Lonavla: A Place of Unequaled Solitude
Most of the tourist destinations gain popularity because they are very different in their appearance and characteristics from a metropolitan city. Though human population and commercial establishments may be found at these tourist destinations, they still gain popularity because visitors find a much needed solace in these places, which is impossible to find in the urban landscape. There are many such places in the state of Maharashtra that provide relief and relaxation to the people and an experience of getting up, close and personal with the nature. One such place is Lonavla, a hill station located close to Mumbai and Pune, the two major metropolitan centres of the state.
Location
Lonavla is located in Pune district at a distance of 64 kilometres from downtown Pune and 96 kilometres from Mumbai.
History
In the ancient period, Yadava Dynasty ruled over Lonavla and adjoining area, followed by the Mughal emperors. The main reason why they chose to keep this area under their kingdom was due to the presence of forts. Lonavla came into the notice of Britishers in 1871 when the Governor of Bombay Presidency, Lord Elphinstone started exploring the hilly areas that include Lonavla and nearby Khandala.
Present day Lonavla is now an escapade for the residents of Pune, Mumbai and other cities. Being in a hilly area and surrounded by forests, this hill station has never ceased to amuse the tourists arriving to the state as well. Lonavla is one of the few places where pollution levels are low and lush green surroundings of which are a welcome change for the tourists.
What to See
There are many things to see and do in Lonavla. The points of interest in Lonavla include the:
Rajmachi Point
Though this point is located at a distance of approximately 6.5 kilometres from Lonavla, it is still a place worth visiting. From this point, visitors can see the famous Rajmachi Fort, which was once occupied by Shivaji Maharaj. Another point of interest at Rajmachi Point is the Vaghjai Dari.
Tiger’s Leap/Point
This point of Lonavla is located atop a cliff and offers a magnificent view of the valley below. There is a waterfall near to this point which is active only when it rains heavily. Visitors usually relax under the water stream, which comes with a great force.
Lion’s Point
There is a lake and a dam at this point; the latter was constructed by the Britishers. Just like the waterfall at Tiger’s Point, the lake and the dam gain the attention of the visitors during monsoons.
Shivlinga
The place gets its name from Shivlinga, a form of Lord Shiva housed in the mountain. The view and the solace offered by this point comfort the body and soul. Visitors can enjoy hot bhajis and tea at the small stall near Shivlinga.
Lonavala Lake
This lake blooms during the monsoon and remains partially or fully dry during winters and summers.
Tungarli Lake
This lake is useful for the visitors and the residents of Lonavla, as it is a major source of water.
Duke’s Nose
This point derives its name from its shape, which largely resembles the nose of Duke of Wellington.
Lohagad Fort
Lohagad Fort is another historical fort close to Lonavla. It was occupied by Shivaji Maharaj. Offering a majestic view of the surroundings, this fort is accessible through a eleven kilometre long route, starting from a railway station located downhill.
Celebrity Wax Museum
Opened not so long ago, this museum houses statues of famous personalities from different walks of life, including actors, social workers, etc.
Karla Caves
A group of Buddhist rock-cut caves, Karla Caves date back to 2nd century BC. A beautiful and mesmerizing specimen of rock-cut caves, this group has always been a centre of attraction for tourists and researchers alike.
Bhushi Dam
This dam is one more reason why visitors flock to Lonavla in large numbers. It comes alive in monsoons and becomes populated with visitors of all age groups. Other places of interest in and around Lonavla include Ryewood Park and Shivaji Garden, Shooting Point, Valvan Dam, etc.
Lonavla is an ideal spot for picnicking, hiking, photography or simply staring at the vast mountains and valleys while sipping a drink, munching some snacks, and chatting with companions.
Eat, Drink, Collect
A must eat at Lonavla is Chikki, a hard candy sweet made of jaggery, peanuts or cashews. There are several restaurants and roadside vendors that will serve you hot snacks, such as vada pav and bhaji as well as authentic Maharashtrian and other cuisines. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are easily available around the hill station. Lodging is not an issue as there are various hotels and lodges according to the preferences and budget of all types of visitors.
Best Time to Visit
Although Lonavla remains open throughout the year, the best time to arrive here is during monsoon and winters.
How to Reach
Traveling through road all the way to Lonavla is a wonderful and memorable experience, especially during monsoon and winters. Residents of Mumbai and Pune often take this route to visit Lonavla and Khandala.
