Lonavala a satisfying escape from town existence, makes it one of the maximum favorite hill-stations in Maharashtra. Known as the ‘Prince of Hills’ and ‘City of Caves’, this hill metropolis affords stunning views of majestic waterfalls, picturesque valleys covered with green plant life, placid lakes and mystifying caves.
From historical sites and natural wonders to sacred temples, there is a wide variety of places to visit in Lonavala that will guarantee an unforgettable experience for tourists. Witness the captivating allure as you vacation at these popular Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala, each ensuring to etch beautiful memories in your holiday.
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Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala
1. Tiger’s Leap | Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala
Situated in Lonavala, Tiger’s Point (also known as Tiger’s Leap) is a hill of altitude 650m that gives out a visually appealing view of lush green valley, lakes and amazing waterfalls. Locally called as Waghdari, this site reflects the shape of a leaping tiger giving it a fascinating name. The magic at Tiger’s Leap is multiplied during monsoons, when swirling clouds make the surrounding appear even more magical.
The sunset and sunrise vistas from here are incredible. Be on the lookout for a charming little waterfall that adorns the place, manifesting its splendor only during the monsoons. Boasting some amazing sights of waterfalls and valleys, Tiger’s Leap is definitely one of the Popular Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala.
2. Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves | Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala
Fair point- If you’re a history buff, the caves of Karla and Bhaja in Lonavala are perfect for indulging your fancy with Buddhist rock-cut caves that were created since the second century BC. At a distance of 8 km from each other, these caves display the Indian history at its oldest.
Karla Caves has the largest and oldest chaitya (prayer hall) in India which is embellished with half a dozen meticulously maintained rammed-earth stupas. Climbing the steep trail leading up to Karla Caves, you will come across a sculpture of Buddha seated on a lion-stood throne and surrounded by some fascinating carvings.
Farniente at Bhaja Caves (400 feet above the village) Don’t expect anything less than 22 rock-carved marvels, with a twist — many stupas. The horseshoe-shaped door and sculpted figures of Lord Buddha on the stupa resemble that of Karla’s chaityagriha. Offering sanctuary to many an old trekkers, these caves sport viharas, stupas and chaitya.
3. Bhushi Dam | Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala
Bhushi Dam is one of the top places to see in Lonavala, boasting a charming waterfall around it. The dam of the Sea is surrounded by nature and bathers pass down from hills to the flowing salty water forming a natural water park.
The sight of water coming off the steps of the dam and out through the stones is quite hypnotic. The place is alive with the cheeping of birds, verdant greenery and flowing water – it’s quite the magnet.
Built over the Indrayani river, Bhushi Dam lies on a river amid water while breathtaking landscapes and rocky terrain that stand as a witness to nature’s splendour. As an aside, swimming isn’t allowed – no surprise here – so as to preserve this spectacle of nature.
4. Duke’s Nose | Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala
Duke’s Nose is one of the Best Places to Visit in Lonavala and Khandala for thrilling experience. Known for its breathtaking vistas of the Khandala Ghat, Wellington boasts of an interesting story behind its name – it was named after the Duke of Wellington. Duke’s Nose, also called Naagphani meaning cobra head due to the shape of its peak, is a popular place for hike and rock climbing because of beautiful scenic views.
On the peak a Shiva Temple offers an ideal place for praying in such a fabulous ambiance. The rocky terrain to climb and jungle trails makes Duke’s Nose attractive for adventure lovers who can trek, hike or rock-climb depending on their interest.
5. Pawna Lake | Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala
A well- liked camping spot, Pawna Lake is an artificial lake which magnetizes a good number of visitors right near Lonavala. It has forts like Lohagad, Tikona and Visapur around it; the lake is an idyllic way to escape into nature with provisions for canoeing and boating.
Monsoon turns Pawna into a green paradise, so it’s the perfect time to immerse at lush views. Camping packages are all around/available for those who prefer to definitely soak in the serenity and get that perfect view of a sunset.
