A slight detour off the high-speed Mumbai-Pune Expressway leads to Mumbai’s most popular weekend getaway, the resort town of Lonavla in the Sahyadri Mountains. Vast stretches of green punctuated by numerous streams and waterfalls make it a feast for the eyes. The intricate cave complexes built by Buddhist monks over 200 years ago sheltered weary merchants making arduous journeys. The name Lonavla, which loosely translates into 'resting places carved out of stone' bears testimony to this slice of history.
Lonavla undergoes a magical transformation during the monsoons, with the rich tapestry of hills, valleys, lakes and waterfalls making it a haven for trekkers and hikers. The town is also famous for the locally produced fudge and chikki (A type of hard candy).
State: Maharashtra
Destination Type: Hill Station
Destination Nearby: Mumbai 83 km, Pune 67 km
Languages: Marathi, Hindi and English
Nearest Railway Station: Lonavala Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Pune
Summer: April to June. Temperature ranges between 23° and 35°C.
Monsoon: July and August. Heavy rainfall.
Winter: October to March. Temperature ranges between 11°C and 24°C.
1. Do pack comfortable hiking shoes and a pair of binoculars.
2. Don't forget to buy Chikki and fudge from here.
A series of 22 caves, the Bhaja caves document the transition of Buddhist art and showcases a piece of its rich history.
Lonavala is not just pleasing to the eyes, but is also a hub for wide range of adventure activities. Hiking, camping, rafting - Lonavala has it all!
Wet N Joy Water Theme Park in Lonavala, with one of the biggest wave pools in India, is an array of innovative land and water rides sure to immerse you in the adventure of a lifetime.
Karla caves are amongst the finest examples of rock- cut Buddhist shrines in India. 2000 years ago, these caves also served as a shelter for merchants travelling between the Deccan and the ports of the Arabian Sea.
A teenaged Shivaji won the Lohagad Fort; later he was forced to hand it over to Aurangzeb as part of a treaty. While this fort has become synonymous with the escapades of Shivaji, it has a rich history of its own.
Lonavala National Park, located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, spans lush landscapes teeming with diverse flora and fauna
This three-tiered waterfall has a total height of 200 metres, and the longest drop is roughly 100 metres high. Kune Waterfall is among the highest waterfalls in Lonavala and the 14th highest in India.