Best time to visit : October to March
Situated at 1800 ft. above the sea levels, Khodala is part of Thane District in the State of Maharashtra in West India. Largely inhibited by tribal people, the village offers a lush green scenario with thick woody forests surrounding it. People of the village are still inspired by traditional tribal values and the theme on which the tourism has been developed in the area also revolves round the tribal culture and heritage.
Facts
Khodala is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Maharashtra in the southern ranges of Sahyadri hills about 126 km. from Dadar. Its proximity to Mumbai and easy accessibility has made it one of the most popular tourist places. Calm and quiet environment of the village is loved by the tourists and travellers. It is not only a tribal village but also an amazing picnic spot. Aborigines in the village continue practicing animal sacrifice, a tradition inherited from the Vedic age. Besides being an interesting picnic spot, Khodala also offers facilities for adventurous activities like mountain biking, trekking, and waterfalls. For those looking for more peaceful endeavours, bird watching is a great attraction in and around the village. Local people can be persuaded to act as tourist guide in lieu of small remuneration.
At Khodala the visitors can enjoy local berries and wild seasonal fruits that are served in pala leaf cones. There are no urban style restaurants here, but you can find locals providing serving lip smacking fried fish with smoky local flavour at low rates. Visitors are advised to carry their own food and water.
Besides wild berries and seasonal fruits as well as the fried fishes; visitors can shop for the phadkis that are dupattaz worn by tribal people. They are as broad as the traditional sari and about 3 mt. long. Not only do these garments make great dupattasz but can also be stitched into sarongs. Though there are no shopping complexes, some tribal articles like tribal ornaments and herbal products can be purchased from the local people including. Travellers are advised not to purchase animal skins or other products. They are prohibited under the law of the land.
Nearby Places:
- Nearest important place to Khodala is Igatpuri that is famous amongst travellers.
- Mumbai is the nearest city that is famous for numerous things including Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Film city, World Trading Centre and many others.
- It is also the capital of Maharashtra.
- Another nearby place of interest is Tansa wildlife sanctuary spread over 320 acres in Thane district that is famous for Tansa Lake and multiple species of animals and birds.