Lonavala is a beautiful hill station located in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra. It is situated at a height of 622 meters (2,041 feet) above sea level and is a popular destination for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway as well as the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway pass through Lonavala. It is well connected by road and rail, making it easily accessible from Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.
The name Lonavala is derived from the words ‘leni’ which means caves and ‘avali’ which means series. i.e. a series of Caves which is a reference to the many caves like Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves, and Bedsa that are close to Lonavala.
Best Time to Visit Lonavala
The best time to visit Lonavala is during the monsoon season, from July to September. The temperature during this period is pleasant and the greenery is at its best. It is also a great time for trekking and other adventure activities. However, you can also visit Lonavala during the winter season from October to March if you are more interested in sightseeing and photography.
Places of Interest in Lonavala
Lonavala and its adjoining Khandala have plenty of places of interest for tourists. Here is a list of the top tourist places to visit in Lonavala:
Bhushi Dam: Bhushi Dam is a great place for relaxing in the water and offers a waterfall during the monsoon season. It is one of the most visited places in Lonavala. You will see a huge crowd here on Weekends.
Lion Point: Lion Point offers a view of a deep valley and mountains.
Tiger’s Leap: Also known as Tiger’s Point, this cliff-top offers a sheer drop of over 650 m and a great view of the surrounding hills.
Rajmachi Point: Rajmachi Point is located about 6.5 km from Lonavala and offers a great view of Shivaji Maharaj’s fort, Rajmachi.
Rajmachi Fort: This historic fort is situated close to Lonavala and is popular among trekkers.
Ryewood Park & Shivaji Udyan: This is an extensive garden situated in Lonavala that has a number of tall trees and an old Shiva temple.
Valvan Dam: Valvan Dam is a Britisher-built garden and is more than a century old.
Lonavala Lake: Lonavala Lake is situated at the base of the Tungarli hills. It is a popular spot for picnics and sightseeing as it offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills. The lake is surrounded by a number of trees and is a great spot for bird watching.
Duke’s Nose: Duke’s Nose is located 12 km from Lonavala and is a landmark in Khandala.
Karla Caves: Karla Caves, located near Lonavala, is a complex of cave shrines built by Buddhist monks. It is a complex of rock-cut caves and is known for its beautiful carvings and sculptures. The caves are believed to be more than two thousand years old and are one of the most important Buddhist sites in India.
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. It was built in the 17th century by Shivaji Maharaj and was used as a strategic military stronghold. It is famous for its Vinchu Kata (scorpion’s tail) pattern of fortification. The fort offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Visapur Fort: Adjacent to the Lohagad fort lies the Visapur Fort which is part of the Lohagad-Visapur fortification.
Narayani Dham: Narayani Dham is a temple constructed in 2002 in honor of the Hindu Goddess Narayani.
Tungarli Dam: This lake and Dam come to life during the Monsoon season and is a great trekking spot.
Shooting Point: Shooting Point is a viewpoint in Khandala and is the home for the St. Mary’s villa.
Kataldhar waterfall: Kataldhar is a waterfall near Rajmachi Fort and is off the Rajmachi Trekking route.
Pawna Lake:
Pawna Lake is a beautiful artificial lake situated in Lonavala. It is surrounded by the Sahyadri hills and offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. It is a great spot for camping, trekking, and other outdoor activities. The lake has a large number of campsites and other facilities for tourists.
Reverse Waterfall:
The Reverse Waterfall is located at Uksan village, near Lonavala. It is a unique waterfall that flows in the opposite direction. It is a great spot for photography and sightseeing. The waterfall is usually more active during the monsoon season.
Della Adventure Park: Della Adventure Park is India’s largest adventure park situated in Lonavala. It offers close to 52 adventure activities.
Celebrity Wax Museum:
The Celebrity Wax Museum is located in Lonavala and is the first wax museum in India. It has life-like, wax figures of famous celebrities from all over the world. Visiting the Celebrity Wax Museum in Lonavala is an amazing experience. It is an educational, entertaining, and interactive way to learn about famous personalities from around the world. It has an entry fee of Rs.200 when we last visited.
Wet N Joy Water Park
Wet N Joy Water Park is located in Lonavala. It is one of India’s most popular water parks and is known for its fun rides and slides. It has a variety of rides like the Wave Pool, the Lazy River, the Boomerang Slide, the Free Fall, and the Multi-Slide. It also has a special area for kids, with smaller pools and slides. Wet N Joy Water Park is a great way to beat the summer heat and have a fun-filled day with friends and family. You will need to spare one full day for Wet N Joy Water Park.
Aamby Valley City
Aamby Valley City is an integrated hill city situated in Lonavala. It is a popular destination for rich tourists who are looking for a luxurious and peaceful holiday. The charges start around Rs.12000 per night. So if you can afford it try visiting Aamby Valley.
Imagica Adlabs
Imagica Adlabs is an amusement park located in Khopoli, around 50 km from Lonavala. It has several rides, a water park, a snow park, and more. The park is open all year round and is a great spot for families and friends. You need to have a full-day plan to visit Imagica. Ideal for the summer holidays.
Shopping:
Lonavala is known for its wide range of chikki (a type of sweet made with jaggery and peanuts). There are several shops around Lonavala that sell a variety of chikki, fudges, and other sweet treats.
Hotels and Resorts
Lonavala is a popular tourist destination with a range of luxurious hotels and resorts. The Machan, Upper Deck Resort, Dukes Retreat, Lagoona Resort, and Fariyas Resort are some of the best hotels and resorts in the area. These resorts offer stunning views of the Sahyadri range and are surrounded by lush greenery. They have a range of amenities like swimming pools, spa services, fitness centers, and restaurants. They also have a range of outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, rock climbing, and rappelling. All of these resorts provide excellent accommodation options for couples, families, and groups.
The Machan:
The Machan is a luxurious resort located in Atvan, Lonavala. It offers spectacular views of lush greenery and is surrounded by tall trees. It has a range of luxury amenities like an infinity pool, a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant. It also has a range of activities like nature walks, bird watching, and rock climbing.
Upper Deck Resort:
Upper Deck Resort is situated in Pangloli Village, Thakurwadi. It is known for its luxurious rooms, spa services, and outdoor activities. It has a range of amenities like a swimming pool, fitness center, and restaurant. It also has a range of outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and rappelling.
Dukes Retreat:
Dukes Retreat is located in Khandala. It offers spectacular views of the Sahyadri range and is surrounded by lush greenery. It has a range of amenities like a swimming pool, spa, fitness center, and restaurant. It also has a range of activities like hiking, trekking, and rock climbing.
Lagoona Resort:
Lagoona Resort is located in Lonavala and is known for its luxury amenities and services. It has an outdoor swimming pool, spa, gym, and restaurant. It also has a range of outdoor activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and trekking.
Fariyas Resort:
Fariyas Resort is located in Tungarli, Lonavala, and is known for its luxurious amenities and services. It has an outdoor swimming pool, spa, fitness center, and restaurant. It also has a range of activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and trekking.
Conclusion
Lonavala is a beautiful hill station located in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra. With its lush green hills, beautiful waterfalls, and numerous adventure activities, it is an ideal destination for a holiday. It offers a great opportunity to explore nature, relax and unwind in the lap of nature. From camping and rock climbing to visiting the Karla Caves and Lohagad Fort, Lonavala has plenty of attractions for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and history buffs. So, if you are looking for a relaxed and peaceful holiday, then Lonavala is the perfect destination.
