Shooting Point
Shooting Point, located in the scenic hills of Khandala (adjacent to Lonavala), is one of the region's most famous and accessible viewpoints. As the name suggests, this spot has historically been a favorite location for filmmakers, especially those from Bollywood and regional cinema, due to its stun ning and easily reachable panoramic views. The viewpoint sits atop the hills, offering a magnificent, sweeping, and aerial view of the vast, green Sahyadri valleys below. Most importantly, it provides one of the clearest and most iconic views of the historic Rajmachi Fort and its twin citadels, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, nestled in the distant hills. The location is easily accessible by car or local taxi, making it a quick and rewarding stop for all types of tourists, unlike the longer trek required for many other sites. It's a place where one can instantly feel the refreshing mountain air and witness the impressive scale of the Western Ghats. The views are particularly spectacular during sunrise and sunset, when the light dramatically colors the sky and highlights the contours of the valley. It is an ideal spot for photography, picnicking, and simply enjoying a break from the busy city life. It is often considered a quieter alternative to the more crowded viewpoints in the area. Its proximity to other popular spots like Tiger Point and Duke's Nose makes it a perfect part of a larger sightseeing itinerary in the Lonavala-Khandala region.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 Hours (Sufficient for viewing, photography, and relaxation).Place Type:
Scenic Viewpoint, Film Location, Photography Spot,Entry Fees:
No Entry Fee: Shooting Point is a natural, government-maintained viewpoint and generally has no entry fee or ticket required for access.
Parking Fees: Similar to other nearby viewpoints, local vendors or authorities may charge a small, custo...No Entry Fee: Shooting Point is a natural, government-maintained viewpoint and generally has no entry fee or ticket required for access.
Parking Fees: Similar to other nearby viewpoints, local vendors or authorities may charge a small, customary parking fee for private vehicles (cars and bikes) that stop near the viewing area. This fee is nominal, usually around Rs.20 to Rs.50.
Photography/Filming Fees (Commercial): While personal photography is free, professional, commercial filming (like for movies, advertisements, or music videos) requires obtaining special permits from local film bodies and paying a substantial commercial usage fee.
Road/Toll Fees: While not a fee for the point itself, visitors driving to Lonavala/ Khandala via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will incur tolls, which should be factored into the overall cost of visiting the area.Timing:
Regular Timings (Access): Shooting Point is technically accessible 24 hours a day, as it is an open natural viewpoint located by the road.
Ideal Visit Time - Morning: 5:30 AM to 8:00 AM is the most ideal time to visit, allowing you to witnes...Regular Timings (Access): Shooting Point is technically accessible 24 hours a day, as it is an open natural viewpoint located by the road.
Ideal Visit Time - Morning: 5:30 AM to 8:00 AM is the most ideal time to visit, allowing you to witness the spectacular sunrise and enjoy the quietest part of the day before the main crowds arrive.
Ideal Visit Time - Afternoon/Evening: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM is the second best time, perfect for catching the beautiful sunset and enjoying the cool evening breeze.
Midday Rush: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM sees the most crowds, especially on weekends, and the sun can be harsh for photography, making it the least ideal time.Special Events:
New Year's Eve/Weekend Crowds: While there are no formal, organized religious or cultural festivals, the period around New Year's Eve and most long weekends sees a dramatic increase in visitors. These times become a spontaneous "event" where large crowds gather to celebrate...New Year's Eve/Weekend Crowds: While there are no formal, organized religious or cultural festivals, the period around New Year's Eve and most long weekends sees a dramatic increase in visitors. These times become a spontaneous "event" where large crowds gather to celebrate, picnic, and welcome the New Year/weekend with a spectacular view.
Monsoon Cloud/Mist Viewing: Again, not a formal event, but the height of the monsoon (especially in August and September) is considered a special phenomenon. Trekkers and nature lovers gather to watch the low-hanging clouds and thick mist roll through the valley, often enveloping the viewpoint itself, creating a dramatic, ethereal "cloud show.
" Local Vendor Seasonal Fair: During the peak tourist season, the small, informal market of local vendors selling food, toys, and souvenirs near the point expands significantly, creating a bustling, temporary mini-fair atmosphere.Best Photo Spots:
The Valley Backdrop: Position yourself with the vast, sweeping valley and the tiered mountain ranges directly behind you for an incredible wide-angle landscape or portrait shot.
The Rajmachi Fort Frame: Use a zoom lens to capture a tight sho...The Valley Backdrop: Position yourself with the vast, sweeping valley and the tiered mountain ranges directly behind you for an incredible wide-angle landscape or portrait shot.
The Rajmachi Fort Frame: Use a zoom lens to capture a tight shot of the distant Rajmachi Fort, highlighting its outline against the sky, or frame yourself with the fort as the specific, distant focal point.
Sunrise/Sunset Silhouettes: This spot is ideal for silhouette photography. Position your subject in front of the rising or setting sun, capturing their outline against the fiery sky.
The Road and the Cliff Edge: Capture the winding road leading up to the point or the railings on the cliff edge to add a sense of scale and depth to your panoramic shots.
