The rains have stretched over a bit more than usual this year in Maharashtra and the most blossoming places for a one-day short trip this season to forget the big city blues are Lonavla and Khandala. A one to one and a half drive from Mumbai, Lonavla and Khandala lies almost midway between the city and Pune. A beautiful long drive from Mumbai and Pune, Lonavla and Khandala can be accessed from the NH4 highway and makes one forget the fatigue of the journey.
Blessed with nature’s bounty and the lush green valleys, Lonavla is a splendor during the monsoons. Surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges and naturally adorned with waterfalls and streams, Lonavla acts as a magnet for the romantics and the relationships which need to get away from the daily hustle and bustle once in a while.
Famously known as the land of the ‘Chikkis’ and ‘Chocolate Fudge ’, Lonavla is a perfect place to enjoy a cup of cutting chai which complements the witnessing of the beautiful colour filled sunrise. The place is usually covered with a thick blanket of fog early in the mornings which gives one more reason to cozy up to nature.
Situated on the foothills of Lonavla are various small lakes, dams and parks make up a good menu for sight-seeing places at Lonavla. Although sounds like a couples’ getaway, Lonavla and Khandala caters to all age-groups and is a perfect place for day long picnics with friends and extended families.
Khandala is Lonavla’s twin hill stations on the Sahyadri Ranges, and is a much more smaller, quieter and calmer of the two places. Situated atop the Bhor Ghat, Khandala is a famous hiking spot for tourists.
Just like Tiger’s Point in Lonavla, Duke’s Nose in Khandala offers a panoramic view of the picturesque surroundings. Surrounded by deep valleys on one side and high hills on the other, Khandala acts as the perfect escape for a short trip.
Not adversely affected by modern industrialization, both Lonavla and Khandala is a perfect tourist destination for trips all round the year but the rains brings adds the lush and vibrance that soothes the tired eyes and minds. If the city life is tiring you too much this season, steal a day and hide yourself into these two hill stations and you will know that a trip to God’s version of Eden in Maharashtra is one where you will want to visit again and again whenever work is getting on your nerves and frustration is trying to make a place in your mind.