Khandala, set at a height of 625 mt, located on the wester n slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range is a hill station in Maharashtra. Fascinating panoramic beauty adorns this place.Although it is comparatively small as compare to lonavala but 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 industrialisation has not adversely affected Khandala. Whenever a tourist visits Lonavala he also wishes to visit Khandala. While travelling 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. 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.
Lonavala Hill Station:
Lonavala is a Hill station in Maharashtra. Also known as the jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains. This Hill Station is also a popular Health Resort in the western ranges on the sahyadri,It Is situated on a hieght of 625 mtrs. above sea level and is a popular gateway from Mumbai and Pune. It also serves as a starting point for tourists interested in visiting the famous, ancient Buddhist rock cut caves of Bhaja and Karla, which are located near this hill station.
Mahabaleshwar Hill Station:
The highest hill station in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar is situated at 1372 meters around Lake Venna, Mahabaleshwar is Sanskrit for God of Great Power. It was summer capital of Governor of the old Bombay Presidency.Covering 10 sq km. There are 30 valley viewpoints with panoramic vistas scattered around the hill station and their access roads make for shady, pleasant walks and treks. The area has strong historical connections with Shivaji, the heroic Maratha warrior king.
The Britishers built various mansions, cottages and bungalows around the town, lending it a charming, sophistication. The place is popular with tourists, especially from Mumbai and Pune, wanting to take a break from the rush of rat race. the hill-station is very crowded during vacations like christmas & Diwali and in summers.
Matheran Hill Station:
Situated at an altitude of 800 mt this picturesque hill station is the nearest to Mumbai, lying 104 km away. It is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees and ringed by walking tracks leading to lookouts that drop sheer to the plains. Matheran truely is Maharashtra's one of the most beautiful and well maintained hill station. The availability of road and railway have made it accessible to all people irrespective of their age. Also the ban on motor vehicles inside Matheran have helped to preserve its beauty and keep intact its natural touch. The presence of hotel's and lodging boarding facilities have made it possible to have a multiday stay in Matheran and thoroughly enjoy nature's beauty. Due to ban on motor vehicles in Matheran the modes of transport in Martheran are limited to horses and rickshaws (pulled by humans), however seeing thevarious points in Matheran by walking is equally enjoyable.
Panchgani Hill Station:
Only sixteen kms from Mahabaleshwar, the hillstation of Panchgani is lesser known to tourists but no less inviting. Swoops around bends with abandon, offering heart stopping views of the river krishna on one side & the coastal plains on the other. Once strongly recommended for consumptive Britishers, the air here is rich in oxygen content and the water is said to contain traces of hemoglobin boosting iron.Panchgani is the quintessential hill station, with the Raj stamped indelibly all over it. It can be seen in the old architecture of the old British buildings, the parsi houses, & the boarding schools that have been for a century or more. A key geographical feature is the table topped plateau (panch = five, gani=plateaus) shaped by flattened volcanic rock.
In the evenings it turns into a makeshift fair with ferris wheels, pony rides and a variety of food stalls.Panchgani is often referred to as the 'Mecca of Maharashtra' If you want to enjoy the beauty of the hill Station Panchgani you may go for a pony ride. The ride through the hamlets, farms and ravines with the gorgeous greens and the ravishing river Krishna of Panchgani will surely enchant you.
Panhala Hill Station:
The history of Panhala is also the history of Marathas. Situated at a magnificent height of 3177 feet above sea level, Panhala commands a panoramic and awesome view of the valley. There are innumerable places of interest , each with its share of haunting anecdotes. Sajja Kothi, where Sambhaji was imprisoned. Ambabai Temple, where Shivaji used to seek blessings before venturing on expeditions. Pavankhind, where Baji Prabhu laid down his life to cover Shivaji's escape.
Saputara Hill Station:
Saputara, literally the ‘abode of serpents’, is Saputara best known hill resort ,at the height of 875 metres, saputara offers a pleasant climate and panoramic view of lush green Dang forest. The hill station is small enough to be entirely covered by foot. perched on a plateau in the Dangs forest area in the Sahyadri range of mountains, offering breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. The town has an image of a serpent on the banks of the river Sarpganga which is worshipped by adivasis or tribals.
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