Mumbai to Khandala
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Overview
Khandala is the older twin of Lonavala — the original 1860s British hill station on the Mumbai-Pune railway crest, 79 km from Mumbai. Drive time is 90 minutes via Mumbai-Pune Expressway exit at Khandala-Lonavala. The two adjoining stations (Khandala and Lonavala are 5 km apart and share the same plateau) split traffic in a clear pattern: Khandala is quieter with the legacy bungalow zone, the Duke's Nose viewpoint and the INS Shivaji Indian Navy training academy; Lonavala has the chikki markets, hotels and budget weekend resorts. Khandala specifically is famous for the iconic Duke's Nose (Nagphani) cliff — a 950 m wedge-shaped rock formation visible from the Mumbai-Pune highway, named for the resemblance to the Duke of Wellington's nose. The valley between Khandala and Lonavala holds Rajmachi Point, Amrutanjan Point and the Reversing Station rail museum. The Khandala monsoon waterfalls — Tiger Falls, Hidden Falls, and the spillways at Bhushi Dam — peak in July-September. INS Shivaji (the Indian Navy's premier engineering training establishment, 1945) anchors the local economy. The Khandala-Lonavala line itself is a 1870 GIPR (Great Indian Peninsula Railway) heritage stretch, with the 'Khandala curve' near Karjat being one of the steepest passenger rail gradients in India (1 in 37). Best season July-September for monsoon waterfalls, October-February for views and weather.
Mumbai-Pune Expressway via NH 48 MaharashtraHistory & Significance
Khandala gained fame during the British era as a hill retreat along the Great Indian Peninsula Railway. The Bhor Ghat section through Khandala, engineered in the 1850s, was one of the greatest railway engineering feats of its time. The region has been an important cultural and historical centre for centuries, attracting scholars, pilgrims, and travellers from across the subcontinent. Over the years, various dynasties and rulers have left their mark on Khandala, contributing to its rich architectural and cultural heritage that visitors can still appreciate today.
Cab Fare & Travel Time
Cab Fare — Mumbai to Khandala
| Car Type | Seats | One-Way (15% off) | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNG Swift Dzire | 4 traveller + 1 driver | ₹3,850 Flat 15% OFF | ₹4,500 |
| CNG Ertiga | 4 traveller + 1 driver | ₹4,350 Flat 15% OFF | ₹5,100 |
| Innova | 6 traveller + 1 driver | ₹4,350 Flat 15% OFF | ₹5,100 |
| Innova Crysta | 6 traveller + 1 driver | ₹5,100 Flat 15% OFF | ₹6,000 |
| Innova Hycross | 6 traveller + 1 driver | ₹7,150 Flat 15% OFF | ₹8,400 |
Estimated for 80 km. Toll, parking & driver allowance extra. Call for exact quote.
Route Highlights
- 79 km via Mumbai-Pune Expressway — 90 minutes, single Khalapur toll
- The original 1860s British hill station — quieter than adjacent Lonavala
- Duke's Nose (Nagphani) — 950 m wedge-cliff iconic viewpoint
- INS Shivaji — Indian Navy's premier engineering training academy (1945)
- Combine with Lonavala (5 km) + Karla Buddhist Caves (12 km) for one-day trip
- Monsoon waterfalls and Rajmachi fort trek peak July-September
Places to Visit in Khandala
Duke's Nose (Nagphani)
A 950 m wedge-shaped cliff named for its resemblance to the Duke of Wellington's nose, visible from the Mumbai-Pune highway. The viewpoint requires a 30-minute walk from the Khandala-Kurvande village; popular short trek and one of the most photographed Sahyadri cliffs.
Rajmachi Point
A viewpoint on the Mumbai-Pune highway with views of the twin Rajmachi forts (Shrivardhan and Manaranjan), 17th-century Maratha forts visible 8 km away. Easy access from any cab; popular roadside halt for highway travellers.
Amrutanjan Point
A roadside viewpoint named after the 1936 Amrutanjan balm advertisement that used to be painted on the cliff (now removed). Offers a Konkan-side view of the Sahyadri descent. Adjacent the Reversing Station rail museum.
Karla and Bhaja Caves
A set of 2nd century BCE Hinayana Buddhist rock-cut caves 12 km from Khandala — the Karla chaitya hall is one of the finest examples of early Indian rock-cut architecture, with 37 octagonal pillars topped with elephant-and-rider sculpture.
Lohagad Fort
A 1,033 m Maratha hill-fort 14 km south of Khandala, with the famous Vinchu Kata ('scorpion's tail') ridge. Accessible by car to Malavali, then 90-minute trek. Combined with Bhaja Caves by most weekend trekkers.
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