Lonavla

Distance   65 km

District   Pune

Category   Hill Station

Overview

Lonavala is a picturesque hill station, often called the 'Jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains' in India. Located in the Pune district of Maharashtra. Both Khandala and Lonavla are beautiful twin hill stations, at an altitude of 625 meters above sea level. In 1871, these hill stations were discovered by Sir Elphinstone, who was the Governor of Bombay Presidency during those times. Lonavala is a lovely hill station that offers pleasant respite from the turmoil of cities.
The term 'Lonavala' has been originated from the Sanskrit term 'lonavli', which suggests numerous caves. Perhaps the nearby caves like Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa serve as the answer to resort's name. Travel and tourism has always been great at the hill station, indeed due to its beauty. During monsoons, the natural splendor of this place gets doubled, especially when rain showers wash the entire region, developing ponds, while greenery looks all the more appealing. Besides nature's magnificence, Lonavala is also famous for the hard candy sweet, Chikki.

Places of Interest

Rajmachi Point - Rajmachi Point is located about 6.5 km from Lonavla. This point commands a view of Shivaji's famous fort, Rajmachi (Royal terrakouioce) and the surrounding valley. Regular State Transport buses ply between Rajmachi Point and Lonavla from the State Transport Bus Stand. The famous Vaghjai Dari is also located here.
Ryewood Park & Shivaji Udyan - This is an extensive garden situated in Lonavla. The garden covers a lot of ground and it is full of tall trees. There is an old Shiva temple in the park. The garden has plenty of place for children to play.
Valvan Dam - Valvan Dam has a garden at its foot, and is a popular evening spot 2 km from the town. The dam supplies water to the Khopoli power station at the foothills of the Sahyadris for generating electricity. The Kundali River feeds into the dam's reservoir.
Lonavla Lake - Lonavla Lake is surrounded by natural scenery, about 1.6 km from the town. The lake dries up during the winter months.
Duke's Nose - Duke's Nose stands 12 km from Lonavla, clearly visible from the highway while driving towards Mumbai. This landmark in Khandala is popular with hikers. The cliff owes its name to the Duke of Wellington, whose ample nose it resembles.
Tiger's Leap - Tiger's Leap is a cliff-top with a sheer drop of over 650 m, giving an extensive view. Buses are available up to I.N.S. Shivaji and the remaining distance of about 1.6 km has to be covered on foot.
Karla Caves - Karla caves , located near Lonavla, is a complex of cave shrines built by Buddhist monks around 3rd to 2nd century B.C.
I.N.S. Shivaji - A Naval Engineering Training Base.
Lohagad Fort - A robust climb of about 11.2 km from Malavali Railway Station takes you to the 'Iron Fort', once a formidable battle-station of Shivaji. The fort commands a view of the surrounding hills and hamlets.
Bushy Dam - A waterfall near the dam is a popular spot between Lonavla and I.N.S. Shivaji. Buses running on the I.N.S. Shivaji Road stop here.
Lion's Point - Scenic point midway between Bhushi Dam and Aamby Valley.
Tungarli Lake and Dam - This lake and Dam come to life during the Monsoon season, where youth climb the mountain top to the Dam. This dam was built during the British era and features a serene surrounding.
Shooting Point - Another scenic point in the town of Khandala (Bazaar peth), which provides magnificent view of the Rajmachi Fort and the valley. Also the home for the St. Mary's villa.
Wax Museum - The Wax Museum, only 3 Kms away from Railway station at Varsoli, near Toll Plaza is a new attraction for the tourists.

Accommodation

Being a famous hill station, Lonavala never faces dearth of tourists. People from nearby cities like Pune and Mumbai, frequently visit this beautiful place on weekends and holidays. Due to such popularity and response of tourists, many hotels, guest houses and lodges have cropped up in and around the town. The Lagoona Resort and Farias Resort are among the best 5 star hotels in Lonavala where as Kailash Parbat, Sahil Spa and Resorts & Swiss Resorts are popular 3 star hotels in Lonavala. According to budget and requirements, one can choose his/her type of accommodation. Along with all other facilities of the hotels, the marvelous vista of the surroundings would definitely enchant you to the core.

How to Reach

Lonavala railway station lies in the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune. Many express trains between Mumbai and Pune stops here. Lonavala is connected to all major railheads through Mumbai and Pune.