Lonavala is a town and a hill station in the jurisdiction of the Municipal Council in Pune district, in the state of Maharashtra India. It is 64 km away from Pune and 96 km from Mumbai. It lies in the Western Ghats. Lonavala is a good hill resort for the weekends. Lonavala has a beautiful landscape. One can trek around, walk, bicycle, and see what lies within this town. It is famous for its different varieties of Chikki.
Khandala, at a height of 625 m, is on the western slopes of the Sahayadri Mountain range. It is about 3 km from Lonavala, 69 km from Pune and 101 km southeast of Mumbai. To visit these twin hill stations the best time is from October to May. Both are very scenic in the monsoons. It is lush green with cascading waterfalls all along the mountain range. At times, in the rainy season the heavy rains may play spoil sport to your trip.
Some tourist attractions are –
1. Dukes Nose
It has got its name because it resembles the nose of the Duke of Wellington. You will be amazed to see the views of the surrounding valleys, forests and mountains.
2. Karla and Bhaja Caves
These caves are nestled in the hills of Lonavala. They are at a distance of 8 km. The Karla caves embody in them Early Buddhist temple art in India. They date back to the second century B.C. They consist of monasteries on a hill 150 meters high and one Chaitya which is the largest in India.
Bhaja Caves are 18 in all and the 18 stupas are believed to be excavated in the second century B.C. The surroundings around these caves are almost mystical.
3. Lohagad Fort
This is an ancient fort which dates back to Shivaji’s time. It is 10 km from Lonavala. It has three gates which are exquisite. The designs on the walls of the fort are like fangs of a scorpion. You can reach some caves by taking a flight of steep steps.
4. Korigad Fort
This fort lies in Amby Valley. It is roughly 3,050 ft above sea level. It’s a trekker’s delight. They proceed through forests and rugged hills enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
5. Valvan Dam
This dam has a well laid out garden at its foot. It supplies water to the Khopoli power station for generating electricity. The power station is at the foothills of the Sahyadris.
6. Tunga Fort
This fort has a temple of Mahadeo. It is seen as a rock piercing the horizon. One can approach it from Pavana Dam by a motor boat. It is a stiff fort to climb. The roads are slippery and narrow, so one has to be very cautious while climbing the Tunga Fort.
7. Other tourist attractions are
The Kaivalyadham Yoga Ashram
Ryewood Park
Lonavala Lake
Bhushi Dam
