Lonavala & Khandala Tours – Travel Guide

Lonavala and Khandala such places where nature is present in all its splendor. Discover these wonderfull places with Travelmasti.com.

Lonavala

Lonavala is such a place where nature is present in all its splendor. Lonavala has become famous because of nature’s gift. Lonavala has been blessed with valleys, hills, Milky Waterfalls, Lush Greenery and pleasant cool winds. This region full of natural beauty. Words are not enough to describe the beauty for this place. Lonavala is an epic poem created by God. Beautiful mountain ranges trying to reach the sky are sites that please the human mind and give an experience of heavenly pleasure.

The morning sun rising over here appears as if it is sprinkling rose water all over. Chirping birds gently awaken oneself and all of this makes it a really Good Morning. The whole place is covered with a thick blanket of fog early in the morning; this is how the day begins here. 

Khandala

Khandala neighbors Lonavala. Although is comparatively small, it is equally blessed with natural beauty and bounty. Deep valley on one side and high hills on the other side divide Khandala and Lonavala. Luckily, modern industrialization has not adversely affected Khandala. Whenever a tourist visits Lonavala he also wishes to visit Khandala. While traveling on Mumbai Bangalore National Highway, one has to cross the arduous Khopoli – Khandala Ghat.

This is the famous Borghat. In a short distance of 8 Kms one has to climb a height of 369 meters. This is a difficult Ghat to climb. But once you reach here, you feel that this climb has been worth the trouble. Khandala is One place where you will fall in love at First Site. In fact this is exactly the reason that we feel must have inspired the makers of the movie “GHULAM” to include a song “AATI KYA KHANDALA” in their movie which has created huge waves throughout India. Also, Lonavala and Khandala are full of tourist practically for the whole year.

Main reasons for this is the fact that it is very close to Mumbai, so people from Mumbai find it very convenient, other reason is that the passengers traveling to south India or returning from there also pass through, making this place a busy spot. And the natural beauty of Lonavala & Khandala makes one forget the fatigue of the journey. Being at a considerable height from sea level, these two places enjoy a cool climate. 

Places to See

Rajmachi Park: On the way to Mumbai from Lonavala there is a beautiful garden before the beginning of the Ghat. It gives a spectacular view of the surroundings. On the East Side two towers of the Rajmachi Fort can be seen and at the bottom is the huge valley. There is a restaurant here and a temple close by. The Ghat begins from this point so many people come to enjoy the view. There is children’s park here and there are regular bus services from lonavala bus station.

Ryewood: This is a big and beautiful garden situated near Lonavala. This garden covers a lot of ground and it is full of majestic tall trees. There is an old Mahadeo temple in this park. There is history behind the name Ryewood. An English officer Mr. Rye stayed in this place for quite some time. Hence this woods are named after him. The name may also have come from the Marathi words “Rai” which means thick forest. Earlier it was under the care of civil dept. In 1959 it was transferred to the State Government’s Forest Department. This garden has plenty of place for children to play.

Duke’s Nose: This place is named after Duke Wellington whose pointed nose this cliff resembles. It also looks like a hood of a snake, which is why it is also called as “Nagfani” (Hood of Snake). This point can be approach from INS Shivaji and Kurwande Village. Watching the nature’s beauty here is an unforgettable experience.

Shivaji Park: This ground which was known as a playground which was converted into a garden in 1956 there is statue of Shri Shivaji Maharaj in this park. As it is near located near the city many people visit this park.

Lohagad Darshan: In this small garden located in Bhangarwadi, there are plenty of toys for children to play there is also a big statue of Savarkar here.

Amruntanjan point: At the beginning of the Khandala Ghat, and at the end of the first slope there is a huge hoarding of Amrutanjan. There is a lot of flat space around here and the view of the valley and Dukes Nose is breath taking beyond this one can also see the city of Khopoli. 

Kune Falls: This water falls where water comes down from a height of more than 100 feet is majestic in appearance one can have bath in the water that flows through the valley. This place is between Lonavala and Khandala. This fall can be seen in Khandala Ghat while coming from Mumbai. It runs for many days long after the monsoon is over. 

Tiger’s Leap: This is a special spot in this area. If one looks at the valley carefully from this spot it appears as if a tiger is leaping into the valley, that is why this name. This spot is a furlong away from INS Shivaji. It gives a fascinating view of the valley. There is provision for viewing the valley from the safe confines of a big hole. A stone thrown down from here ricochets at many places and gets destroyed here. Making it as an another unique experience.

