Lonavala - India HillTop Trips - Splendid hills and Majestic retreats

One of the most popular getaways from Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala is a beautiful hill station in Maharshtra. Located in the Western Ghats, Lonavala is also called as the jewel in the Sahayadri range. As monsoon rains come tumbling down the Sahayadri hills, the hill station dons its best color-green. It's a wonderful experience to tour the hill resort during the rains.

Hill Resort | Elevation | Travel | Season | Tourist places | Accommodation | Location | Lonavala Map

The Hill Resort

Lonavala & Khandala are two charming hill stations on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, 5 km apart, that straddle the Mumbai-Pune highway at an altitude of 625 m. The name `Lonavala' is derived from the sanskrit word `Lanavli', which means a city surrounded by many caves. Quite popular as health resorts, there are a number of sanotoria dotting the hills in both towns. Khandala is smaller and the calmer of the two. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available here. The MTDC runs a resort at Karla and another at Rye Woods, Lonavala.

Lonavala derived its name from the Sanskrit word 'Lonavli', which means 'city surrounded by caves'. The region around Lonavala was once a popular Buddhist center. The caves around the hill resort date back to 2nd century BC. Lonavala was once under the rule of Chattrapati Shivaji and later Peshwas ruled the region before British overthrew the Peshwas.

Lonavala is a Hill station in Maharashtra. Also known as the jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains. This Hill Station is also a popular Health Resort in the western ranges on the sahyadri, it is situated on a height Lonavala provides a panoramic view of the lush green surroundings of the Sahyadri ranges. The peaceful environs of the town, which provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai city, attract tourists to this place. Travelers can take a walk along the waterfalls, the grassy abundance and hills in and around Lonavala. The mountainous terrain of Lonavala is ideal for trekking and hiking.

The Past

The area around Lonavala was an important Buddhist center in 2nd century bc and a number of ancient Buddhist rock-cut cave temples can be found in this area. As Lonavala is located in the inhospitable terrain of the Sahyadri mountain range, it was not an important site in terms of history. Chattrapati Shivaji, the founder of the first Maratha Empire, ruled this area. Later it came under the Peshwa rulers, who founded the second Maratha Empire. It was finally taken over by the British when they defeated the Peshwas.

Some entertainment

Maharashtra Tourism provides courses in rock and fort climbing at Karla, 12 km from Lonavala.

shopping

Wander through Lonavala's bazaar and look for Chikki and chiwda, for which the place is famous for. National Chikki Mart or Rupam or any other stores will provide you a variety of nut or seasame-seed filled chikki. Cooper's walnut and chocolate fudge and coconut burfi are another popular draw.

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Elevation

Lonavala - 625 m.

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Location Details

Lonavala is located in the western part of the state of Maharashtra, in the western region of India. It is set amongst the slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range and situated 106 km southeast of Mumbai at an altitude of 625 m above sea level.

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How to Reach There and Distances

By Air

Lonavala does not have an airport. The nearest airport is in Pune, which is 64 km from Lonavala.

By Rail

As Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai (Bombay) and Pune (Poona), all express trains plying between the two cities stop here. The travel time from Lonavala to Mumbai in express train is 3 hours while it takes 1 hour from Lonavala to Pune. There is also an hourly shuttle service for Pune (2 hours). The railway station in Lonavala is located near the fruit market.

By Road

while the main bus stand is near the main road. The bus service between Lonavala and Pune is good (2 hours). However, the ride is rough and it takes 4 hours to reach Mumbai from Lonavala. Buses shuttle between Lonavala and Khandala (5 km from Lonavala; 15 minutes trip). Travelers can hire bicycles on hourly basis to explore Lonavala or to go to Khandala.

Mumbai is 104 km from Lonavala, the last 20 km of which wind up the ghats through gruelling switchbacks. By road, take the Bor Ghat road at Khopoli. Taxis are available from Dadar T.T Station in Mumbai. The journey takes 3-4 hours. Maharashtra State buses plying between Mumbai and Pune halt at Lonavala.

