lonavala travel guide | lonavala sightseeing tour, cabs taxi car rentals, tour package
Lonavala
Lonavala is fondly known as the ‘City of Caves’ and the ‘City of Jewels.’ Its spectacular setting and serene environs entice tourists from all over the country to spend a rejuvenating vacation here. It is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in India, including Kune waterfall, Bhivpuri waterfall, Bhagirath waterfall, and Jummapatti waterfall. From natural wonders and religious attractions to historical sites
A modern-day resort town, the hill station of Lonavala is around 106km from Mumbai. It makes for a great weekend getaway from Pune as well, if staying at luxury hotels, spending time with family at a massive waterpark, roaming the halls of a wax museum and go-carting sound like fun to you. If you are here during the monsoons, do check out the many gurgling waterfalls. You can even drive or take a local bus to the fascinating Karla and Bhaja Caves nearby. But if you would rather do nothing, then driving aimlessly through the green Sahyadri ranges all day, while stopping for the locally-made chikki candy is also a good way of indulging in tourism in Lonavala. There are even some yoga retreats that you can check into for some professionally-guided relaxation. If you have more time, you can combine a trip to Lonavala with a visit to the popular Lohagad and Visapur forts, located in Khandala
Best Time to Visit
Lonavala is mostly avoided during summers as the elevation fails to provide it with milder temperatures. Nevertheless, the climate is much pleasant during the summers as compared to the lower plains. The tourist season starts with the arrival of the monsoons during the month of July and provides some breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The best time to visit however is between the months of October and January when the temperatures are the mildest with occasional showers that makes the visit even more enchanting
Attractions/Things to Do
Being located in the hills of the Western Ghats, Lonavala is home to several natural attractions like waterfalls, lakes and viewpoints. To experience the attractions in Lonavala it is often advisable to visit the town during or after the monsoon season as the lakes and waterfalls tend to dry up during the summers. Trekking, Hiking and camping are also much sought after activities in Lonavala.
Tiger’s Leap, Rajmachi Point, Ryewood Park, Shivalinga, Lion’s Point, Karla caves, Lonavala Lake, Bushy Dam, Duke’s nose, Lohagad Fort and Valvan Dam are few of the various.
Outstation Cabs from Lonavala
Best Places to Visit in Lonavala
Here is the list of some of the popular places to visit in Lonavala that one should add to their itinerary for a memorable vacation:
Rajmachi Fort
Snuggled in the lap of the Sahyadri mountains of Western Ghats, Rajmachi Fort comprises two twin fortresses in the complex, Shriwardhan and Manaranjan. It is one of the many old forts of Maharashtra built in the 17th century in the era of Shivaji Maharaj. It is among the best trekking places in Maharashtra, where one can also indulge in night trekking. The trekking trail to Rajmachi offers spectacular views of the surroundings, such as waterfalls, gorges, waterways, and quaint villages. It is a must-visit place in Lonavala, and you can include a visit to the fort in the Lonavala trip while booking a tour with us.
- Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fees: Nil
Lohagad Fort
Lohagad Fort is one of the famous tourist attractions in Lonavala. It has retained its old-world charm and is known for its stunning architecture. It is perched at an altitude of 1,036 m above sea level. This fort is a treasure trove of from the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. A Jain Brahmi inscription can also be spotted here. This majestic fort is interlinked with the Visapur Fort. The trek to Lohagad Fort is a popular thing to do in Lonavala during a trip.
- Timings: 9 AM to 6:30 PM
- Entry Fees: Nil
Tikona Fort
Popularly known as Vitandgad, Tikona Fort is a pyramidal hill fort. Perched at an altitude of 1,103 m above sea level on Tikona Peak, this fort resembles a triangle. You can witness the existence of several Maratha dynasties in the fort through its architectural beauty. It also comprises Buddhist and Satavahana Caves in the complex that have a significant history associated with them. The trek to Tikona Fort is also popular among adventure enthusiasts, and from the top of the fort, you can witness the jaw-dropping beauty of the surroundings. The night trek and camping at Tikona Fort are not allowed. So, with our Lonavala holiday package, you can plan your trip to the fort during the daytime.
- Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fees: Nil
Karla Caves
Built on the rocky hillside, Karla Caves are situated on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway at Karli. These are among India’s oldest Buddhist rock-cut caves and come under protected monuments that the Archeological Society of India manages. The Karla Caves were built from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD. These are situated near an ancient trade route from the Arabian Sea to the Deccan. There are 16 caves in the group, among which 3 are Mahayana caves. Cave number 8, or Great Chaitya Cave, dates back to 120 AD and is the longest rock-cut Chaitya in India. The caves have numerous inscriptions, including males, females, animals, and birds. It is a paradise for history buffs, and you should visit it during the Lonavala tour.
- Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM
- Entry Fees: INR 25 (for Indians) and INR 300 (for foreigners)
Bhaja Caves
Located in the village of Bhaja, these caves are a set of 22 rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC. Among them, only one main cave features a prayer hall. These caves are the perfect place to witness the region’s glorious past and rich cultural heritage. The Bhaja Caves were developed during the Satavahana period and are India’s most prominent Hinayana Buddhist shrines. Encompassed by lush greenery, the Bhaja Caves offer glimpses of the bygone era of mythological India. These are among the best tourist places in Lonavala that offer unique experiences.
- Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
- Entry Fees: INR 5 (for Indians) and INR 100 (for foreigners)
Pawna Lake
It is an artificial lake known as Pawna Dam Reservoir or Pawna Lake Backwater. The dam is located on the Pawna River and forms a lake, a famous place to visit in Lonavala. It is an ideal weekend getaway for tourists to enjoy camping and nature walks. The lake’s soothing ambiance and scenic setting attract many tourists to enjoy a picnic as well. The peaceful atmosphere of the lake makes it an escape from the monotony of the daily routine.
- Timings: 24-hours
- Entry Fees: Nil
Tiger’s Leap
It is one of the popular sightseeing places in Lonavala where tourists can enjoy the breathtaking view of the surroundings. Tiger’s Leap is a stunning viewpoint located on a cliff with a 650 m sheer drop. You can enjoy jaw-dropping sunrise and sunset views with the backdrop of the majestic Western Ghats. It is a popular place among families, friends, and couples. Another stunning feature of Tiger’s Leap is Echo Point, which is worth visiting.
- Timings: 12 AM to 12 AM
- Entry Fees: Nil
Celebrity Wax Museum
A famous wax artist from Kerala, Sunil Kandaloor, founded this museum. Its original name is Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum, which houses more than 100 sculptures. You can spot the wax statues of renowned celebrities, including Kapil Dev, Michael Jackson, Rajiv Gandhi, Adolf Hitler, A R Rahman, and many more. You might not be able to meet them in person, but you can click pictures with the wax statue of your favorite personality here. It is built on the concept of Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.
- Timings: 9 AM to 9:30 PM
- Entry Fees: INR 200 per person
If you are planning to visit these tourist attractions, then you must check. Check out our Lonavala tour packages
