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Home » Hill
Stations in India » Hill Stations in West India »
Khandala
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Khandala
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For A Healthy Holiday
Lonavala and Khandala are two charming little hill stations on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, 5-km apart, that straddle the Mumbai - Pune highway at an altitude of 625m, quite popular as health resorts. Blessed by the nature in bounty, the hill resorts have plethora of places of Tourist Attraction in Lonavala & Khandala - Beautiful Hills, Deep Green Valleys, Huge Lakes, Historic Forts, Waterfalls, etc.
Lonavala and Khandala offer breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls during the monsoon, and the surrounding mountains of the plains spread out to the horizon. A trip to these holiday resorts can be combined with that on the Karla, Bhaja, and Bedsa caves, which are very near from Lonavala.
Lonavala is located in the western part of the state of Maharashtra. It is set amongst the slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range. Also known as the "Jewel of The Sahyadri", Lonavala is a place of this regionwhere nature is present in its entire splendor. It has become famous because of nature's gift of beautiful valleys, hills, milky waterfalls, lush greenery, and pleasant cool winds.
Khandala being the smaller of the two is relatively calmer and is the pride of the Sahyadri Mountains. It is endowed with abundant natural beauty and like Lonavala, Khandala also provides a popular gateway from the hustle and bustle of cities of Mumbai and Pune. The lush greenery of the mountains especially during the monsoons and the misty paths attract tourist like honeybees here. The silver waterfalls amidst the lush greenery are extremely magical. Lonavala's bazaar is filled with surprises. The beauty of this place is a refreshing experience.
Prime Attractions of Khandala
Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Island is the site of the magnificent Elephanta caves, containing beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. These caves are located at a distance of 11-km from Mumbai and are now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island of Elephanta, being a commercial, military and religions centre for centuries has traces of early Buddhist culture.
Gateway Of India
Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.
Bassein
Bassein is located 77-km away from Mumbai, which is well connected by rail and road. It served as an important shipbuilding centre in the early 17th century. Marathas defeated the Portuguese in 1739 at this site. It bears a close resemblance to Goa, a quite place where tourists can take time off from the crowd.
Bollywood
The home of the Hindi blockbuster, the "All-India Film", is Mumbai, formerly Bombay. Famously known as "Bollywood ".
Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus
At the site of the Koli's original temple to Mumba Devi now stands Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus - one of Mumbai's most prominent buildings and architecturally one of the finest stations in the world. It is built in a style that combines Gothic and Indian influences. It was completed in 1885. Designed by F.W. Stevens the building commenced in 1878. This Italian gothic Building has a frontage of over 15,00 feet. The administrative offices form three sides of a rectangle enclosing an ornamental garden, the entrance gate guarded by a massive stone Lion and Tiger. The most prominent feature of this building is the high 160 feet dome crowning the centre. On top of the giant dome is a figure of a women with a torch held aloft to symbolise progress.
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