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 city and 96 km from Mumbai city. It lies in the Western Ghats. It 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 is at a height of 625 mts 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. Best time to visit these twin hill stations is from October to May. Both are very scenic in the monsoons. Lush green with cascading waterfalls all along the mountain range. At times if there 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 at a distance of 8 km. The Karla caves embody in them Early Buddhist temple art in India. They date back to the 2nd century B.C. They comprise 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 2nd century B.C. The surroundings around these caves is 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 3050ft 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
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