Lonavala : Pune, Maharashtra.

Lonavala is a hill station town and a Municipal Council in the Pune district in the Indian State of Maharashtra. It is about 64 km (40 miles) west of modern-day Pune city and 96 km (60 miles) to the east of Mumbai. It is known for its production of the hard candy chikki and is also a major stop on the railway line connecting Mumbai and Pune. From the Pune suburbs, local trains are available from Pune Junction. Both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway as well as the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway pass through Lonavala.

What is Lonavala mainly known for?

Lonavala : A popular hill station situated between Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra, Lonavala is known for its natural beauty and cool climate. Offering respite for those wishing to make a quick escape from Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala and its twin city, Khandala are the ideal getaway spots.

What is the best time to go Lonavala?

The best time to visit Lonavala is between the months of October and May. It is advised not to visit Lonavala in the monsoon season between the months of June and September, as it experiences heavy rainfall during this time.

What is the famous food of Lonavala?

Some of the popular dishes and snacks which you must try during a tour of Lonavala are the chola bhaturas, butter chicken and chocolate fudge. You must also try Maharashtrian usal, which is made out of curried sprouted lentils and beans. For a perfect vegetarian experience, try the traditional Maharashtrian thali.

Places To Visit In Lonavala:

(1) Tiger's Leap, Lonavala.

Tiger's Leap Lonavala.

Tiger’s Leap is a high tourist appeal that sits in the lap of nature at a top of 650 meters above sea stage. interestingly, this vantage point has been named so because of its shape that resembles a tiger taking a bounce into the valley. it's miles frequented by using adventure seekers who indulge in trekking and hiking here.

This beautiful web site with an echo factor and a stream flowing close by offers lovely views of the valley beneath that appeal to tourists in huge numbers. you may constantly percent a picnic lunch and head to this vicinity to spend some first-class time with your family.

(2) Bhaja Caves, Lonavala.

Bhaja Caves, Lonavala.

Bhaja Caves is a fixed of mind-blowing rock-cut caves, which has been categorised as a national monument. it is believed to be one of the oldest caves in India, belonging to 2nd to 1st century BCE, and the pleasant Buddhist excavations in these caves date back to the Hinayana section of Buddhism.

along with exploring these caves that in most cases include Chaityas and Viharas, you could take a clean dip in the close by waterfall as well as take a excursion of the luxurious environment. You want to take a zig-zag trail to attain the caves from its base at Bhaja Village.

(3) Karla Caves, Lonavala.

Karla Caves, Lonavala.

Karla Caves Is no longer too a ways from Bhaja Caves lies another famous tourist attraction – Karla Caves that houses the most important and most well preserved Hinayana Buddhist Chaitya within the us of a. related to Mahasamghika sect of Buddhism, those are one of the oldest rock-cut caves in India with the oldest one relationship back to the 1st century BCE.

you will be amazed to see great motifs, sculptures, inscriptions, stupas, pillars and 37-pillar aisle at Karla Caves that boasts of over 2000-year-old beams, amongst which some of them are still alive. you may additionally come upon a temple at the doorway that has been recently constructed the usage of pillars from the Buddhist period.

(4) Bhushi Dam, Lonavala.

Bhushi Dam, Lonavala.

Bhushi Dam - if you are looking for a picnic spot to spend quality time with friends and family, then head immediately to Bhushi Dam, which forms the famous Bhushi Lake. There are steps to get entry to this masonry dam at the Indrayani River, where you may take a seat and soak the nice and cozy sunshine as well as enjoy the beautiful views of the environment.

This popular traveller attraction has a tendency to get overcrowded at some point of weekends, specially within the monsoon season, whilst you could face difficulty in finding a respectable spot to sit down on the stairs. You have to note that swimming is prohibited right here due to the inconsistent water flow.

(5) Duke's Nose, Lonavala.

Duke's Nose, Lonavala.

