District - Pune
Distance from :-
Mumbai - 96 km
Pune - 64 km
Elevation - 624 m
Area - 38 sq.km
Population - As per 2011 census, 57,698
Languages spoken - Marathi, Hindi and English
Famous for - Hills, Waterfalls, Caves, Historical forts, Adventure sports, nature-treks, rock-climbing
Tourist seasons - All year-round
Preferred Season to visit - Monsoon months, July to September
Nestled in the picturesque Sahyadri ranges in Maharashtra, Lonavala is one of the most popular hill stations in the State.
Lonavala literally means Series of Caves due to the famous Karla caves, Bhaja caves and Bedsa caves located here.
( Leni - Caves, Avali - Series in Prakrit language )
Be it a one-day trip, a honeymoon, a weekend away from life's hustle and bustle or a summer vacation, Lonavala along with its twin hill station , Khandala is the go-to place for the neighborhood metros of Mumbai ,Pune and surrounding places.
The monsoon is its most busy season with monsoon lovers making a headway to its innumerable waterfalls and temporary ponds, roadside eateries serving piping hot corn cobs, pakode,batata vadas, tea and coffee.
Come Monsoon, the Sahyadri landscape is totally transformed into lush, vibrant green valleys, cascading waterfalls and it seems that all roads lead to Lonavala.
On top of that, the pleasant ,cool invigorating climate synonyms with hill-stations makes for a superb relaxing holiday, a place to escape the heat of the plains, the crowds and pollution of the metros,the stresses of modern life.
It's accessibility is a huge factor in its popularity as a tourist destination.
Proximity to Mumbai ,Pune ; ease of traveling has made it an ideal one-day-trip destination.
The whole Ghats and roadways become tourist spots in the rains with youngsters , families and groups enjoying getting wet in the numerous waterfalls.
How to reach -
By road - Via Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Mumbai-Bengaluru Expressway with easy access to State buses, private bus services, Cabs and private vehicles.Connected to many other cities and towns like Khopoli, Karjat, Dabhade, Talegoan etc.
By railway - Connected to Pune on the local trains network, Connected to Mumbai on the Central railways route with all Express trains halting here whereas the locals come up till Khopoli, which is only about 15 km away from Lonavala by road.
By airways - Nearest airports are
Pune - 64 km
Mumbai International airport - 104 km
Aamby valley - 25 km
By waterways - Seaplane service from Juhu to Pavana Dam which is 14 km from Lonavala.
Where to stay :-
Budget hotels, boarding lodges, Luxury resorts and hotels, luxury bungalows and villas on rent, Campsites etc.
( Though pre-booking is highly recommended )
Things to do :-
Frolic in the innumerable waterfalls.
Go for nature treks on the various forts, forests, hills and valleys.
Enjoy the thrill of various adventure sports that include rappelling, rock-climbing, paragliding, hot-air balloon safaris.
Shop for local delicacies; chocolate fudge, walnut fudge, chikkis, cakes and brownies.
Visit the culturally and historically rich forts of the Maratha warrior king, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Explore the famous Karla, Bedsa and Bhaja caves.
Experience the sheer luxurious lifestyle of Aamby Valley.
Drop in at the Bhushi dam, Pavana dam.
Immerse yourself in the magic of Imagicca and the other adventure parks.
Recommended reading - List of Tourist attractions in Lonavala
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