If you’re planning to visit Lonavla and Khandala from Shirdi by cab, you’re in for a beautiful experience! Both of these hill stations are located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra and are perfect for a peaceful retreat with scenic views, cool weather, and natural beauty.

Distance & Travel Time:

• Distance from Shirdi to Lonavla: Approximately 180 km (about 4-5 hours by road).

• Distance from Lonavla to Khandala: Around 20 km (30-40 minutes).

Suggested Itinerary for Shirdi to Lonavla and Khandala:

Morning: Departure from Shirdi

• Time: Leave Shirdi early, around 7:00 AM, to reach Lonavla by around 12:00 PM.

• Mode of Transport: Hire a cab (you can choose a sedan, SUV, or a larger vehicle based on your preference and group size).

1. Lonavla – Places to Visit

Once you reach Lonavla, there are a number of natural and historical sites you can explore.

• Lonavla Lake:

  • About: A peaceful lake with beautiful views, especially in the monsoon season. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed morning or afternoon.

  • Time: 1 hour (ideal for a short visit).

• Bhushi Dam:

  • About: Located around 5 km from Lonavla, this dam is a popular spot during the monsoon season, with water cascading down the steps. It’s great for a quick visit and for taking some photographs.

  • Time: 1-1.5 hours.

• Tiger’s Leap:

  • About: A cliff-top with panoramic views of the lush green valley below. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

  • Time: 30-45 minutes.

• Karla Caves:

  • About: These ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves are situated on the outskirts of Lonavla. The caves are known for their beautiful sculptures and inscriptions.

  • Time: 1-2 hours.

• Della Adventure Park (Optional):

  • About: If you’re interested in adventure activities, Della Adventure Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including dirt biking, archery, and more.

  • Time: 2-3 hours, depending on the activities you choose.

Lunch & Break (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

• Stop at a local restaurant or café in Lonavla for a relaxed lunch. You can try some local Maharashtrian snacks like misal pav or vada pav, or go for a more substantial meal.

2. Khandala – Explore the Nearby Hills

After lunch, you can head towards Khandala, which is just a short drive from Lonavla.

• Rajmachi Point:

  • About: Known for its stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, Rajmachi Point offers breathtaking views of the Sahyadri range. It’s a peaceful spot perfect for photography and nature walks.

  • Time: 30 minutes.

• Duke’s Nose:

  • About: A popular vantage point, Duke’s Nose offers a fantastic view of the surrounding landscape, with its dramatic cliffs and valleys.

  • Time: 30 minutes.

• Karla & Bhaja Caves (optional):

  • About: If you didn’t visit the Karla Caves in Lonavla, you can visit them on the way to Khandala. They are Buddhist rock-cut caves with impressive architecture.

• Sunset Point (Optional):

  • About: If you have time, you can stop at a Sunset Point to enjoy the beautiful view of the sun setting over the hills and valleys.

Evening: Return to Shirdi

After visiting Khandala, you can start heading back to Shirdi, and you should reach by 8:00 PM or later, depending on the time spent at each spot.

Places to Visit Summary:

Lonavla:

1. Lonavla Lake

2. Bhushi Dam

3. Tiger’s Leap

4. Karla Caves

5. Della Adventure Park (if interested in adventure activities)

Khandala:

1. Rajmachi Point

2. Duke’s Nose

3. Sunset Point

4. Karla & Bhaja Caves (optional)

Suggestions:

• Comfortable Clothing: Since you’ll be visiting some natural spots, wear comfortable shoes and casual clothing.

• Water & Snacks: Keep some water, snacks, and light food in the car, especially if you plan to take long walks at these scenic spots.