Lonavala and Khandala: Majestic Hill Station of Maharashtra
Are you seeking an excuse to go away to a quiet mountain valley and relax from the stresses of everyday life? Lonavala has a slew of romantic spots to enjoy throughout the colder months.
Lonavala, the most visited hill station in Maharashtra and the place to go during monsoons, is located in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, near Pune and Mumbai. It is a popular camping, hiking, and other adventure sports site due to the abundance of waterfalls, lakes, and hills in the area.
It is a must-see for nature lovers since it is surrounded by deep woods, waterfalls, and a dam beside lakes. Lonavala is one of the twin hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala and is located at the height of 624 meters above sea level (you can easily visit these two together). Bhaja caverns, Bushi dam, Karla caves, Rajmachi fort, and Ryewood lake are among the main tourist sites in Lonavala. Lonavala is also known for its hikes, such as the Andharban walk, which begins in Pimpri and finishes in Bhira.
Lonavala is known for producing the hard candy chikki, a delicious eatable item created from various nuts and jaggery. It also serves as a key station on the Mumbai-Pune railway route.
Best Time To Visit Lonavala
The months of December to February are the most pleasant for visiting Lonavala. It is between 12 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius on average throughout this period, making it ideal for sightseeing and other activities.
Lonavala receives considerable rainfall (nearly 24 hours a day) during the monsoon season, from June to September. If you don’t mind being wet, this is regarded to be a fantastic time to visit Lonavala, which becomes gorgeous at this time of year with lush foliage throughout. The summers in Lonavala are quite hot and muggy.
How To Reach Lonavala
By Flight
In addition to being close to two international airports, Lonavala is also close to two domestic airports: the Lohegaon Airport in Pune (70 km distant) and the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai (90 km away). You may take a flight up to Lonavala and then go there by road or train from any of the cities.
A 45-kilometer drive from Lonavala takes you to the New Pune International Airport.
By Road
Lonavala, located on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, is well linked to the rest of the country by a network of roads that connect the two cities. Many visitors to Lonavala choose to drive down from Mumbai or Pune and take in the breathtaking scenery along the way.
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) also offers frequent buses from Mumbai and Pune to Lonavala, which are extremely pleasant to travel in.
By Train
The Lonavala Railway Station is an important junction on the Mumbai-Pune railway line, and it is located about halfway between the two cities. Thus, all trains traveling between Mumbai and Pune, as well as trains traveling between Mumbai and Pune, stop at Lonavala. Trains from Mumbai and Pune take around 2.5 hours to reach Lonavala, whereas trains from Mumbai take approximately 1.5 hours.
The Pragati Express (12125), the Indrayani Exp (22105), the Chennai Mail (11027), the Deccan Queen (12123), and the Bsl Pune Exp are some of the direct trains that travel from Mumbai to Lonavala (11025).
Top Things To Do in Lonavala
#1. Tiger’s Leap
The Tiger’s Leap viewpoint is about 8 kilometers from Lonavala and is popular. It is a clifftop with a steep drop of more than 650 meters that provides a panoramic view of the highlands and the Western Ghats. It is known for its spectacular dawn and sunset views on a clear day.
The name Tiger’s Leap was given to this location because of the shape’s similarity to that of a tiger jumping into the valley. This viewpoint, which offers a beautiful view of the valley below, is just a short distance from INS Shivaji. However, you can view the breathtaking views from a secure location rather than the dangerous cliff’s top. Another popular site on Tiger’s Leap is the echo point.
#2. Rajmachi Fort
Rajmachi is a tiny hamlet in Maharashtra’s Konkan area, located in the Sahyadri mountain range. Rajmachi is known for its medieval fortification, consisting of two fortified peaks – Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts – and is situated near the Lonavala and Khandala hills.
The settlement of Udhewadi, another name for Rajmachi, is located at the foot of the fort. Rajmachi has passed through various hands, including Shivaji Maharaj, Emperor Aurangzeb, Shahu Maharaj, and the British. Rajmachi Fort is well-known among hikers and adventure seekers.
#3. Aamby Valley
This one-of-a-kind establishment is renowned for its inimitable grandeur and luxurious characteristic features. The majestic Aambey valley city can be seen from the springs of ecstasy, the Sahyadri hills, and the old Koyarigarh fort, all located in the Aamby valley.
#4. Karla Caves
Karla Caverns are ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves that are a popular tourist attraction in Lonavala, Maharashtra. It is one of India’s most ancient Buddhist cave sanctuaries, dating back thousands of years. The Chaitya (prayer hall with a stupa) in these caverns is one of the biggest in India, and it can accommodate a great number of people. Karla Caves are most well-known for the Ekvira Temple found inside them.
#5. Lohagad Fort
Lohagad Fort, which stands at an elevation of 3400 feet and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and imposing fort around 52 kilometers from Pune, is a formidable fortification. On top of an amazing hill overlooking the Malavali district of Karnataka, this site offers the ideal combination of old architecture and natural beauty. Lohagad Fort, constructed in the 18th century, is a popular destination for trekkers and environment enthusiasts, particularly those traveling from Pune and Mumbai. This fort was formerly the residence of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who used to store his money here.
#6. Bhushi Dam
While not technically a dam, the Bhushi Dam on the Indrayani River is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Lonavala during the monsoon season. The stairs at the dam are usually a good place to relax, even though swimming is not permitted owing to the erratic flow of water in the reservoir below it.
What are the best things to purchase in Lonavala?
Lonavala has a wide range of memento selections for you to choose from. The following are some of the stores where you may buy:
- Yash Saree’s
- Lonavala Bazaar
- National Chikki Mart Pvt Ltd
- Maganlal & Sons Main
- Shop Lonavala Square Mall
Wrapping Up
Being a hill station, Lonavala and Khandala are the perfect places for your weekend holidays. These places have variants of places to visit. Lonavala is an ideal location to enjoy the pleasant weather and gorgeous natural surroundings while taking in natural beauty. So pack your bags and come to this natural wonderland where you can witness marvelous views of lush green mountains and waterfalls.