The locality is hidden away from prying eyes, on the meandering highway between Pune and Mumbai. Khopoli in Maharashtra is mainly famous for the theme park present here. The place is like the midpoint between Mumbai and Pune and is visited by people from these urban centers. Families often visit the area as Imagica acts as a cheap getaway destination.
Khopoli is an industrial city in the Khalapur taluka of Raigad district, in the Indian state of Maharashtra, at the base of the Sahyadri mountains. Patalganga River, which is the tailrace channel of Tata Hydroelectric Power station, flows through Khopoli.
It is also located on NH-4, about 80 km (50 mi) south of Mumbai and 80 km (50 mi) from Pune. Industries are well developed due to the strategic importance of the region as the Mumbai - Pune national highway passes through the city.
The city is called a city of waterfalls due to a number of waterfalls in the rainy season. Due to the presence of industries, the city has attracted migrants from across India. The tourism industry has seen an uptick from a few years.
The theme park is a short distance from the hill station. The theme park has many adventurous rides and an attached water park and snow park.Imagica theme park is worth a visit and is amongst one of the best in India. The rides are not the only fun part. Many shows happen in the amusement park at various time slots, keeping the visitors entertained.
Mountainside worship complex founded by a revered yogi, with dense vegetation & bisected by a river. Gagangiri Ashram situated in lap of green mountains established by famous Sant Shree Gagan Giri Maharaj. The Ashram is in Khopoli, can be reached by road and rail (Mumbai local - central line) both. Atmosphere around this ashram very peace full and spiritual as well as a picnic spot, can be visited with family, alone or couple. Every weekend lots of people coming here for mental peace here.
ND Studios is a film and television production studio located in Karjat, Maharashtra a north suburb of Mumbai. Established in 2005, It is owned by Nitin Chandrakant Desai . Apart from films, it is also the location reality TV series, Bigg Boss hosted by Salman Khan. Over the years, it has also become a popular tourist destination, as it is a 20-minute drive from Khopoli, Maharashtra.
Varadavinayaka, is one of the Ashtavinayak temples of the Hindu deity Ganesha. It is located in Mahad village situated in Khalapur taluka near Khopoli of Raigad District, Maharashtra. These Ashtavinayaka are located on the ancient trade routes and are believed to be the protector of the travellers in the ancient period. The temple was built by Peshwa General Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar in 1725AD.
How can we ever forget about mentioning the most frequented and favourite spots of Punekars and Mumbaikars? Tiger Point is a spot that is filled with tourists and monsoon lovers. You’ll find a line of cars at the hilltop enjoying the amazing weather. What’s so special you ask? The point derives its name from its resemblance to the shape of a leaping tiger. Experience a sense of excitement and marvel as you watch the spectacular views of forests, lush greenery, waterfalls and lakes around. The sunrise and sunset views from here are mesmerizing. While the monsoon takes away the sun play sight but oh those gorgeous waterfalls, the breeze and the green view are what will steal your heart and if you are a first-timer you are sure to go back time and again to make the monsoon ka mazza.
Located at a vantage point between Bhushi Dam and Aamby Valley, this is another popular viewpoint in Lonavala. All contrary to popular belief, the point was not named because lots of lions used to roam around, but because the hill looks like a lion sitting in a sphinx position and we’re guessing the name just stuck! Not many know this, but the Lions Point is also known as the ‘Thumbs Up Point’ Because the peak looks like a thumb. Cool right? You can see Lonavala carpeted in different hues of green dotted with waterfalls. The point is open from 7 am to 7 pm every day and it does get crowded over the weekends.
Zenith Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfall sites in Maharashtra. The waterfalls can be reached through a short trek between ridges and troughs an narrow pathways. Just at the entrance of the waterfall there are a few makeshift stalls selling chai (tea) and roasted corn. The waterfall is about a good 25 feet high and is only active during the monsoon and attracts a lot of crowds on weekends. Many people spend time lazing around just a few meters away from the waterfall After the monsoon season is over and when the waterfall has dried up this very same location becomes a thriving place for rock-climbing and rappelling. Zenith waterfall is the ideal place to visit and have a very good up-close view of a waterfall that is not too far away from Mumbai/Pune.
The fort stands as a marker of the Maratha pride and velour. The area that was once the stronghold of the Martha empire now showcases that strength in the legacy that was left behind. The fort is an architectural marvel and would leave you awestruck. The area is often visited by trekkers and cyclist. The steep uphill drive makes the place a challenge that is worth conquering. The beautiful fort at the top makes the effort worthwhile. Rajmachi fort also presents a beautiful view of the surrounding area.
This fort was incorporated into his kingdom by the Maratha ruler Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj along with the forts of Lohagad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona in 1657. On 11 March 1818, Colonel Prother tried to take over this fort but even after a prolonged siege could not make any headway.A temple to its patron goddess Koraidevi also exists along with several smaller temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. The interesting part of the fort is that its wall is completely intact and one can walk along its entire perimeter(about 2 km). Its massive gate is also intact. Several ruins of older structures within the fort still exist. It has six cannons - the largest of which called the Laxmi Toph is located near the Korai Devi temple.