Another way to reach Lonavla is through rail route. Lonavla has its own railway junction and several trains between Pune and Mumbai as well as other trains on this route generally stop at this junction. The nearest airports from Lonavla are located in Pune and Mumbai. Tourists can hire private taxi or travel by state run and private buses running at regular intervals between both the cities.
Location
Lonavla is located in Pune district at a distance of 64 kilometres from downtown Pune and 96 kilometres from Mumbai.
History
In the ancient period, Yadava Dynasty ruled over Lonavla and adjoining area, followed by the Mughal emperors. The main reason why they chose to keep this area under their kingdom was due to the presence of forts. Lonavla came into the notice of Britishers in 1871 when the Governor of Bombay Presidency, Lord Elphinstone started exploring the hilly areas that include Lonavla and nearby Khandala.
Present day Lonavla is now an escapade for the residents of Pune, Mumbai and other cities. Being in a hilly area and surrounded by forests, this hill station has never ceased to amuse the tourists arriving to the state as well. Lonavla is one of the few places where pollution levels are low and lush green surroundings of which are a welcome change for the tourists.
What to See
There are many things to see and do in Lonavla. The points of interest in Lonavla include the:
Rajmachi Point
Though this point is located at a distance of approximately 6.5 kilometres from Lonavla, it is still a place worth visiting. From this point, visitors can see the famous Rajmachi Fort, which was once occupied by Shivaji Maharaj. Another point of interest at Rajmachi Point is the Vaghjai Dari.
Tiger’s Leap/Point
This point of Lonavla is located atop a cliff and offers a magnificent view of the valley below. There is a waterfall near to this point which is active only when it rains heavily. Visitors usually relax under the water stream, which comes with a great force.
Lion’s Point
There is a lake and a dam at this point; the latter was constructed by the Britishers. Just like the waterfall at Tiger’s Point, the lake and the dam gain the attention of the visitors during monsoons.
Shivlinga
The place gets its name from Shivlinga, a form of Lord Shiva housed in the mountain. The view and the solace offered by this point comfort the body and soul. Visitors can enjoy hot bhajis and tea at the small stall near Shivlinga.
Lonavala Lake
This lake blooms during the monsoon and remains partially or fully dry during winters and summers.
Tungarli Lake
This lake is useful for the visitors and the residents of Lonavla, as it is a major source of water.
Duke’s Nose
This point derives its name from its shape, which largely resembles the nose of Duke of Wellington.
Lohagad Fort
Lohagad Fort is another historical fort close to Lonavla. It was occupied by Shivaji Maharaj. Offering a majestic view of the surroundings, this fort is accessible through a eleven kilometre long route, starting from a railway station located downhill.
Celebrity Wax Museum
Opened not so long ago, this museum houses statues of famous personalities from different walks of life, including actors, social workers, etc.
Karla Caves
A group of Buddhist rock-cut caves, Karla Caves date back to 2nd century BC. A beautiful and mesmerizing specimen of rock-cut caves, this group has always been a centre of attraction for tourists and researchers alike.
Bhushi Dam
This dam is one more reason why visitors flock to Lonavla in large numbers. It comes alive in monsoons and becomes populated with visitors of all age groups. Other places of interest in and around Lonavla include Ryewood Park and Shivaji Garden, Shooting Point, Valvan Dam, etc.
Lonavla is an ideal spot for picnicking, hiking, photography or simply staring at the vast mountains and valleys while sipping a drink, munching some snacks, and chatting with companions.
Eat, Drink, Collect
A must eat at Lonavla is Chikki, a hard candy sweet made of jaggery, peanuts or cashews. There are several restaurants and roadside vendors that will serve you hot snacks, such as vada pav and bhaji as well as authentic Maharashtrian and other cuisines. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are easily available around the hill station. Lodging is not an issue as there are various hotels and lodges according to the preferences and budget of all types of visitors.
Best Time to Visit
Although Lonavla remains open throughout the year, the best time to arrive here is during monsoon and winters.
How to Reach
Traveling through road all the way to Lonavla is a wonderful and memorable experience, especially during monsoon and winters. Residents of Mumbai and Pune often take this route to visit Lonavla and Khandala.
Another way to reach Lonavla is through rail route. Lonavla has its own railway junction and several trains between Pune and Mumbai as well as other trains on this route generally stop at this junction. The nearest airports from Lonavla are located in Pune and Mumbai. Tourists can hire private taxi or travel by state run and private buses running at regular intervals between both the cities.
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