Lonavla and Khandala, twin hill stations are a great choice as weekend getaways from Mumbai. For many couples, visiting Lonavla and Khandala on their honeymoon is de-rigueur as these hill stations are imbued with beautiful vistas and romantic aura. Lonavla commands an exalted position on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, at a height of 625 m and Khandala is a little lower. The journey to Lonavla and Khandala is wonderful - a picturesque drive on roads winding around the Western Ghats. If you prefer to take the train to Lonavla and Khandala, get ready for at least twenty tunnels cut into the basaltic rock, a train ride of a lifetime for sure!

Activity / Things to see and do
As you drink in the crisp air and feast your eyes on the scenery from Lonavla and Khandala, let your mind wander away to the surrounding mountains and the plains spread out to the edge of the horizon. For miles around from either of these hill stations, you see green hills, deep valleys, dense forests, lakes and cascading waterfalls. Whether you are on your honeymoon or just getting away from Mumbai blues, Lonavla and Khandala are a balm for the mind, body and soul.

Surrounding the hill stations of Lonavla and Khandala are the famous caves and forts of Shivaji's Maratha kingdom. Deep valleys and a thick forest surround the imposing Rajmachi Fort.
Other equally impressive forts are the Manoranjan Fort, Shrivardhan fort, Visapur Fort, Lohagad Fort and the Tunga Fort with arsenals and guardhouses. Placid water bodies and silver cascades add their charm to Lonavla-Khandala. Walk around the Pavna Lake, Lonavla Lake, Tungarli Lake, Valvan Lake on the Valvan Dam and Bushi Lake.

From the beautiful Kune Falls the water crashes down 100m to a pool below, a sight visible from the Khandala Ghat. Tiger's Leap is curiously shaped cliff - a sheer 650 m drop into the valley. The days will just slip by before you know it in Lonavla and Khandala.

Get your fill of walking, pony riding, browsing through Lonavla's bazaars and feasting on delicious sweet peanut and dry fruit chikki and jams. So head off for these perennial hill stations, and discover that bliss is lurking right in your own backyard!