Khandala is a hill station at an altitude of 1,800 feet near Lonavala in Maharashtra state, India. Mumbai-Pune expressway passes through this hill station.

Khandala Valley

Khandala hill station is located on the Bhor Ghat, which is part of the Western Ghats. It lies between the Konkan plains and the Deccan Plateau.

This hill station is on top of the Bhor Ghats. It is famous for hiking to Duke’s Nose, which offers an excellent view of Khandala and Bhor Ghats. Tiger’s Leap is a tourist spot that appears as a tiger leaping into the valley.

Amrutanjan Point, Karla Caves, Bhaja caves (Both are Rock-cut Buddhist Caves), Bhushi Lake, etc, are some of the other prominent tourist attractions here. Rajmachi Fort is a famous shooting location here and is also known as the Shooting Point.

Karla caves are a group of 16 rock-cut caves from the 2nd century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. The famous Grand Chaitya Hall inside Cave 8 of Karla Caves is the largest and most completely preserved chaitya hall (prayer hall) of the period. 

Bhaja Caves are a group of 22 rock-cut caves which date back to the 2nd century B.C.  It is also known as Bhaje caves.

There is an Ancient Jail at this hill station, built in 1896.

How Do I Go to Khandala Hill Station?

Khandala Hill Station is around three kilometers from Lonavala, a famous hill station on the Western Ghats. Mumbai – Pune Expressway connects this hill station to Mumbai and Pune cities. Karjat is around seven kilometers away from this hill station.

Khandala railway station (next to Lonavla station) is the nearest railway station. There are suburban trains between Lonavala and Pune stations. Pune International Airport is the nearest airport.

October and May is the ideal season to visit Khandala Hills.