Khandala, set at a height of 625 mt, located on the western 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.
Celebrity Wax Museum is a simulation of the Madam Tussad’s Museum of London and is situated at a
distance of around 6 km from Khandala. This museum was founded by a 40 year old wax artist from
the Southern state of Kerala. As the name suggests, this museum houses the wax structures of popular
celebrities including actors, politicians and social activists. Wax structure of ancient Maratha ruler
Chattrapati Shivaji is the prime attraction of this museum. Other famous celebrities whose wax images
have been instilled in this museum include Pandit Nehru, Indira Gandhi, M.K Gandhi, Hitler and Dance
King Michael Jackson.
Rajmachi fort is located at a distance of around 10 km from Khandala and is situated on the State highway
of Lonavala. One has to go through a historical trek named Borghat to reach this fort which is beautifully
built on the summit of Western Ghats. Rajmachi fort is spread across two peaks named Manoranjan and
Shrivardham and is primarily situated on a plateau that joins these two peaks. The fort complex has been
decorated with artistic sculptures, carved pillars, paintings and water compounds. One can get a magnificent
view of the entire town of Khandala from the top of this fort.
Bhushi Lake is situated at a distance of around 15 km from Khandala on the popular Chattrapati Shivaji
highway. This lake is known for its serene surroundings, calm water and various picnic spots that
surround it. Bhushi Lake is surrounded by a beautiful network of small waterfalls and attracts the
maximum number of tourists during the months of July and August. A large number of tourists also get
attracted to this lake because of delicious food stalls and rubber merchandise shops that are situated
around it.
Bhaja Caves were built during the 2nd century B.C and represent a set of around 20 rock cut
Buddhist caves. These caves are surrounded by the Arabian Sea on their eastern side and by the
Deccan plateau on their western side. Bhaja Caves were initially built for meditational purposes by
the followers of Buddhism and represent the great architectural brilliance of Buddhist art. These caves
house around 15 stupas and are surrounded by a beautiful waterfall. The interiors of these caves are
artistically decorated with rock carvings, paintings and exotic sculptures.