Lonaval, Khandala, Karla
Hill Resort, Maharashtra
Lonaval and Khandala are two charming little hill stations on the western slopes
of the Sahyadris, 5 kms. apart, that straddle the Mumbai-Pune highway at an
altitude of 625 m.
Quite popular as health resort, there are a number of sanatoria dotting the
hills in the towns.
Khandala is smaller and calmer of the two, though browsing through Lonavala's
bazaar could yield some wonderfull surprises. Both towns offer scenic views
of the surrounding hills and in the monsoon, with a myriad waterfalls, it can
be enchanting.
Karla about 12 kms. from Lonavala, is the site of the largest Chaitya caves
in India, built in 89 B.C. Amongst the best-preserved Buddhist temples in India,
they represent the zenith, in terms of design purity, of this style of temple
architecture.
Taxis and auto-rickshaws, easily available in Lonavala and Khandala, are the
best way of getting to and from Karla.
Temperatures vary from 12°C to 36°C throughout the year with an annual
rainfall of 450 cms.
October to May is the best time to visit.
Getting there : Pune 66 kms. away, is the nearest airport. All trains
fro Mumbai to Pune and the south stop at Lonavala. Mumbai is 104 kms. away by
road, the last 20 kms. of which wind up the ghats through gruellinmg switchbacks.
