Lonavala

What is the best time to visit Lonavala?

Nestled in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats near Pune and Mumbai, Lonavala stands out as Maharashtra's most frequented hill station, especially during the monsoon season. Renowned for its abundant waterfalls, serene lakes, and picturesque hills, Lonavala has become a sought-after destination for camping, trekking, and various adventure sports.

Enveloped by dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and lakeside dams, Lonavala is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Positioned at an elevation of 624 meters above sea level, it is part of the twin hill stations, Lonavala and Khandala, easily explored together. Prominent attractions include Bhaja caves, Bushi dam, Karla caves, Rajmachi fort, and Ryewood lake. Adventurous souls flock to Lonavala for treks like the Andharban trek, commencing from Pimpri village and concluding in Bhira.

Lonavala is renowned for producing the popular hard candy chikki, a delectable treat made from assorted nuts mixed with jaggery. Additionally, it serves as a significant stop on the railway line connecting Mumbai and Pune.

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How to Reach Lonavala Mumbai:

Mumbai and Pune are the major cities near Lonavala. It is well-connected by train to Mumbai and Pune, with local trains running every 2 hours. One can take a taxi or a bus to reach Lonavala from Mumbai and Pune. One can also directly take a bus or a taxi from Mumbai, Thane, Pune or other nearby towns as even the road drive is picturesque and nicely maintained.

By Flight: Lonavala is conveniently accessible from two international airports - Lohegaon Airport in Pune (70 km away) and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai (90 km away). Travelers can take flights to either city and then proceed to Lonavala by road or rail.

• Nearest Airport: New Pune International Airport - 45 kms from Lonavala

By Road: Situated on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Lonavala is well-connected by a network of highways linking Mumbai and Pune. Many tourists prefer driving from either city to Lonavala, enjoying the scenic ride. MSRTC operates regular buses from Mumbai and Pune, providing comfortable travel options.

By Train: Lonavala Railway Station is a vital junction on the Mumbai-Pune railway route, making it easily accessible by train. Trains from Mumbai to Pune and vice versa stop at Lonavala. The train journey takes approximately 2.5 hours from Mumbai and 1.5 hours from Pune. Direct trains from Mumbai to Lonavala include Pragati Express (12125), Indrayani Express (22105), Chennai Mail (11027), Deccan Queen (12123), and Bsl Pune Express (11025).

Local Transport in Lonavala: Buses, autos, and rented bicycles are available for local transportation. Auto rickshaws and taxis usually do not run on meters, so it's advisable to agree on the fare beforehand. Buses are a recommended mode of transportation for exploring the city.

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Best Moments

Tiger's Leap

Tiger's Leap viewpoint, situated approximately 8 km from Lonavala, stands out as a significant tourist attraction. Perched on a clifftop with a sheer drop of over 650 meters, it offers a panoramic view of the hills and the Western Ghats, becoming particularly renowned for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset vistas on clear days.

The unusual name, Tiger's Leap, stems from the cliff's resemblance to a tiger leaping into the valley. Just a short distance from INS Shivaji, this spot provides an intriguing perspective of the valley below. It's advisable to savor the exhilarating views from a secure vantage point rather than risking the precarious top of the cliff. The echo point at Tiger's Leap adds to its allure, making it a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts.

Time Required: 1-2 hrs

Entry Fee: Free

Route: Pune to Lonavla via old Pune Mumbai road

Best Time to Visit: Monsoons

location:  map:

Rajmachi Fort

Rajmachi, a quaint village nestled in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra's Konkan region, is renowned for its historical fortress featuring two fortified peaks - Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts. Positioned near the famed hills of Lonavala and Khandala, this village is alternatively known as Udhewadi, located at the base of the fort. Rajmachi has witnessed transitions of power from Shivaji Maharaj, Emperor Aurangzeb, Shahu Maharaj, to eventually falling under British rule.

The Rajmachi fort holds special significance for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. For a comprehensive trekking experience, one can embark on a 3-4-hour climb from the Kondhane caves side. Alternatively, visitors can drive directly to Udhewadi village (from the Lonavala side) and then enjoy a brief 20-30-minute trek to the fort's summit. With clearly marked trails on both paths, Rajmachi stands as a favored choice for beginners seeking an enjoyable trekking adventure..

Rajmachi Trek Overview

Rajmachi boasts two formidable peaks - Shrivardhan and Manaranjan. A mere half-hour ascent from the base village, Udhevadi, takes trekkers to a plateau nestled between these two peaks.

Best Time: June - September

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Aamby Valley

Nestled 24 kilometers from Lonavala in Pune district, Aamby Valley is a picturesque township crafted by Sahara India Parivar across 10,000 acres of hilly terrain. The landscape, transformed with designs harmonizing with the environment and international standard urban infrastructure, makes it a sought-after day-long picnic or weekend getaway destination. This exotic location, boasting luxurious amenities and a serene atmosphere, allures visitors globally. The mesmerizing natural surroundings and top-notch infrastructure are truly awe-inspiring, making a visit to Aamby Valley a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Aamby Valley offers a myriad of activities, from exploring the greenery on foot to scenic long drives through its breathtaking locations. Three expansive artificial lakes and lush green forests provide a backdrop for water sports and recreational adventures. The tranquil ambiance serves as a sanctuary for those seeking a peaceful escape, making Aamby Valley a recurring haven for those in search of serenity.

Timings : All time

Time Required : 5-6 hrs

Entry Fee : No entry fee

Location: map:

Karla Caves

Karla Caves, near Lonavala, are renowned ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves, a captivating tourist attraction often referred to as Karli Caves or Karla Cells. As one of India's oldest Buddhist cave shrines, it features one of the country's largest Chaityas, a prayer hall with a stupa. Notably, the caves house the Ekvira Temple, adding to their spiritual significance.

Formerly known as Veluraka, Karla Caves boast a massive 15-meter pillar and a temple dedicated to Goddess Ekveera. These caves also host a Buddhist monastery, believed to have been constructed around the 2nd century BC. The site reveals traces of a significant ancient trade route running from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan, visible near the caves. To reach the cave, one must ascend approximately 150 stairs, adding an element of adventure to the visit.

Time Required : More than 3 hours

Entry Fee : Indian, SAARC and BIMSTEC country residents (above 15 years): INR 15 per head
Foreign visitors (above 15 years): INR 300 per head

Distance from Lonavala : 10.9 km

Location: map:

Bungee Jumping in Lonavala

Bungee Jumping at Della Adventures, an exhilarating adventure park, takes the plunge from a height of 150 ft and provides a heart-pounding experience lasting approximately 7-10 minutes. This daring activity is open to individuals aged 10 and above, with a minimum body weight of 35 kgs. Prior to the jump, experts meticulously brief participants on safety measures, ensuring a secure and controlled experience.

The thrill of the jump is surpassed only by the sense of accomplishment, and participants receive a certificate acknowledging their successful conquest of fear. Bungee Jumping at Della Adventures not only offers an adrenaline-pumping adventure but also a lasting memento of personal triumph.

Cost: INR 1,500 per person'
Bungee jump height: 45 metres
Minimum age: 10 years
Timings: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Best time to visit: October to May

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