Are you searching for some beautiful places to visit in Lonavala? You have landed on the right page! Lonavala is a charming hill station located in the foothills of the Sahyadri Mountains in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats. The serene lakes, misty waterfalls, lush green hills and picturesque valleys make Lonavala ideal for a perfect weekend getaway.
Lonavala is a must-visit location for anybody seeking stunning natural beauty, comfortable temperatures, and the sensation of mist in the air. During the monsoon season, Lonavala’s natural beauty grows to its fullest and exhibits a magnificent appeal. The flowing waterfalls and sparkling lakes enhance the majestic appearance and overwhelming atmosphere.
This blog will explore the many places to visit in Lonavala. Come along!
Top Places to Visit in Lonavala
1. Lohagarh Fort
A powerful fort located at a height of 3400 feet, Lohagad Fort is roughly 52 kilometres from Pune and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This location, close to Malavali, is the ideal synthesis of historic structures and unspoiled landscape. Built-in the 18th century, Lohagad Fort is a popular hiking and natural attraction, especially for visitors from Pune and Mumbai. This fort served as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s treasury.
Because a decent road has been built to the base of the fort, which was formerly fairly distant from the nearest location connected by road, many more people now visit Lohagad on weekends during the monsoon season, making it rather congested. Lohagad Fort unquestionably deserves a visit, whether you go there for the destination’s verdant green beauty, daring hiking path, panoramic vistas, or famous history.
2. Rajmachi Fort
The renowned Rajmachi Fort is located in the little village of Rajmachi, which lies halfway between Lonavala and Khandala. One of the best places to visit in Lonavala is the Rajmachi fort. You may walk up to this fort atop the Manaranjan and Shrivardhan Mountain peaks. One may enjoy picturesque views of nearby hill towns like Lonavala, Karnala, Matheran, and Duke’s Nose from the summit of the fort.
Trekkers and adventure seekers are well-known for their love of Rajmachi Fort. Start from the Kondhane caverns side to go on a full-fledged hike, which requires 3–4 hours of climbing.
3. Tiger’s Leap
Tiger’s Leap is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Lonavala. It is also referred to as the “echo spot,” and a little waterfall nearby is a must-see during the monsoon season. If you’re seeking enjoyable activities in Lonavala, a trip to the Tiger’s Leap will lift your spirits. You can witness the picturesque valley from here as well.
4. Duke’s Nose
Duke’s Nose is one of the must-see places to visit in Lonavala. The Duke of Wellington, whose nose was cliff-like, inspired the moniker “Dukes Nose.” Because of the form of the cliff, locals refer to it as Naagphani or the Cobra’s Hood. The Sunset Point in Lonavala offers a wide-angle view of Duke’s Nose. People frequently make a pit break here on their way from Mumbai to Pune or vice versa to enjoy the breathtaking vista of the valley.
The Duke’s Nose summit is reached after approximately four hours of hiking from Lonavala, where the trailhead for the location is located. It takes around 7 to 8 hours to walk from Khandala to the village of Kurvande and back. Overnight camping is required here after the exhilarating climb to the summit of the Duke’s Nose. Campers may erect their tents on the cliff and spend the night gazing at the lovely valley while enjoying the cold air and a starry sky. In addition to trekking, Duke’s Nose offers a variety of adventure activities, including rappelling, traversing, and zip lining.
5. Kune Waterfalls
The fourteenth-highest waterfall in India, Kune Falls, is situated in Lonavala. It is a three-tiered waterfall with the Sahayadri mountains serving as its backdrop. Kune Falls split into two fragments, provides an amazing visual experience. A dense canopy of greenery encircles these two separate waterfalls. The location is a well-liked picnic place and is surrounded by beautiful vegetation. In the water, one may take a bath or enjoy swimming. The Kune Church is a short distance from the waterfalls, and visitors might stop by while travelling there.
6. Reversing Station
If you’re looking for photography places to visit in Lonavala, Reversing Station should be at the top. Reversing Station was originally utilised by the railway department and is located in Rajmachi, close to Lonavala. It is a wonderful location to take in the view now that it is secluded. The trains changing lanes on the railway track below are fun to watch. Popular for its sunset views, Reversing Station is best visited in the monsoon season.
7. Bushi Dam
There is a masonry dam called the Bhushi Dam on the Indrayani River in Lonavala, Maharashtra. The greatest time to visit this well-liked tourist destination is during the monsoons when the dam’s water overflows and becomes a type of cascade. Even though swimming is not permitted in the dam owing to the erratic water flow, one may always relax on the stairs.
This location is popular with residents of the surrounding villages, who flock there on weekends during the monsoon because of the overflowing water that flows over the steps of Bhushi Dam and then across the rocky landscape. It frequently becomes so congested that many people need help to locate a suitable standing position.
8. Bhor Ghat
Bhor Ghat, a scenic mountain crossing between Khopoli and Khandala on the road route in Maharashtra, and Palsdari and Khandala for the railway tracks, connects Mumbai to Pune. The location, at the summit of the Western Ghats, is full of picturesque sights and natural beauty, making it one of the most well-liked places for picnics. A trip throughout the route passes through 28 tunnels, 28 lush green meadows, and various stunning landscapes to give you the atmosphere of a terrifying train journey. You should surely take a trip along one of the top rail lines in the nation.
9. Karla and Bhaja Caves
One of the intriguing places to visit in Lonavala is the Karla and Bhaja caves, which are a little outside the city’s main part. These buildings are essentially temples built in a Buddhist style. All of the caves’ walls and pillars are decorated with sculptures of Lord Buddha, and each cave has its own “Vihara” and “Chaitya” where monks used to worship.
