The Dukes Retreat

Rates offered and Terms and conditions mentioned are indicative and may be subject to change as per hotel's policy

• Package valid till 31 March 2019.
• Package can be extended on pro-rata basis.
• Tariff & Taxes are subject to change without prior notice.
• As per Govt norm Guest's are required to present your photo ID Proof such as Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID or Driving License at the time of Check in at the hotel.
• These rates are not applicable during Christmas & new year period please get in touch with us for the same.
• Supplementary charges may also be applicable during Long weekends, Public Holidays and Festival time such as Diwali etc.

Dukes Retreat, gets it name from 'Dukes Nose', a majestic cliff on the Sahyadri range of mountains facing the hotel. On the edge of a 500 ft cliff overlooking the entire Khandala Ghat, surrounded by hills and waterfalls, is the expansive and luxurious Dukes Retreat. This premier resort with five star amenities in Khandala boasts breathtaking view as well as warm hospitality and best in class services that can be enjoyed in a friendly and relaxing environment.So if you are looking for tranquility, luxury, rejuvenation, efficiency and personalised service, look no further than Duke Retreat.

Hotel Type: Resort
Star Rating: Three Star
Address: Mumbai Pune Expressway, Khandala, Maharashtra.

Nearest domestic airport is Pune, which is at a distance of 66 km from Khandala. Nearest major international airport is Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, which is nearly 83 km from Khandala. Mumbai (Bombay) is well connected to all major cities in India and also connected to many cities abroad.

Lonavala is the nearest railway station which is connected to Pune and Mumbai by regular local trains. The major railway junctions nearby are Pune and Mumbai, which are connected to all stations in India.

Conveniently located at 100 km from Mumbai, 65 km from Pune, 15 minutes drive from the popular Lonavala and 2 km from nearest railhead Khandala. Khandala hill station is well connected to other cities in and around by state owned public transport buses. Many private owned buses also provide transport service between Khandala and neighboring cities, including Mumbai and Pune.

Introduction:

Khandala is a hill station that is situated at a distance of 120 kms from Mumbai. The peaceful town of Khandala overlooks a picturesque valley and is surrounded by wet-season waterfalls. The timeless appeal of the hill resort is sure to bowl you over. Khandala is located a little lower on the slopes of the Sahyadris. The picturesque drive winding around the Western Ghats and the equally splendid train journey weaving through at least twenty tunnels cut into the basaltic rock before it ends at Khandala is some experience. Khandala will entice you to come back over and over again.

Destination Facts:

Location- Maharashtra, Pune
Altitude -559 Metres.
Temperature- (Summer 22 to 40°C) & (Winter 12 to 33°C)
Languages Spoken: Marathi, Hindi& English.

Getting There:

Nearest Airports - The nearest international airport is Bombay (110 km) and domestic airport is Pune (66km). From either of the city airports you would have to take a taxi or bus to Khandala.
Main Railway Station - The nearest international airport is Bombay (110 km) and domestic airport is Pune (66km). From either of the city airports you would have to take a taxi or bus to Khandala.
Main Bus Station or Road - The Mumbai-Bangalore National Highway connecting southern and western India passes through Khandala -Lonavala. The drive winds its way up tiers of ghats including the arduous Khopoli - Khandala Ghat.

Distance of a few Major Towns from Khandala:

Lonavala-4km, Khopoli-8km, Karjat-24km, Matheran-61km, Panvel-45km.

Eating Around:

Multi-cuisine like North Indian, Gujarati, continental and Chinese cuisines

Places of Tourist Interest:

Duke's Nose - Which is a cliff named after Duke Wellington - it is said that this cliff resembled his nose! One can visit the place by approaching from INS Shivaji and Kurwande Village. The spot is a vantage point for observing the scenic views around. This is also a great rock climbing area for the avid outdoor lover.Dotted along the hillside are the famous caves and forts of Shivaji's Maratha kingdom. The imposing Rajmachi Fort can be approached only on foot as it sits surrounded by deep valleys on three sides and a thick forest on the fourth. Other equally impressive forts are the Manoranjan Fort, Shrivardhan fort, Visapur Fort, Lohagad Fort and the Tunga Fort with arsenals and guardhouses.

The Karla Caves - Were made in or around 160 BC and are the biggest 'Chaitya Caves' (prayer halls) here. The caves with viharas (monasteries) were excavated for the Buddhist monks who came here during the monsoons. The interiors have lion pillars, huge elephant forms, carved representations of Gautam Buddha and dancing couples. The entrance gate is in the shape of a "Peepul" leaf through which one enters the huge Chaitya griha or hall. This large hall is full of smooth stone pillars, which are carved with elephant and human forms and the roof is high and semicircular.

Getting Around the Destination:

Walking is a good way to get around, but having a vehicle (even a bicycle) is still better, as some points of interest are quite some distance from the main towns. Taxis and public conveyance is available.

Additional Things To Do:

The hilly terrain of this hill station offers endless opportunities for adventure activities in Khandala. Adventure enthusiasts can go for hiking and trekking here. Most of the treks are quite tough with the most popular ones being to Duke's Nose and Kalri Hills. Make sure you start your trek early as it tends to get dark pretty early in these areas.

Best Time to Visit:

October to April that is considered the best time to visit Khandala.

Festival:

Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Ekvira Devi festival are some of the festivals in Khandala that are celebrated with pomp and fanfare.

Local Markets are good from shopping out here.