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Best Season to Visit/Weather

Lonavala is the year-round destination, however most people prefer to visit the hill station during summer and the monsoon.

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.

Climate

Temperatures vary from 12 degree celsius to 36 degree celsius throughout the year with an annual rainfall of 450 cm.

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Tourist places near Lonavala

Places to visit

The picturesque view of the Sahayadri range is one of the many highlights that Lonavala has to offer. With its lush surroundings and peaceful environs, Lonavala is an ideal getaway from Mumbai's concrete jungle. The hill resort is an ideal place for trekking. A leisurely walk along the waterfalls and other beautiful spots is what keeps most travelers busy in Lonavala.

Tiger's Leap

A sheer 650 m drop from the tip of a cliff. The view is stunning.

Mohatta's Zoo

(7 km from Lonavala) It has rare collection of birds and monkeys from Africa and South America.

Reversing Point / Sunset Point / Tungarli Lake

The first two are reputed for the panoramic vie they offer while the latter is a manmade reservoir suited for picnickers.

Khandala is especially beautiful during the monsoons: the clouds literally envelope the entire town. Look out onto the hills and you will notice a thousand waterfalls that gush from its sides and flow into ravines below.

At Lonavala, visit the Walvan and the Bushy dams. They are usually full during the monsoons and attract hordes of tourists.

Tourists can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding hills and in the monsoon, with a myriad waterfalls, it can be enchanting.

Sites nearby

There are numerous lakes around Lonavala. Tugauli, Lonavala and Bhushi lakes are worth visiting; so is the Walvan Dam. The small hill station of Khandala is just 5 km away. Travelers coming from Mumbai pass through Khandala before reaching Lonavala. Kaivalyadhama Yoga Hospital is 2 km from Lonavala on the road to Karla and Bhaja caves. This center attracts both local and foreign tourists seeking yogic healing. This center was founded in 1924 and conducts various courses in Yoga along with a research center and a training college. Karla and Bhaja Caves, located in the hills at a distance of 11 km from Lonavala, are important places to visit. These rock-cut cave temples dating back to 2nd century bc and are amongst the oldest and finest examples of Buddhist rock cut temple art in India, belonging to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism.The Buddhist stupa at the Karala caves is believed to be 2,200 years old. Rock climbing is another exciting activity that visitors to Lonavala can enjoy. Pauna Lake is the best-kept secret of Lonavala. Home to some of the Mumbai's rich and famous; Pauna Lake makes a great place for an outing. Adventure seekers can try their hand at rock climbing at the Duke's Nose peak and other locations in the Karla hills, near Lonavala.

Around the city

Karla Caves

About 12 km from Lonavala, on the Pune Road, are the Karla Caves. Belonging to the 2nd century B.C., they bear a striking resemblance to those at Ellora. The stupa inside the cave and the rock sculptures at the entrance are an eloquent testimony of the skill of the artisans of that time. Taxis and auto-rickshaws which are easily available in Lonavala are the best way of getting to Karla.

Bhaja Caves

It is situated 12 km from Lonavala. The 18 caves are believed to have been built bu Buddhist monks in the 2nd century B.C. Cave 12th is the largest and has a fine stilted vault. The last cave to the south has excellent sculpture, including the famous `dancing couple'.

Bedsa Caves

About 15 km from Lonavala, are the famous ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves. The `chaitya' here has 4 pillars with carving of horses, bulls, and elephants. Its ribbed roof is supported by 26 pillars. As this cave is isolated from the other two, it tends to get missed by the visitors.

Rajmachi

It is situated 10 km from Lonavala. The fort here is surrounded by valleys and forests. In it are 2 smaller forts, Shrivardhan with a Bhairavnath Temple, and Manoranjan has arsenals and guard houses.