Weekend exploration - Lonavala - Khandala

We take you today to yet another weekend getaway - Lonavala <-> Khandala!

Considered as one of the prime hill station of the western ghats among many...

We started our journey from Pune by road. It was a pleasant ride as we enjoyed the climate, road and so less traffic!

There were many options suggested to us, by the Google Maps, as we ventured towards Lonavala. Avoiding toll was also lurking in our mind as we saw options but that was time taking and would have seized us from the mind blowing scenes. So, we hit the Mumbai - Pune Express way.

Pretty confused with the toll amount that would be charged on us, we still took the shot to experience. And that was something heavy.

Mumbai Pune Express Way - 138 (to Lonavala, single entry)

But that would not gave us the view so mesmerizing.

It was about 1.5 hrs straight drive and we reached Lonavala. Since it was an unplanned venture, we took the help of google and found the place to visit.

We marked our presence at:

Waghjai Temple
Rajmachi Garden
Tiger Valley
Bhushi Dam
Ekvira Temple
Karla Caves

Now, there are few things to remember and must be in the checklist. Just an FYI!

Wear a comfortable sports shoes (recommended to all) as there will be a little of hiking to some points.
Parking charges to Bhushi dam is INR 100. If you are OK with a little walking, you can park your car at a distance and have a walk towards the dam. There is no easy road to the dam, the path is full of rocks and uneven.
As you enter the way to Ekvira temple & Karla Caves, you have to pay INR 30/- as entry fees, then it’s about 1 km uphill, hair-pin drive. As you reach at the top, the parking charges is another INR 10/-. But mind you, at max 50 cars can be parked.
Another hint, if you want to save the parking charges at Ekvira, park your car adjacent to the wall on the road before you enter.
It is another 1 km uphill hike through the steep, rocky, slippery steps. You would find various shops along the way, snacks stall, items to offer prayer at the temple, toys, etc. You should be extra careful as you climb up or climb down as the path is always wet and people tend to fall. You don’t want to fall on the step!!!

Karla Caves closes at 5 pm. Keep a track on time and visit the caves before it closes.

Once you are on your way to Ekvira temple - Karla Caves, you will hit the Lonavala Toll. This toll would charge you INR 35 (Single entry). Should you wish to head back to Pune, by the same highway, take the toll ticket till Pune.

This would charge you another INR 35 (Single entry).

Lonavala - Talegaon Express Way - INR 70 (Single Entry)

But this express way is not so wide and free as the other one was.

With the last toll paid at Talegaon, we had marked our day exploring another place along with our odometer showing 180 for the day. Yet the place isn't completely explored and one may chose to stay at Lonavala. There are number of hotels / Resorts to spend more time with natural beauty.