Sakur Plateau: On the way to INS Shivaji there is a turn and a zigzag road. At a distance of approximately 4 miles and at a height of 1000 feet is a plateau. This plateau is on the way to village Ambavane. Thick forests occupy it and it’s sparsely populated. Tungi, Korigad, Lohagad etc. Forts are very close from here.

Monkey Hill: All the trains coming down from Khandala halt here for brake testing. There is a huge flat land to south of the railway tracks. This place is exactly above Khopoli town and it can be approach from Khopoli as well as Borghat reversing station. It is a favorite picnic spot.

Reversing Station: This old place belonging to the railways now remains unused. This spot is outside tunnel no. 26. On the rail route and one can see the advertisement boards of Amrutanjan and other Products. At the bottom one can see Khopoli and the surrounding regions. During the night, this place illuminated with hundreds of lights becomes alive and gives a fascinating view. The division of Lonavala and Raigad District starts from here.

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Ganpatipule Beach, Maharashtra

Ganapatipule, One of the serene, sedate and unspoiled beaches of Maharsahtra, discover this wonderfull beach resort with Travelmasti.

Ganpatipule

Sparkling blue waters, endless stretches of golden or silver sand, sun beams dancing through the swaying palms, waves playing with the sand dunes, a cool breeze whispering sweet nothing in your ear. This is the land of Ganpatipule, one of Maharashtra’s almost virgin beaches.

Nestled in the greenery is an almost 4000 year old land mark – the Swayambhu Ganapati temple (Swayambhu means ‘self-made’, this is a temple of the self-originated idol, Ganapati). It is flooded by thousands of devotees and tourists every year. Thus the village got its name Ganapatipule, Ganapati the lord of the “ganas” or army and “pule” which means sand dunes, Ganapatipule is one of the “Ashta Ganapatis” (eight Ganapatis) of India and is known as “Paschim Dwar Dewata” (the Western Sentinel God).

Ganapatipule is a small village, serene, sedate and unspoiled. The beach here is still as natural and pristine as ever. And traveling by roads is an experience by itself. The vast “Konkan” stretch abounds with scenic greenery. There are narrow mud-roads, the earth is red and the roofed houses with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama. The local vegetation includes fruit bearing trees like mango, betelnut, banana, jackfruit, coconut, etc. The entire western coast is covered with these trees. The locals are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings. Ever ready to chat with the visitors and make them feel at home.

These god-fearing local devotees take a “Pradakshina” around the hill where the temple is located, not just around the temple (Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein the devotee walks in a circle around the idol of the lord or around the temple, the house of the lord), As for the tourists, they can go walking simple to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Places to Visit:

Malgund: Just a kilometer away from Ganapatipule, Malgund village is the birthplace of the famous Marathi Poet Keshavsoot. This small, yet beautiful village is frequented by visitors who come to take a look at the renovated and converted house of the poet, now a student’s hostel. The Maratji “Sahitya Parishad” (Marathi Literature Society) has constructed a beautiful monument salled “Keshavsoot Smarak” in the memory of the great son-of-the soil.

Pawas: Pawas is naturally beautiful and serene. The place is also prominent for the ashram of Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of Maharashtrians). A visit to the place is a journey through time.

Jaigad Fort: The legendary fort stands high and proud on the cliff with a spectacular view of the sea. The fort is at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river and is 35 kms away from Ganapatipule.

Ratnagiri: The Konkan is the vast, beautiful western coast. One of its districts is the well-known Ratnagiri. It is here that the great freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born. This man with a mission led the “Swadeshi Movement” in the 20th centuary against the British. His house – Tilak Smarak – is a landmark now and is open to visitors. Also the “Patit Pawan Mandir” is of importance here. It was the first temple built for the non-Brahmins by revolutionary leader, Swatantryaveer Savarkar. 

Other Attractions are the Bhatye Beach, The Coconut Research Center, Ratnadurg Fort, Bhagwati Bunder (Sea Port) and The Seafood Processing Centre at Mirya. Also visit Thebaw Palace, which was built for the exiled King and Queen of Burma (now Myanmar) in 1910 – 11. They lived for five years till their death in 1916.

