Lonavala is a popular hill station in Maharashtra. Lonavala is located in the green hills of Sahyadris. It is a very popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune. This hill station offers a complete fun filled package to the tourists with places like clean woods, pristine valleys, roaring waterfalls, caves of historic importance and beautiful views. This place also has a history behind it; it was the stronghold of the Maratha Empire. They engaged in Guerrilla warfare here against the Britishers and the Moghuls before that. Many celebrities have purchased holiday homes in Lonavala. Khandala, another famous weekend getaway is just at a distance of five kilometers from Lonavala.
How to reach:
Train: All the trains on their way to Pune or South from Mumbai halt at Lonavala.
Air: The nearest airport is in Pune which is at a distance of sixty six kilometers.
Road: You can take a deluxe bus from either Mumbai or Pune. If you travel by road you can enjoy beautiful view on the Mumbai Pune highway.
Places to see in Lonavala:
Lonavala is a great place for those wanting to take a break from your hectic lifestyle. This hill station is known to be the perfect host to those who are searching for a place to unwind and relax. Lonavala is a great place to bond with ones family, loved ones and friends. Although, Lonavala is a small hill station but there are so many places to visit here. Here are some of the places that you must visit when in Lonavala:
1. Rajmachi Point: It is situated at a distance of six and a half kilometers from Lonavala. The Rajmachi Point is famous for offering an amazing view of the Rajmachi Fort. The Fort at one time belonged to Shivaji. You can also get a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding valley. This place is a must visit when in Lonavala.
2. Ryewood Park and the Shivaji Udyan
This is another important tourist place in Lonavala. Both the gardens are extremely beautiful with perfectly chopped grass, towering trees, amazing flowers with lot of nice comfy places to sit and bond with your loved ones or even enjoy alone. For people coming to Lonavala with their families, this is the perfect place for an evening out with them. When here, you must also visit the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva situated right in the garden.
3. Tungarli Lake: This is a striking lake that looks even more brilliant in the monsoon season. This lake is the source of water to the residents of Lonavala.
4. Valvan Dam: The construction area of the Valvan Dam has now been transformed into a beautiful picnic spot with breathtaking gardens. The dam actually provides water to power station which is used to generate electricity.
5. Lonavala Lake: This is another beautiful Lake if all you need is beauty and serenity. The natural beauty around this lake will help you forget the stress of your hectic life. Though the lake dries up in the summers, however it just springs back to life in the monsoon season and remains full of life in winters.
6. Karla Caves: This is a significant Buddhist site of historical importance which was built in the second or the third century. This site is visited by anyone come to Lonavala, so you must not miss it either.
There are several more worthwhile places to visit like the Lohagad Fort, Bhushi Dam, Lion’s Point and Duke’s Nose.
