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Lonavala is a charming hill station in Pune, visited by many for the love of chikki and nature. The location is popular among Mumbaikars looking to refresh their minds and treat their eyes to the exquisite green landscapes. Come spend your leisure time here to simply just chill out and melt away your stress of the daily grind. Dive into our Lonavala travel guide as we take you over what’s it like to experience this town high up in the hills.
Lonavala is situated in the Sahyadri ranges and sits at an altitude of roughly 2,041 feet above sea level. The place is known to be a popular getaway destination for city-dwellers of Pune and Mumbai. There is no absolute truth to this but it is a passed down knowledge that the name Lonavala is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘lonavli’ which translates to ‘enclosed in caves’.
But it is true that Lonavala is filled with ancient rock caves that you can still visit to this day which are Karla, Bhaja, and Bedse. You should also know that Lonavala was a famous Buddhist town, which kind of explains why there’s so many caves. The Buddhists monks used the many caves present here as meditation grounds. If you visit Bhaja caves you will still be able to find the quarters of the monks, along with carvings and their titles.
Besides being a significant place for Buddhists, Lonavala was also ruled over by the Yadava dynasty, the Mughals, Peshwas, and the Maratha Empire before the British also took power in 1818. Since the region was governed by so many empires, each left a trace of history behind. The rich Maratha presence can be felt by visiting the many forts that got established during their rule. Visapur, Lohagad, Rajmachi, Tikona, and Korigad are some of the forts that you can consider visiting to re-imagine what it may have been like. Although most of the forts in Lonavala have lost its grand stature.
Also read: River Rafting In Kolad
Lonavala has no airport of its own and is mostly visited by residents of 2 sprawling cities which is Pune and Mumbai by road. But for your knowledge, you should know that the nearest airport to the hill station is Pune International Airport. From this airport, Lonavala is just 1.5 hours away by road.
Lonavala has a railway station of its own and it is the most preferable way for travelers to reach the region.
If you’re traveling from Pune, the most ideal trains to take include:
If you’re traveling from Mumbai, your train options include:
You can also look up trains that stop at Khandala (9 mins away), Kharjat (54 minutes away), and Neral (1.15 minutes) as these train railway stops are in decent proximity to Lonavala.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, Lonavala is well-connected to Pune and Mumbai by road. From Pune, the road trip would take you roughly 1.5 hours while from Mumbai it can take up to 2 hours or so. There are several buses that also frequently run between these two cities that take travelers to Lonavala. But taking a road trip to Lonavala with your private car definitely gives you more flexibility as you have the freedom to travel anywhere in Lonavala.
Also read: Mahabaleshwar Travel Guide
Lonavala is a perfect holiday destination to travel to with your squad any time of the year when you seek a mental break. But the most preferred season to be here is in the monsoons! (which is between July and September). The area cools down considerably during this time and the constant heavy downpour freshens up the air and foliage.
Winters (which is between November to February) is also a pleasant time to be in Lonavala. Expect temperatures to be in between 11°C to 24°C. Sip on a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea as you have a chilled time!
You can explore Lonavala in the summers but it can get pretty hot. The temperature can vary from between 23°C to 35°C. Many people still make it to Lonavala in the summers because it is comparatively cooler than most urban areas because the hill station blooms with greenery. One way to beat the heat here is to reserve a property that has a pool where you can cool down!
Also read: 8 Fun Things To Do In Mahabaleshwar
Lonavala is a destination that people travel to from surrounding cities for a short getaway. When you come here it’s best to have your own vehicle or rent one so you can get around the hill station easily.
Also read: 6 Things To Do In Matheran For A Tranquil Holiday
Tiger’s Leap is one of the most gorgeous valleys which is at a height of 650 meters above sea level. The place derives its name from the fact that the rugged area does actually a tiger taking a leap into the valley. This valley is a major attraction for hiking enthusiasts.
Also read: Things To Do In Lonavala During Monsoon
Della Adventure Park is a massive amusement park that you can drop by if you wish to engage in some thrilling rides. There’s so much to do and tire you out here. Sky cycling, paintball, rappelling, zorbing, and a ton of other activities to choose from.
Also read: Experiencing A Day In Periyar National Park
Bhaja caves is a spot of solitude that was used by Buddhist monks all the way back in the 2nd century BC. The entire architecture of the place is a delight to explore. Just a heads up that there’s quite a few steep steps to climb to reach here and the entry fee is INR 25.
Also read: 7 Offbeat Caves Experience In India
What Is Lonavala’s Specialty?
Lonavala is famous for its different types of chikki. Apart from chikki, Lonavala is a favorite getaway in the lap of nature among residents of Pune and Mumbai.
How Many Days Can We Stay In Lonavala?
Lonavala is a popular destination for a 3-day long weekend getaway. It’s also a suitable destination to stay just for a day of rest away from mundane activities.
Which Is The Best Time To Visit Lonavala?
The most preferable time to visit Lonavala is during the monsoon season because of how refreshing the landscapes get.
What Is The Climate Of Lonavala?
At most times of the year, the climate in Lonavala is pretty pleasant. The immense green foliage keeps the hill station cool, calm, and breezy.
Is There Water In Bhushi Dam?
Yes, the overflowing rush of water on the steps of the dam through the rocks is what makes the Bhushi Dam most popular in the monsoons as a tourist spot.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Pawna Lake?
Though the manmade lake can be visited around any time of the year, the best place to visit come here is between October and December.
How Much Does The Lonavala Trip Cost?
The tourist package starts at around Rs.7000 and can go up to Rs.30,000.
How Far Is Khandala From Lonavala?
Khandala is about 5 km away from Lonavala.
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