Lonavala is a popular getaway for people from Pune and Mumbai. The pleasant climate of this hill station provides a respite from the scorching summer heat. It also serves as a base for tourists who wish to visit the famous ancient Buddhist rock caves of Bhaja and Karra. For health-conscious travelers, there is also an important yoga center nearby. Lonavala is rightly called the ‘Jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains’ and has countless natural wonders to justify this title. However, there’s not much to explore in this small hill station, from lush valleys to surprising caves. If you are looking for solitude, Lonavala is the place to be. Bask in the warm sunshine or take a leisurely walk. It’s your decision!
plan your trip more efficiently. If you are looking for the coldest place in Maharashtra in summer, Lonavala is not only the best picnic spot in Maharashtra in summer but also the best picnic spot near Mumbai for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s also one of the. Known for its waterfalls and soothing greenery, Lonavala is perfect for a gala time during your summer vacation.
Best time to travel: October to May
Major tourist attractions: Tiger’s Leap, Lonavala Lake, Rajmachi Wildlife Sanctuary, Kolegad Fort, Amrutanjan Point, Bhaja Caves etc.
Activities: Enjoy sightseeing, camping, trekking to Duke’s Nose, trekking to Koregad, trekking to Rajmachi and Kondane Caves.
Things to do in Lonavala
Lonavala has many natural tourist spots that you can visit. You can take walks along the waterfalls, lush green meadows, and hills in and around Lonavala. The mountain range of Lonavala is perfect for trekking and hiking. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Lonavala that you can add to your itinerary. Tiger Leap – One of the main attractions is the 650-meter-tall Tiger Leap. It looks like a tiger is about to jump into the valley. This is an echo point and the nearby stream offers great views of the valley.
Bhaja Caves – The rock-carved caves are declared national monuments of India and are believed to be the oldest. The cave dates from the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD. BC and Buddhist excavations date back to the Hinayana stage of Buddhism. Bhushi Dam – Looking for a picnic spot? Then Bhushi Dam is the place for you. Come here with your friends and family and enjoy the warm sun and the surrounding scenery.
Duke’s Nose – Duke’s Nose is a view of Lonavala and resembles a snake’s hood. There is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva that you can visit to gain cultural insight. Are you adventurous? There are opportunities for mountain climbing, trekking and rappelling
Places around Lonavala
After enjoying a wonderful tour of Lonavala, here are some places you can visit near Lonavala. There are many lakes around Lonavala.
Tugauli Lake, Lonavala Lake, and Bhushi Lake are worth visiting. The same applies to Valvendam.
The small hill station of Khandala is just 5 km away. If you are coming from Mumbai, you will probably pass by this hill station from time to time, so why not explore it? Kaivalyadama Yoga Hospital is located 2 km from Lonavala on the road to Kalra and Bhaja Caves. The center attracts both local and foreign tourists seeking the healing benefits of yoga.
Famous places include Kalra Caves and Bhaja Caves located in the hills 11 km from Lonavala. These rock-cut cave temples date back to the 2nd century BC. Built in BC, it is one of the oldest and most beautiful examples of Buddhist rock-cut temple art in India and belongs to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
Adventurous people can try their hand at rock climbing at the top of Duke Snows and other parts of the Kalura Hills near Lonavala.
How to reach: Lohegaon Airport is the nearest airport and is approximately 71 kilometers from Lonavala. Lonavala is easily accessible by regular trains to other cities in India.
Accommodation options: Hotel Woodland, Fairfield by Marriott Pune Kalady, Residency Sarovar Portico
Nearest Airport: Pune Airport
Nearest railway station: Lonavala Railway Station