Rolling Trolling Rail Trail @Khandala!!!

Splashing under springs, trekking in monsoon had become little common these days. So thought of doing something different... a little HATKE. I have travelled to Mumbai no. of times; and it's always splendid while crossing Khandala. Instead of enjoying the view from train, this time we planned to walk on the tracks.

We caught Sahiyadri Express from Pune station and it was so delayed (due to acccident as Kasara) that we're going to cancel the trip. Anyways, finally we started off around 8:20am (instead 7:00am) and reached Khandala station by 10:30am. And we got down on the tracks.

Khandala Station

And the tunnel starts. We thought of taking the right tunnel, so that we can see what is coming to us. But local peoople asked us to take the left tunnel as it's broader.

There are two lines going through the left tunnel and both the tracks headed towards Mumbai while the onle track in the right tunnel is for the trains towards Pune.

The tunnel is almost a kilometer long. We're thrilled as we enter the tunnel.

Water was licking from the roof of the tunnel and a train passed us. And it was more thrilling; can't explain in words.

Once you out of the tunnel it's paradise. Just for info, hills at the left side are known as Bor Ghat (sometimes pronounced as Bhor Ghat) and the right side is known as Khandala Ghat.

Dukes Nose Valley

But more tunnels are yet to come, though are not as big as the previous one.

We passed two more tunnels. And we're almost at our desired location. But, but, but...

There're more adventures waiting for us. We're just about to explore the spectacular Khandala Ghat, and we found a few Gray Langurs on the tracks at a distance around 300 meters. And within a minute, it becomes a gang of 20-25. Naturally, we're little scared. Langurs are normally of calm nature; but to my surprise they are very turbulent even more then monkeys.

We became more scared when they started copying our movement. They were moving to the same railway track where we moved. We packed everything tightly and  decided to return back. But, but, but...

It's not the end and this time, it's the monkey gang. And we left with no option except moving through them. As we get closer, we realized that they're on the tracks for the foods thrown from the trains. As we move forward, they step aside from our way. We found a old man inspecting railway tracks; we asked about the Gray Langoors and he confirms that they are harmless.
Anyways, we're already long way back from the spot and didn't go back.

We found a small way that links Mumbai-Pune Highway. We way up the route and spent the rest of the time at the various points of Khandala.

This point is really nice. In the mid of the Highway, it gives a wide view of Khandala along with the highway.

Dukes Nose Point

Panorama View from Dukes Nose Point

Sunset Point is a very popular point though I didn't get a good view of Sunset from this point despite having five visits to Khandala. In monsoon, clouds are the obstacle and in other times, it's dust.

View from Sunset Point

We walked up to Rajmachi Point. It was cloudy, spent some time. And it's time to return.

View from Rajmachi Point

After a lot bargain, we took an auto-rickshaw to Lonavla and from there train to Pune.


Final words, it was a nice hop with different flavor.