About Lonavala & Khandala
Lonavla was a part of the Yadava dynasty. Later, the Mughals realized the strategic importance of the region and kept the region for an extended time. The forts in the region and the "Mavla" warriors played an important role in the history of the Maratha and Peshwa empires. In 1871, the Lonavla and Khandala hill stations were discovered by Lord Elphinstone, who was the Governor of Bombay Presidency at the time.
Lonavla and the adjacent Khandala are twin hill stations 622 metres (2,041 ft) above sea level, in the Sahyadri ranges that demarcate the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan coast. The hill stations sprawl over an approximate area of 38 square kilometres (15 sq mi). Tourism peaks during the monsoon season. The name Lonavla is derived from the Sanskrit lonavli, which refers to the many caves like Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves and Bedsa that are close to Lonavla.
A trip to Lonavla and Khandala can be combined with sight-seeing visits of Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa caves and also the two fortresses, Lohagad and Visapur. Another place of interest is the Tungi fort, one of the forts captured by Malik Ahmad near the village of Karjat and was known for its natural strength.
Lonavla is on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and is well-connected to several other towns of Khopoli, Karjat, Talegaon Dabhade, etc.
Lonavla is well-connected by train. Local trains run from Pune at 2 hour intervals. Those originating from Mumbai along the central-line have Khopoli as their last station. Buses are available at regular intervals to complete the remaining 15km of the journey to Lonavla from Khopoli bus station. It takes 2.5 hours by train from Mumbai and 1 to 1.5 hour from Pune. All trains, whether travelling from Mumbai to Pune or Pune to Mumbai, halt at Lonavla.
Lonavala is the place to be if you want to take a break from your hectic lifestyle. This gorgeous hill station, located in Sahyadri ranges, is known not just for its salubrious climate and scenic views, but also many tourist attractions. Though a small place, Lonavla has many sightseeing places that can be explored on a tour to this hill-station.
Check out information on some of the most popular tourist attractions of Lonavala in the following lines.
Rajmachi Point
Located around 6.5 kilometers from Lonavala, the Rajmachi Point gives a spectacular view of Rajmachi Fort, which once belonged to Shivaji. One can also get a panoramic view of the valley that surrounds it. This place is a must visit when you come to Lonavala.
Ryewood Park and Shivaji Udyan
Another prime attraction of Lonavala, Ryewood Park and Shivaji Udyan are beautiful gardens that have perfectly manicured grass, tall trees, beautiful flowers and lot of place to sit around and relax. If you are coming with your family, this place will be ideal for you to visit. You can also explore the ancient Shiva temple that is located in the premises here.
Tungarli Lake
The Tungarli Lake is a beautiful lake that looks crystal clear during the monsoons. This lake basically provides water to the residents of Lonavala. It provides much peace and serenity to all those who long to take a break from the fast city life and spend time with nature.
Valvan Dam
The Valvan Dam is another important tourist attraction here. The catchment area of the dam has been converted into a lovely picnic spot with a beautiful garden. The dam basically provides water to the Khopoli power station, in order to generate electricity.
Lonavla Lake
Yet another beautiful lake, Lonavala Lake is the place to be if you are looking for peace and beauty. The lake is surrounded by natural beauty and you can see nature at its best, over here. Though it parches up in summers, the lake comes to life during monsoons and remains so throughout winters.
Karla Caves
The Karla caves are important historic Buddhist sites that were built around 2-3rd century BC. The cave shrines are popular among all tourists and are visited by everyone who come to Lonavala.
Lohagad Fort
The Lohagad Fort of Lonavala was the battleground of the Maratha warrior, Shivaji. From here, you can get a lovely view of the lush green surrounding hills and the steep valleys.
Bhushi Dam
This is definitely one of the most exciting sites to visit in Lonavala. This dam has a beautiful waterfall in the vicinity, which is a must see. The surrounding area of the dam has been developed into a beautiful catchment area for tourists to enjoy.
Pawna Lake
Tiger Point
Lion's Point
Kune Waterfalls
Celebrity Wax Museum
Tunga Fort
Dela Adventure
Bhaja Caves
Nagphani(Duke's Nose)
Ekvira Devi Temple
Korigad Fort
Reversing Station
Tikona Fort
Valvan Dam
Scorpions Sting
Manranjan Fort
Tunga Fort
Rajmachi Wildlife Sanctuary
Lonavla was a part of the Yadava dynasty. Later, the Mughals realized the strategic importance of the region and kept the region for an extended time. The forts in the region and the "Mavla" warriors played an important role in the history of the Maratha and Peshwa empires. In 1871, the Lonavla and Khandala hill stations were discovered by Lord Elphinstone, who was the Governor of Bombay Presidency at the time.