6. Rajmachi Fort | Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala
One of the revered Lonavala places to visit is Rajmachi Fort which rises at a height of 2,710 feet and is renowned for satiating bikers’ thirst for adventure with its exhilarating trek from Tungarli Lake. Having witnessed the rule of Shivaji Maharaj, Emperor Aurangzeb, Shahu Maharaj and Englishmen, the fort itself has two peak forts --– one being Shrivardhan and Manaranjan.
Decorated with age-old caves, temples such as the Kal Bhairava Mandir and many that are older than the fort itself, Rajmachi is a delight for fans of nature, trekkers and hikers alike. The climb either from Lonavala or Karjat offers good views and the latter route is a harder steeper and a relatively difficult path through a forested section which would eventually lead to the Udhewadi village. The Rajmachi Trek is the perfect trail to trek into the wild side and to put a twist of history in it.
6. Narayani Dham Temple | Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala
Situated in the heart of Lonavala, The Narayani Dham Temple is one of the loveliest Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala. Opened in 2002, this elegant white marble temple is home to Maa Narayani as well as a few other shrines to Ganapati, Hanuman and other Hindu gods.
Four-storey entrance leads visitors through a gateway lined with fountains down the walkway to temple. The temple complex, which is spread over 4.5 acres, boasts of a well-maintained garden that adds to its beautify.
7. Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum | Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala
A little nutty, a lot of fun is what makes Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum on Old Pune Road an attraction in Lonavala which houses close to 100 life-size wax statues of international and national celebrities.
Located barely 3 km from Varsoli railway station near the toll plaza, this museum is nothing short of a brainchild of artist Sunil Kandalloor. Ranging across different areas, subjects include wax models of those in social services, history, art and literature as well as pop music. From Swami Vivekananda to Narendra Modi, and Charlie Chaplin to Shirdi Sai Baba — the museum is a curious mix of famous figures.
8. Kune Waterfall | Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala
The magnificence of nature at Kune waterfall It is the implacable cascade flow of water that stands in frothing evidence, distant echoes of which can be heard by ears searching for them back there up in Lonavala. Located at an elevation of 622 meters from the Sahyadri hills, this three-tiered waterfall has a total height of 200 meters!
With dense, green encircling forests this place provides an alluring experience in the lap of nature. The waterfall becomes a huge attraction in the monsoon season, as it achieves full flow. In addition to refreshing swims the more adventurous can picnic and even go zip-lining and abseiling.
9. Tungarli Lake | Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala
Tranquil Tungarli Lake is perfect for nature lovers and is supplied by the 1930s-built Tungarli Dam, which offers access to a beautiful natural setting. It supplies water to the two nearby hill stations and has turned into a popular weekend spot.
The lake offers a splendid view of Rajmachi and Lohagad fort, and is popular for picnics and outings. This place is perfect for a monsoon getaway and offers stunning views of the lake along with a tranquil garden for taking a leisurely walk. If you are a trek lover and love camping, then Tungarli Lake is one such place to explore.
Best Time To Visit Lonavala
The ideal time to drop by Lonavala is Decembers through February. It’s ideal for sightseeing with temperatures between 12 and 29 degrees Celsius.
If you are a rain lover, June through September is when Lonavala appears at its greenest but it gets pretty wet. Summers that rage from warm to sultry aren’t the best time for a Lonavala visit.
Conclusion
Lonavala and Khandala are two of the most beautiful hill stations Maharashtra has, along with a number of historical sites and adventurous activites making them great getaways from the cities. Acked with loads of adventure and flocking places to visit, you really have to try hard to get bored in this two hillocks town.R Whether it’s a tour around the lush green environs or just soaking in the peaceful vibe at these lakes and falls these twin hill stations are sure to leave an everlasting impression Enjoy every bit of this hilly retreat.
These hill stations near the cities and an interesting cultural heritage of its own make Lonavala & Khandala by far the most visited places for nature lovers and adventure buffs. So there it is – the conclusion of our list! I’m sure you have come across lot of places across Lonavala, to mushroom the weekend away from buzz and noise and spoil for time in leisure.
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