Edit ] History
Lonavala and Khandala were established as hill stations by Sir Elphinstone when he was the Governor of Bombay in 1871.
Lonavala, meaning caves in Sanskrit, derived its names from the many caves in the area.
Quick Facts
[ Edit ] State
[ Edit ] Location
Lonavala is 105 km from Mumbai and 65 km from Pune and Khandala is 110 km from Mumbai and 60km from Pune.
[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit
Being hill stations, Lonavala and Khandala are pleasant to visit throughout the year. However they are at their scenic best during the monsoons.
[ Edit ] Tourist Offices
MTDC in Pune
Tel: 02148-668897, 669169
MTDC in Mumbai
Tel: 022-22026713, 22027762
[ Edit ] STD Code
02114
Sightseeing
[ Edit ] Bushy Dam
Bushy dam is located in a forested area just 6km from Lonavala. The area gets very popular during the monsoons when the steps on dam give the effect of a waterfall. Swimming in the waters is absolutely forbidden. The dam does get very crowded with visitors during the monsoons and sometimes not obeying the rules has led to serious accidents at the dam.
Planning a Trip
Getting There
[ Edit ] Air
Mumbai airport at a distance of 110 km and Pune at a distance of 66 km are the nearest airports to the two hill stations, Lonavala and Khandala.
[ Edit ] Rail
Lonavala railway station lies on the railway route between Mumbai and Pune.
[ Edit ] Road
There are several bus services that ply from Mumbai and Pune to Lonavala.
Driving distances to Lonavala from:
- Bombay: 110 kms
- Pune: 66 kms
[ Edit ] Getting Around
[ Edit ] Other Information
It is an absolute must to make advance hotel reservations for Lonavala and Khandala during weekends, holiday seasons and the monsoon.
Things to Do
Fishing
There are lots of opportunities to go fishing in Lonavala. Most lakes allow fishing but it is best to check with officials in advance.
Trekking
There are several trekking opportunities available here. Check with locals or guides on how difficult and strenuous certain trails may be and embark on one that suits the requirement.
[ Edit ] Shopping
Take back some of Lonavalas famous chikki from Maganlals or A1. But some fudge from Coopers. Coopers makes limited quantity per day which means that by evening they run out of stock.
[ Edit ] Food
Lonavala is the chikki capital of India. This sweet, brittle and sticky candy is made in different varieties and flavours. Some well known chikki stores are Maganlals and A1. Lonavala is known for another sweet – its chocolate walnut fudge. Coopers is considered the best for this.
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