Khandala is one of the most popular hill stations in India, which is located in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. A large number of people flock to the region from all parts of India and abroad, but people belonging to and residing in Maharashtra head to this beautiful and friendly hill station to spend a weekend with their family and friends. There are numerous tourist attractions worth visiting during an expedition to the valley and some of them are Duke’s Nose, Karla Cave, Bhaja Caves, Lohgad Fort, Kune Falls and much more.
Duke’s nose:
Duke’s Nose Peak is a famous tourist spot among trekkers and offers a panoramic view of Khandala. This peak is named after the Duke of Wellington and the popular nose full of him. On closer inspection, the beak resembles the duke’s pointed nose in a reclining position. Duke’s Nose is 27 km and 12 km from Khandala and Pune respectively.
Karla’s Cave:
Karla and Bhaja caves are also known as Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu (CKP) temple and fishing communities and are the best examples of Buddhist art. The Karla cave belongs to the 2nd century BC. C. and is famous for its delicate stone carvings, it is also the largest among the Chaitya caves. The entrance to the huge Chaitya griha is designed as a Peepal leaf.
Bhaja Caves:
Bhaja Cave is a collective group of 18 caves and is located at a distance of 12 kilometers from Lonavala in Maharashtra. These 18 caves were built during the Mauryan regime in the 2nd century BC. C. These caves are one of the main examples of beautiful illustrations belonging to the first Theravada phase of Buddhism. Bhaja cave is nearby and similar to Karla cave.
Lohgad Fort:
Lohgad Fort belongs to the Chhatrapati Shivaji era and was used to keep prisoners. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj won this fort in the battle of 1670. It is a renowned structure famous for its four walls which are still intact which gives you an idea of the glory of the old days.
Kune waterfalls:
It is one of the most touristic places in Khandala and is located in the center of the Khandala Valley and Lonavala. The Kune Falls are surrounded by abundant green vegetation. Here the water falls from a height of about 100 feet or more, which looks amazing and attracts many tourists every year.