Khodala

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.

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.

October to March

Some of the must visit places in Khodala are as follows:

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.

Igatpuri is the nearest railway station (at the distance of 30 km.) to Khodala which is connected to Mumbai and Pune by regular trains. Visitors arriving at Igatpuri by trains can reach Khodala by hired taxi or bus. Nearest major airport is the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai which is about 119 km. from Khodala. Hired taxi services from Mumbai to Khodala are available. Best way to reach Khodala is by bus as it is well connected with most of the cities in Maharashtra with bus. Regular bus services are available from Mumbai, Pune, and Igatpuri. Walking around the village is the best way of enjoying the visit.

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.

There are no hotels in Khodala where visitors can camp except the Wild Camp Resort where arrangements for camp fire, food, and beverages are available besides services offered by the resort staff. Most of the visitors that desire to spend more than a day for sightseeing in Khodala and around the village stay in Igatpuri where several resorts and hotels are available by the side of NH3.