Dukes Retreat, Khandala

Dukes Retreat is a mid-range hillside resort located in Khandala, a small hill station adjacent to Lonavala in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra, approximately 76 kilometres from Mumbai and 64 kilometres from Pune along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway corridor. Sitting at an elevation of around 625 metres, the property takes advantage of Khandala's dramatic valley setting and offers views across the Western Ghats that are particularly striking during the monsoon season from June through September when the hillsides are thickly carpeted in green.

The resort is set within a wooded garden landscape and comprises a mix of cottages and standard hotel rooms distributed across the hillside property. Cottage accommodations are popular for their sense of privacy, proximity to the natural woodland surroundings, and private sit-out areas, with several cottages featuring valley-facing orientation that makes them sought-after for couples and anniversary stays. Standard rooms and family configurations in the main building are equipped with air conditioning, satellite television, and Wi-Fi access.

An outdoor swimming pool is a key amenity at Dukes Retreat, positioned to take advantage of the valley scenery and used extensively during the summer months from March through June when visitors from Mumbai and Pune seek relief from city heat in the cooler hill station climate. The pool area connects to bar service and casual outdoor seating, and is one of the most photographed aspects of the property. The in-house restaurant serves Indian, Continental, and Chinese cuisine across breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the kitchen noted for its North Indian and Mughlai-style preparations. Room service is available for guests preferring to dine in their cottages.

The immediate area around Khandala offers access to well-known viewpoints including Tiger Point, Rajmachi Point, and vantage spots overlooking the historic Bhor Ghat railway section — one of India's engineering feats of the 19th century. Duke's Nose Peak, a distinctive rocky outcrop, provides a moderate trekking opportunity beginning from the Khandala base. The adjacent township of Lonavala, 3 to 5 kilometres away, is famous for its chikki (jaggery and peanut brittle) and fudge confectionery, and its markets are a standard excursion from the resort. Bhushi Dam and Rajmachi Fort are accessible as day-trip destinations, and the ancient Karla and Bhaja Buddhist cave complexes are within 15 to 20 kilometres.