City Info
Lonavala - How to get there:
By Airways:
The nearest Airport from Lonavala is Lohgaon (Pune) 82 Km.
By Railways:
As Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai (Bombay) and Pune (Pune), all express trains plying between the two cities stop here.
By Roadways:
Lonavala & Khandala are connected to Mumbai and Pune by the National Highway no. 4. Local Transport-Private Taxis & auto rickshaws are available at Lonavala railway station & S.T. stand. The state road transport buses starting from Lonavala bus stand are available for places of tourist interest like Karla caves and Rajmachi point.
About
Lonavala is an important hill station in the state of Maharashtra. It is popularly known as the jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains. Lonavala is set amongst the sylvan hills of the Western Ghats and is a popular gateway from Mumbai and Pune. It also serves as a starting point for tourists interested in visiting the famous, ancient Buddhist rock cut caves of Bhaja and Karla, which are located near this hill station.
Lonavala is located in the western part of the state of Maharashtra, in the western region of India. It is set amongst the slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range and situated 106 km southeast of Mumbai at an altitude of 625 m above sea level.
The weather in Lonavala is pleasant. Summers (April-June) are mild; while winters are cool (November-February). It experiences heavy southwestern monsoon rains between June and September.
The best time to visit Lonavala is between the months of October and May. It is advised not to visit Lonavala in the monsoon season between the months of June and September, as it experiences heavy rainfall during this time.
Temperatures vary from 12 degree Celsius to 36 degree Celsius throughout the year with an annual rainfall of 450 cm.
HISTORY
Lonavala derived its name from the Sanskrit word Lonavli, which means city surrounded by caves. The area around Lonavala was an important Buddhist center in 2nd century BC and a number of ancient Buddhist rock-cut cave temples can be found in this area. As Lonavala is located in the inhospitable terrain of the Sahyadri mountain range, it was not an important site in terms of history. Chattrapati Shivaji, the founder of the first Maratha Empire, ruled this area. Later it came under the Peshwa rulers, who founded the second Maratha Empire. It was finally taken over by the British when they defeated the Peshwas.
Tungarli Lake
Tungarli Lake is a man made reservoir, situated near Tungarli village in Pune District. An attractive picnic spot, Tungarli Lake is the main source of water for Lonavala. A dam is built across the lake.
Bhushi Dam
Ideal time to visit this place is in the month of August when the Dam overflows and provides a magnifiscent look to tourist.
Caves
Karla & Bhaja Caves are located in the hills at a distance of 11 km from Lonavala. These rock-cut cave temples dating back to 2nd century BC and are amongst the oldest and finest examples of Buddhist rock cut temple art in India, belonging to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
Karla Caves
About 12 km from Lonavala, on the Pune Road, are the Karla Caves. Belonging to the 2nd century B.C., they bear a striking resemblance to those at Ellora. The stupa inside the cave and the rock sculptures at the entrance are an eloquent testimony of the skill of the artisans of that time. Taxis and auto-rickshaws which are easily available in Lonavala are the best way of getting to Karla.
Bhaja Caves
It is situated 12 km from Lonavala. The 18 caves are believed to have been built bu Buddhist monks in the 2nd century B.C. Cave 12th is the largest and has a fine stilted vault. The last cave to the south has excellent sculpture, including the famous `dancing couple.
Bedsa Caves
About 15 km from Lonavala, are the famous ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves. The `chaitya here has 4 pillars with carving of horses, bulls, and elephants. Its ribbed roof is supported by 26 pillars. As this cave is isolated from the other two, it tends to get missed by the visitors.
Tourist Attractions
Rajmachi Park
On the way to Mumbai from Lonavala there is a beautiful garden before the beginning of the Ghat. It gives a spectacular view of the surroundings. On the East Side two towers of the Rajmachi Fort can be seen and at the bottom is the huge valley. There is a restaurant here and a temple close by. The Ghat begins from this point so many people come to enjoy the view. There is Childrens Park here and there are regular bus services from Lonavala bus station.
Ryewood
This is a big and beautiful garden situated near Lonavala. This garden covers a lot of ground and it is full of majestic tall trees. There is an old Mahadeo temple in this park.
Dukes Nose
This place is named after Duke Wellington whose pointed nose this cliff resembles. It also looks like a hood of a snake, which is why it is also called as "Nagfani" (Hood of Snake). This point can be approach from INS Shivaji and Kurwande Village.
Kune Falls
Water comes from a height of more than 100 feet. It is majestic in appearance and one can have bath in the water that flows through the valley. This place is between Lonavala and Khandala. This fall can be seen in Khandala Ghat while coming from Mumbai. It runs for many days long after the monsoon is over.
Tigers Leap
The valley from here appears as if a tiger is leaping into the valley. This spot is a furlong away from INS Shivaji. It gives a fascinating view of the valley. There is provision for viewing the valley from the safe confines of a big hole.
Monkey Hill
All the trains coming down from Khandala halt here for brake testing. There is a huge flat land to south of the railway tracks. This place is exactly above Khopoli town and it can be approach from Khopoli as well as Borghat reversing station. It is a favorite picnic spot.
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