Lonavla and Khandala
Lonavla is located at a distance of 62 km from Pune and 120 kms from Mumbai. The panoramic view of the town is really exciting. Natural streams, Buddhist rock cut caves and natural landscapes adorn the hills stations. It also offers a very good trekking and hiking experience to the tourists. A trekking to the Duke’s Nose will give you the real charm of adventurous sporting.
Lonavla is also famous for its chikki, a mixture of jaggery and ground nuts.
Khandala is nestled amidst Sahyadri hills. It is situated at a distance of 101 km from Mumbai and 69 kms from Pune. The panoramic views of Western Ghats can be seen from this town.
The best time to visit Lonavla and Khandala is between October and May. The nearest airport to Lonavla is Pune’s Lohegaon airport, which is just 66 km away from the hill station.
Places to visit in Lonavla and Khandala
- Lonavla lake
- Khandala caves
- Karla caves
- Tikona fort
- Rajmachi point
- Bushy dam
- Lion's spot
- Shooting point
- Ryewood Park
- Shivaji Udyan
- Lohagad Fort
- Tungarli Lake and Dam
- Valvan Dam
Panchgani
The famous tourist points in Panchgini are Table Land, Bhim Chula (Devil's Kitchen) Harrison Valley, Sidney Point and Parsi Point.
Mahabaleshwar
Earlier, Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital of Bombay Presidency during the British rule. Mahabaleshwar is famous for its scenic beauty and splendid views of valleys and the sea, which is quite visible in clear days.
The hill station is also famous for strawberries, nuts and chana. If you are planning a trip to Mahabaleshwar, do not forget to visit Mapros, the strawberry farm.
Once in Mahabaleshwar, you can enjoy horse riding, boating, cycling and fishing. Some of the famous lookout points in Mahabaleshwar are Elphinstone Point, Babington Point, Kate's Point and Bombay Point. During the monsoon season, you will get to see many natural waterfalls among which Arthur's Seat, Chinaman, Dhobi and Lingmala are a must watch during your visit. You can also visit Venna Lake and Pratapgarh Fort in Mahabaleshwar.
The hill station is well connected through air, rail and road. The nearest airport is located in Pune which is 120 km away. Wathar is the nearest railway junction, about 62 kms from Mahabaleshwar. But if you are coming via Mumbai or Pune, then it is best to travel by road, which offers a fantastic scenic experience, especially during rainy season.
Places to visit in Mahabaleshwar
- Mount Malcolm
- Holy Cross Church
- Mahabaleshwar Club
- Pratapgad Fort
- Venna Lake
- Connaught Peak
- Kate’s Point
- Bombay Point
- Lodwick Point
- Arthur’s Seat Point
- Lover’s Point
- Chinaman's fall
- Dhobi's falls
Matheran
One of the major attractions of Matheran is Olympia Race Course. Olympia Race Course hosts horse-riding events during summer.
Neral is the nearest point from Pune and Mumbai which will connect you to Matheran. Once you have reached Neral, you can take a cab or horse to climb the altitude. If you are a trekking enthusiast, you can explore the entire path on foot also. A bus and toy train service is also available here.
Places to visit in Matheran
- Sharlott Lake
- Panorama Point
- Sun-set/Porcupine Point
- Loisa Point
- Echo Point
- Chowk (One tree Point)
- Garbett Point
- Eleward Point
- Pemastar Park
- Navaloji Lord Garden
- Cathedral Rock
Malshej Ghat