22 Buddhist caverns carved out of rock make up the Bhaja caves close to Pune. These caverns, frequently visited alongside the Karla caverns, are thought to have been around since the second century BC. On this journey, visit the oldest rock-cut caves in India, which have the most beautiful rock-cut architecture ever. The ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) has certified the old caves as a Monument of National Importance.
The Karla Caves, formerly known as Veluraka, are home to a massive 15-meter pillar and a shrine honouring the goddess Ekveera. A Buddhist monastery said to have been there since the second century BC is also housed there. Near the caverns, a significant historic trade route heads east from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan. To get to the cave, one must ascend about 150 stairs.
10. Celebrity Wax Museum
A 38-year-old wax artist from Kerala named Sunil Kandaloor built the well-known Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum in Lonavala. Nearly 100 statues of famous people, including Rajiv Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, Michael Jackson, Kapil Dev, Adolf Hitler, and many more, are housed there. Chhatrapati Shivaji’s image is the museum’s centrepiece.
11. Tunga Fort
Close to Lonavala, Tung Fort is a hill fort famous for housing Pavana Lake. This fort is a little difficult to ascend at 1075 metres. Visitors must ascend a challenging 1,200-foot stretch of the fort to access the site. Views of Lohagad Fort, Visapur Fort, Tikona Fort, and Korigad Fort are available from the summit.
“Kathingad,” which means “difficult to climb,” is another name for the Tung Fort. Although it has been said to be an average journey, novice hikers are advised to go with an experienced hiker. The ascent and descent of the walk each take around an hour and forty-five minutes, respectively. Tourists consider the fort’s vantage point to be worth it. The height here provides a full view of the Maval area in the Pawana and Mulshi valleys, keeping with its historical function as a guard tower.
12. Amrutanjan Point
The Amrutanjan Point, located near the entrance of Khandala Ghatsa, is a great vantage point from which to take in a breathtaking aerial view of the town of Khopoli and the Duke’s Nose. Due to the favourable weather most of the year and the lovely surroundings, this is one of the best places to visit in Lonavala for picnics.
13. Tungarli Lake
Instead of visiting the well-known Pawana, visit Tungarli Lake in Lonavala. This hilltop lake is among the most attractive lakes, with unmatched views of the Sahyadri range and tranquil blue waters. You must go a little distance to get to this lake’s water. If you need to stop for a snack or meal along the road, this is a fantastic spot. You can see Rajmachi and Lonavala clearly from the lake, and you can also easily see Lohagad Fort. Several campsites are available where you may pick the tent of your choice if you intend to remain here overnight.
14. Visapur Fort
Near Visapur hamlet, adjacent to Lonavala, lies the well-known hill fort known as the Visapur Fort. It is a famous weekend escape from Pune and Mumbai, also known as Visapoor Fort. The magnificent fort is a very well-liked place to hike. Although rugged, the ascent to the Visapur Fort is warm. It begins in the town of Bhaje and takes between 2.5 and 3 hours to complete on either side, reaching a height of 3556 feet.
High veranda walls encircle the Visapur fort, with caverns and water cisterns within. The Pandavas are credited with building a well within the fort as well!
A ten-foot iron cannon with the letters “E R” engraved on it was resting by the fort’s north wall in 1885. The cannon is said to have been taken as a ransom by Kanoji Angre or another similarly brave Maratha captain from one of the English ships during Queen Elizabeth’s reign.
15. Bedsa Caves
The Bedsa caverns are among the earliest known caverns in Maharashtra, dating back to 60 BC. These old caverns in a poor area draw tourists because of their beautiful sculptures. ‘Chaitya’ is the main cave’s name, home to a spectacular prayer hall and a sizable stupa. Bedsa caves are the best places to visit in Lonavala to see the remnants of a bygone age.
How to Reach Lonavala
Lonavala is easily accessible from Mumbai by rail, road, and air.
By Air
The nearest airport to Lonavala is the Pune International Airport.
By Road
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway serves as a direct route to Lonavala. You can take buses and cabs from Mumbai or Pune to reach here. You can also drive your vehicle to this beautiful hill station.
By Rail
The Lonavala Railway Station is well-connected to Mumbai and Pune.
Best Time to Visit Lonavala
The best time to visit Lonavala is during the monsoon and summer when the weather is pleasant. During the monsoon (July-September), you can see the clouds descend with mist and fog all around you. In summer (March-June), the weather is pleasant and provides a respite from urban heat. The winter (October-February) is also a great time to visit this place for those looking for adventurous activities like trekking.
Conclusion
The most well-known hill resort in Maharashtra is Lonavala, a great getaway spot for locals of Pune and Mumbai. It is well recognised for its wonderful climate, breathtaking scenery, and charming personality. The lakes and waterfalls enhance the area’s atmosphere.
The Duke’s Nose, a well-known location for rock climbing, is a popular attraction for tourists here. There are also several lakes, waterfalls, and stunning caverns around here. The Karla hill is another admired tourist destination. A stunning fort named the Rajmachi Fort is located halfway between Lonavala and Khandala. Tourists may view some of the historic caves around Tungarli Lake from here. The Bhedsa caverns, one of this area’s older caves and popular for its superb carvings, are among the other tourist attractions.
Overall, there are many places to visit in Lonavala that will keep you engaged on your trip to this magnificent hill town. It is the perfect place for a weekend trip. Pack your bags this weekend and head over to bathe in the beauty of Lonavala.