Being a hill station, Lonavala has numerous vantage points, and Duke’s Nose is an amazing viewpoint that has been named after the Duke of Wellington because of the resemblance in shape. This place is also called Nagphani as its shape looks like a snake’s hood, and at the top, there is Mahadev Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Along with impressing nature lovers with its picturesque location, this place with long trails and rocky outcrops also attracts adventure seekers for trekking, rock climbing, rappelling, hiking, etc. Moreover, it is a famous picnic spot that you can visit with your friends and family for a fun outing.

(6) Tikona Fort, Lonavala.

Tikona Fort, Lonavala.

Tikona Fort, a popular historical site of the Maratha empire, acquires its name because of its triangular shape and is perched at a height of 1066 meters above sea level. Once captured by the Mughals, Shivaji Maharaj regained its control in the 1670s and continued to remain a prime fort of the Marathas (who called it Vitandgad) till the reign of Sambhaji.

The fort entrance is through a small cave, which leads you through a guard tower and a cluster of five caves. Within the fort, you can see a broken temple and a massive stone wheel, and at the top of the fort, you will come across a few water tanks and a Buddhist cave.

(7) Pawna Lake, Lonavala.

Pawna Lake, Lonavala.

Pawna Lake, surrounded by spectacular landscape, is a popular picnic and camping spot in Lonavala. This artificial lake is formed by the impounded water of Pawna Dam that provides a perfect escape into nature’s arm. The natural beauty of this place, along with the distant view of Lohagad Fort, Tikona Fort and Tunga Fort, makes for a great backdrop for memorable pictures. While picnicking here, you can avail the facility of motor and row boating that adds to its overall appeal.

While monsoon is the best time to visit this place that abounds with incredible sights, you come here during the winter season as well to enjoy barbeques by the lake.

(8) Lohagad Fort, Lonavala.

Lohagad Fort, Lonavala.

Another architectural marvel of the Marathas is the Lohagad Fort (Iron Fort) that commands a visit while you are in Lonavala. The hill fort acquired its name because it was considered as an impregnable edifice due to its strategic location at a height of 1050 metres above sea level. This historical site has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties over the centuries, including Nizams, Marathas and Mughals.

Not only is it popular among history buffs and nature enthusiasts, but also adventure seekers because of trekking that has to be done to reach the fort, where you can spot the Vinchu Kata – a series of hills resembling Capricorn.

(9) Della Adventure Park, Lonavala.

Della Adventure Park, Lonavala.

Della Adventure Park, Lonavala.

Della Adventure Park is India’s Largest Extreme Adventure park with 50 plus adventure activities. Experience India’s only Swoop swing(100 ft.), India’s Longest Flying Fox(1250ft.), 5 kinds of zorbing and 700cc yamaha raptor ATV only at Della Adventure, Lonavala. 

Make sure you do not miss out on adrenaline-pumping adventure activities like Archery, Rocket Ejector, Motocross dirt bike riding, Buggy Ride, Paintball and Rappelling. 

Della Adventure Park in Lonavala is one of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai and Pune, it has everything to keep you excited with its various adventure activities for individuals as well as for groups.

How To Reach Lonavala :

By Air:

The nearest airport is the Lohegaon Airport in Pune which is about 64 kilometers away. While it is used by some international airlines apart from the domestic ones, the nearest international airport is in Mumbai, approximately 100 kilometers away.

By Road:

Bus is one of the best ways to travel from Mumbai as well as Pune and you will easily find many non air-conditioned as well as air-conditioned Volvo options. The drive is beautiful with lush green trees dotting the way.

If you want to go by car, you can take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. You have to pay a toll from Mumbai, but the Expressway is a very smooth ride and Khandala is often recommended by road travel. If you are going from Pune, you can take the NH4 or a combination of NH4 and Mumbai Express Highway.

By Train:

Since Lonavala is midway between Mumbai and Pune, all trains plying between the two cities would also cross Lonavala leaving you with multiple options. Some of the trains going on this route include the Intercity Express, Koyna Express, Deccan Express and Indrayani Express amongst others. Most of the express trains that cross the Mumbai-Pune railway line also stop at the Lonavala Railway Station. It takes roughly three hours to reach Lonavala from Mumbai and about one hour from Pune by train.