Things To Do
in Khandāla
Khandāla is a picturesque hill station nestled in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. It is known for its lush greenery, enchanting waterfalls, and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The town is a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful retreat from city life, and offers opportunities for trekking and outdoor activities.
Khandāla's cool and pleasant climate makes it an ideal escape during the hot summer months.
- "kiddan" - How are you?
- "shukriya" - Thank you
- "tuhada naa ki hai" - What is your name?
- "ki haal chaal" - How are things?
- "chalo" - Let's go
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing hike to the scenic Duke's Nose viewpoint. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and capture some stunning photos.
Visit Bhushi Dam to relax and enjoy the cool water. You can also indulge in some local snacks from nearby stalls.
Experience a beautiful sunset from Lion's Point. This is the perfect end to a day filled with nature’s beauty.
Begin your day with a peaceful walk through the lush greenery of Khandāla. Breathe in the fresh mountain air to energize yourself for the day.
Explore the picturesque Khandala Lake, where you can have a picnic. Take a boat ride to enjoy the serene surroundings.
Attend a local cultural event if available, or simply enjoy a quiet evening by the lake. Reflect on your day's experiences as the stars come out.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful mountainous scenery and lush greenery.
- Pleasant climate, especially during the monsoon and winter seasons.
- Rich in historical sites and architecture, including colonial-era bungalows and forts.
- Ideal for outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, and nature walks.
- Proximity to Mumbai and Pune, making it a convenient getaway.
- Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons, leading to a less peaceful experience.
- Limited public transportation options, often requiring private vehicles.
- Some areas may have inadequate infrastructure and maintenance.
- Higher costs associated with tourism compared to nearby less touristy locations.
- Risk of landslides during heavy monsoon rains, affecting safety and accessibility.
Best Activities in Khandāla
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful hills and valleys around Khandāla through various trekking trails such as Duke's Nose, Rajmachi Fort, and Visapur Fort.
Soar through the skies and get breathtaking aerial views of the surrounding landscape by trying paragliding at nearby locations like Kamshet.
Visit stunning waterfalls such as Kune Falls and Bhaja Falls for a refreshing natural experience amidst lush greenery.
Tours
Uncover the best of Khandāla with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Khandāla
Visit one of these nice places.
Tiger's Leap is a popular viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the lush green valleys and hills of Khandāla. It is an excellent spot for photography and enjoying panoramic vistas.
Rajmachi Point is another scenic location in Khandāla known for its picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and misty landscapes, making it perfect for capturing memorable photos.
Lion's Point is renowned for its panoramic views of the valley and is an ideal place for photography enthusiasts to capture the scenic beauty of Khandāla.
Food in Khandāla
Khandāla Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A flavorful curry made with sprouted moth beans, topped with crispy fried snacks, onions, tomatoes, and served with pav (bread rolls). It's a beloved breakfast or snack option in Khandāla.
Must-Try!
A light and nutritious breakfast dish made from flattened rice, often seasoned with mustard seeds, turmeric, and garnished with onions, coriander, and lemon juice. It's a popular street food available in many local stalls.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Khandāla better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Lona Bazaar is famous for its vibrant street food scene, offering a variety of local snacks like vada pav, bhel puri, and pav bhaji. It's an excellent place to explore local street food culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Khandāla, it is important to show respect for elders by using proper titles and addressing them with deference.
Appropriate dress is important in Khandāla, with modest clothing being the norm, especially when visiting religious sites or attending traditional events.
Greetings are typically accompanied by a slight bow or a Namaste gesture, showing respect and acknowledging the other person.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Khandāla with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Khandāla
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not generally expected in Khandāla, India. However, if you receive exceptional service at a restaurant or hotel, a tip of 5-10% of the bill can be given as a token of appreciation.
In Khandāla, India, cash is still widely used for most transactions. However, many establishments also accept major credit and debit cards. It's always advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and local markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Khandāla.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for lush greenery, beautiful waterfalls, and a cool climate. However, trekking and outdoor activities may be limited due to heavy rain.
Ideal for cool and pleasant weather, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. This season offers clear skies and scenic views.
Expect hot and humid weather, but this is a good time for adventure activities like trekking and hiking. It's best to avoid visiting during the peak of summer to escape the heat.
Khandāla at Night
Hiking in Khandāla
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular viewpoint near Khandala offering stunning vistas of the Western Ghats and the surrounding valleys. It's a great spot for hiking and photography.
A prominent trekking destination near Khandala, famous for its distinctive shape resembling a man's nose. It offers a challenging climb and rewards hikers with panoramic views.
The hills surrounding Khandala offer numerous trails for hiking. The lush green landscape and cool weather make it an excellent choice for outdoor activities.
A scenic location with walking trails and hills in the vicinity. Ideal for a peaceful hike while enjoying the natural beauty and serenity of the area.
A historical fort located approximately 15 km from Khandala, this trek takes you through dense forests and offers fascinating views of the fort and surrounding landscapes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Khandāla through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Khandāla by plane.
Located in Mumbai, approximately 83 km from Khandala, this is the primary international airport serving the Mumbai metropolitan area.
Situated around 98 km from Khandala, this airport serves the city of Pune and surrounding regions with both domestic and international flights.
Located in Ahmedabad, approximately 570 km from Khandala, this airport handles a significant number of international flights.
Around 460 km from Khandala, located in Dabolim, Goa, this airport services numerous international routes, particularly popular with tourists.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Khandāla, predominantly speaking the Marathi language and following Hindu traditions.
A significant number of Gujarati-speaking individuals who have settled in Khandāla, often involved in trade and business.
People from various North Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, living in Khandāla, contributing to the local culture.
A smaller population of diverse ethnic groups, including Christians, Parsis, and Jains, residing in Khandāla.
The Soul of Khandāla
Discover the essence of Khandāla through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely popular sport in Khandāla, played by both locals and tourists, with many matches organized in parks and open grounds.
Khandāla is known for its scenic trails, making trekking a popular activity among adventure enthusiasts.
Cycling through the hilly terrain and scenic landscapes is a favored pastime for both residents and visitors.
Khandāla features a few golf courses, making it a popular site for golf aficionados.
A commonly played sport in local clubs and homes, badminton enjoys popularity among various age groups.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Khandāla.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Khandāla is vegetarian-friendly, with many restaurants and street food vendors offering a wide range of vegetarian dishes like sabudana khichdi, sabudana vada, and vegetable pulao.
While vegan options may be limited in traditional dishes, many restaurants are accommodating to vegan dietary preferences and can customize dishes or offer vegan-friendly alternatives upon request.
For gluten-free options, dishes like sabudana khichdi, grilled corn, fresh fruit chaat, and vegetable skewers are readily available, and some cafes offer gluten-free dessert options as well.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Khandāla with these cultural adventures.