Velneshwar: This small and dreamy village around 170 kms away from Ratnagiri is the place to be for water sports – thanks to its beautiful clean beach and rock – free sea. Also an old Shiva temple near Velneshwar if Frequented by pilgrims and tourists. The whole place is a mystic aura around in the presence of the master mystic, Lord Shiva.

Excursions:

Marleshwar: 60 kms from Ganapatipule, famous for its Shiva temple and waterfall.

Derwen: 85 kms from Ganapatipule, it is well known for its Shiv Shristi (an exhibition on Chhatrapati Shivaji)

Parshuram: Known for the Parshuram temple, it is 112 kms away from Ganapatipule.

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Ganpatipule, Maharashtra

Sparkling blue waters, endless stretches of golden or silver sand, sun beams dancing through the swaying palms, waves playing with the sand dunes, a cool breeze whispering sweet nothing in your ear. This is the land of Ganpatipule, one of Maharashtra’s almost virgin beaches.

Nestled in the greenery is an almost 4000 year old land mark – the Swayambhu Ganapati temple (Swayambhu means ‘self-made’, this is a temple of the self-originated idol, Ganapati). It is flooded by thousands of devotees and tourists every year. Thus the village got its name Ganapatipule, Ganapati the lord of the “ganas” or army and “pule” which means sand dunes, Ganapatipule is one of the “Ashta Ganapatis” (eight Ganapatis) of India and is known as “Paschim Dwar Dewata” (the Western Sentinel God).

Ganapatipule is a small village, serene, sedate and unspoiled. The beach here is still as natural and pristine as ever. And traveling by roads is an experience by itself. The vast “Konkan” stretch abounds with scenic greenery. There are narrow mud-roads, the earth is red and the roofed houses with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama. The local vegetation includes fruit bearing trees like mango, betelnut, banana, jackfruit, coconut, etc. The entire western coast is covered with these trees. The locals are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings. Ever ready to chat with the visitors and make them feel at home.

These god-fearing local devotees take a “Pradakshina” around the hill where the temple is located, not just around the temple (Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein the devotee walks in a circle around the idol of the lord or around the temple, the house of the lord), As for the tourists, they can go walking simple to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Important Information:

Geographic Location: Ganapatipule lies along the Konkan coast, approximately 375 kms south of Mumbai.

Climate: The coastal climate is mostly hot and humid but it is healthy and devoid of pollution. The temperature is at its peak (around 38 Degree C) in the month of March. The monsoon falls between June and October. The rains are regular here. The climate is pleasant in winter and the temperature often falls at night.

Languages Spoken: Marathi is the common language here. People also know Hindi and English.

Local Festivals: All the festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm and a spirit of togetherness. Gauri Ganapati and Magh Chaturthi are the most important events in the entire Konkan region. Holi, Gudi Padva and Diwali are well celebrated here, too.

What to wear: Loose cotton attire is suitable and comfortable. Although during winters, warm clothing is preferable. Swimming costumes are recommended for people indulging in water – sports.

What to eat: Since Ganapatipule is a pilgrimage destination, non – vegetarian food is a little rare. But on the outskirts of Ganapatipule fish curry, rice and kokam kadhi are available. Vegetable curries are also very tasty, prepared with a coconut base. “Modak” the favorite sweet meat of Lord Ganesh is also available.

What to Buy: The Konkan coast is rich in horticulture and the place is filled with delicious exotic fruits. These are also turned into sweet preparations like Ambapoli and Phanaspoli (pancakes of dried mango and jackfruit respectively). If you visit during the mangi season, don’t forget to buy the world famous Devgad “Hampus” mangoes.

Where to Stay: The MTDC resort lies on the slope of a green hillock, facing the sea. Alphonso mango trees and coconut palms dot the 45 acre grounds. Sea view cottages. tents and Konkani houses are also available (The latter two are not rented out during the monsoons). 

How to get there: 

By Air: Nearest airport is Belgaum, 299 Kms.

By Rail: On Konkan Railway Bhoke is 35 Kms. However the convenient railhead Ratnagiri is 45 Kms.

By Road: 

Mumbai – Ganapatipule is 375 Kms.

Pune – Ganapatipule is 331 Kms.

Belgaum – Ganapatipule is 299 Kms.

S. T. Buses ply from Mumbai and Ratnagiri to Ganapatipule.

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