Lonavla and the adjacent Khandala are twin hill stations 622 metres (2,041 ft) above sea level, in the Sahyadri ranges that demarcate the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan coast. The hill stations sprawl over an approximate area of 38 square kilometres (15 sq mi). Tourism peaks during the monsoon season. The name Lonavla is derived from the Sanskrit lonavli, which refers to the many caves like Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves and Bedsa that are close to Lonavla.
A trip to Lonavla and Khandala can be combined with sight-seeing visits of Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa caves and also the two fortresses, Lohagad and Visapur. Another place of interest is the Tungi fort, one of the forts captured by Malik Ahmad near the village of Karjat and was known for its natural strength.
Lonavla is on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and is well-connected to several other towns of Khopoli, Karjat, Talegaon Dabhade, etc.
Lonavla is well-connected by train. Local trains run from Pune at 2 hour intervals. Those originating from Mumbai along the central-line have Khopoli as their last station. Buses are available at regular intervals to complete the remaining 15km of the journey to Lonavla from Khopoli bus station. It takes 2.5 hours by train from Mumbai and 1 to 1.5 hour from Pune. All trains, whether travelling from Mumbai to Pune or Pune to Mumbai, halt at Lonavla.
Lonavala is the place to be if you want to take a break from your hectic lifestyle. This gorgeous hill station, located in Sahyadri ranges, is known not just for its salubrious climate and scenic views, but also many tourist attractions. Though a small place, Lonavla has many sightseeing places that can be explored on a tour to this hill-station.
Check out information on some of the most popular tourist attractions of Lonavala in the following lines.
Rajmachi Point
Located around 6.5 kilometers from Lonavala, the Rajmachi Point gives a spectacular view of Rajmachi Fort, which once belonged to Shivaji. One can also get a panoramic view of the valley that surrounds it. This place is a must visit when you come to Lonavala.
Ryewood Park and Shivaji Udyan
Another prime attraction of Lonavala, Ryewood Park and Shivaji Udyan are beautiful gardens that have perfectly manicured grass, tall trees, beautiful flowers and lot of place to sit around and relax. If you are coming with your family, this place will be ideal for you to visit. You can also explore the ancient Shiva temple that is located in the premises here.
Tungarli Lake
The Tungarli Lake is a beautiful lake that looks crystal clear during the monsoons. This lake basically provides water to the residents of Lonavala. It provides much peace and serenity to all those who long to take a break from the fast city life and spend time with nature.
Valvan Dam
The Valvan Dam is another important tourist attraction here. The catchment area of the dam has been converted into a lovely picnic spot with a beautiful garden. The dam basically provides water to the Khopoli power station, in order to generate electricity.
Lonavla Lake
Yet another beautiful lake, Lonavala Lake is the place to be if you are looking for peace and beauty. The lake is surrounded by natural beauty and you can see nature at its best, over here. Though it parches up in summers, the lake comes to life during monsoons and remains so throughout winters.
Karla Caves
The Karla caves are important historic Buddhist sites that were built around 2-3rd century BC. The cave shrines are popular among all tourists and are visited by everyone who come to Lonavala.
Lohagad Fort
The Lohagad Fort of Lonavala was the battleground of the Maratha warrior, Shivaji. From here, you can get a lovely view of the lush green surrounding hills and the steep valleys.
Bhushi Dam
This is definitely one of the most exciting sites to visit in Lonavala. This dam has a beautiful waterfall in the vicinity, which is a must see. The surrounding area of the dam has been developed into a beautiful catchment area for tourists to enjoy.
Pawna Lake
Tiger Point
Lion's Point
Kune Waterfalls
Celebrity Wax Museum
Tunga Fort
Dela Adventure
Bhaja Caves
Nagphani(Duke's Nose)
Ekvira Devi Temple
Korigad Fort
Reversing Station
Tikona Fort
Valvan Dam
Scorpions Sting
Manranjan Fort
Tunga Fort
Rajmachi Wildlife Sanctuary