The "Filmy" Pose Spot: Find an open area and strike a dramatic, classic Bollywood pose, embracing the cinematic history of the location for a fun, themed photograph.
The Mist and Cloud Shots: During the monsoon, focus on capturing the thick, low-lying mist as it fills the valley, often leading to stunning, moody, black-and-white or desaturated photos.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Panoramic Sightseeing: The main activity is soaking in the vast, panoramic views of the entire valley. The high elevation provides a breathtaking perspective of the forested hills and the dramatic drop into the valley.
Photography: It is a photographer's paradise. Dedicate time to capturing the stunning vistas, the iconic outline of the Rajmachi Fort, and the play of light and shadow during sunrise or sunset.
Sunrise/Sunset Viewing: Arrive early in the morning to witness the sunrise when the sky bursts with color, or late in the afternoon for the equally stunning sunset.
Relaxation and Picnicking: The calm ambiance makes it perfect for a relaxed outing. Bring a blanket and a packed meal to enjoy a picnic amidst the scenic surroundings.
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Information
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Why Famous:
The Bollywood Connection: Shooting Point earned its iconic name and widespread fame because it has been used as a backdrop for numerous Indian movies (most notably the classic film Sholay, though some debate the exact location, its association with cinematic grandeur is firm...The Bollywood Connection: Shooting Point earned its iconic name and widespread fame because it has been used as a backdrop for numerous Indian movies (most notably the classic film Sholay, though some debate the exact location, its association with cinematic grandeur is firmly established). This connection gives it a unique draw for film enthusiasts.
Iconic View of Rajmachi Fort: It offers one of the best and clearest distant aerial views of the historic Rajmachi Fort, which is otherwise only accessible via a long trek. From Shooting Point, visitors can distinctly see the dual peaks of Shrivardhan and Manaranjan.
Easy Accessibility: Unlike many stunning viewpoints in the Sahyadris that require a difficult trek, Shooting Point is easily reachable by car or taxi, making it suitable for all age groups, including elderly visitors and families with young children.
Sunrise and Sunset Magic: The vantage point faces east/west at different angles, making it a prime location for capturing both the dramatic colors of sunrise and the serene glow of sunset, which are highly popular activities here. -
Architecture:
A Natural Viewing Deck with Minimal Intervention: Shooting Point is fundamentally a natural geographical feature—a jutting cliff or plateau—and its "architecture" is defined by the earth's natural form.
Dimension:
Read MoreA Natural Viewing Deck with Minimal Intervention: Shooting Point is fundamentally a natural geographical feature—a jutting cliff or plateau—and its "architecture" is defined by the earth's natural form.
Dimension:
Elevation: The point stands at a high elevation, providing an "aerial" perspective, typically around 600-650 meters (2,000-2,150 feet) above sea level. This height is sufficient to command a full view of the surrounding river valley and the distant Rajmachi Fort.
Viewing Platform: Any man-made elements are functional and minimal, consisting mostly of reinforced railings and perhaps a simple, paved area or a small protective wall for tourist safety. These additions are designed to blend into the natural rock formation and provide a safe viewing experience without obstructing the stunning view.
Road Access: A well-maintained road leads almost directly to the point, which is an intentional architectural/engineering effort to make this specific viewpoint highly accessible for both tourists and, historically, for film crews.
Scenic Integration: The point's strategic location ensures that the focus remains entirely on the natural panorama—the forested slopes, the misty valley floor, and the prominent outline of the Rajmachi Fort—making the man-made structures merely a safe frame for the natural masterpiece.
Surrounding Structures: The proximity to places like St. Mary Villa Rd indicates that while the viewpoint itself is natural, it is situated close to the established infrastructure of the Khandala town area.How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airports are Pune International Airport (PNQ, approx. 70 KMS) and Mumbai International Airport (BOM, approx. 110 KMS). From the airport, hire a pre-booked taxi to Khandala. The point is located within the Khandala town limits.
Read MoreNear Tourist Places:
Tiger's Leap (Tiger Point): (2 KMS) - Famous cliff-top viewpoint.
Duke's Nose (Nagphani): (4 KMS) - Distinctive cliff face, ideal for rappelling.
Rajmachi Point: (2 KMS) - Another viewpoint offering a clear sight of Rajmachi Fort.
Kune Waterfalls: (3 KMS) - One of the highest waterfalls in Maharashtra (seasonal).
Bushy Dam / Bhushi Dam: (10 KMS) - Popular check dam for splashing in water.
Lonavala Lake: (8 KMS) - Scenic lake, popular for its food stalls.
Karla Caves: (15 KMS) - Ancient Buddhist rock-cut temples.
Lohagad Fort: (18 KMS) - Well-maintained Maratha fort.
Wax Museum (Sunil's Celebrity Wax Museum): (7 KMS) - Popular indoor attraction.
Khandala Ghat Viewpoint: (1 KMS) - Specific point for viewing the railway ghat.Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety - Railings: Always stay within the safety railings and viewing platforms. The edges of the cliffs are dangerous, especially during the slippery monsoon season.
Health & Safety - Weather: Carry a light jacket or stole, as the...
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