| FACTS
& FIGURES
Population : 50,000
Languages : Marathi, Hindi and English
Best time to visit : October–May
STD Code : 02114
JEWEL OF THE
SAHYADRI
Lonavala is an important hill station
in the state of Maharashtra. It is popularly known as
the jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains. Lonavala is set
amongst the sylvan hills of the Western Ghats and is
a popular gateway from Mumbai and Pune. It also serves
as a starting point for tourists interested in visiting
the famous, ancient Buddhist rock cut caves of Bhaja
and Karla, which are located near this hill station.
It also has an important Yoga center near it, for the
health conscious traveler.
LOCATION
Lonavala is located in the western part
of the state of Maharashtra, in the western region of
India. It is set amongst the slopes of the Sahyadri
mountain range and situated 106 km southeast of Mumbai
at an altitude of 625 m above sea level. The weather
in Lonavala is pleasant. Summers (April–June)
are mild, while winters are cool (November–February).
It experiences heavy southwestern monsoon rains between
June and September.
VISITING TIME
The best time to visit Lonavala is between
the months of October and May. It is advised not to
visit Lonavala in the monsoon season between the months
of June and September, as it experiences heavy rainfall
during this time.
THE PAST
The area around Lonavala was an important
Buddhist center in 2nd century bc and a number of ancient
Buddhist rock-cut cave temples can be found in this
area. As Lonavala is located in the inhospitable terrain
of the Sahyadri mountain range, it was not an important
site in terms of history. Chattrapati Shivaji, the founder
of the first Maratha Empire, ruled this area. Later
it came under the Peshwa rulers, who founded the second
Maratha Empire. It was finally taken over by the British
when they defeated the Peshwas.
TOURIST SPOTS
Lonavala provides a panoramic view of
the lush green surroundings of the Sahyadri ranges.
The peaceful environs of the town, which provides a
great escape from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai city,
attract tourists to this place. Travelers can take a
walk along the waterfalls, the grassy abundance and
hills in and around Lonavala. The mountainous terrain
of Lonavala is ideal for trekking and hiking.
SITES NEARBY
There are numerous lakes around Lonavala.
Tugauli, Lonavala and Bhushi lakes are worth visiting;
so is the Walvan Dam. The small hill station of Khandala
is just 5 km away. Travelers coming from Mumbai pass
through Khandala before reaching Lonavala. Kaivalyadhama
Yoga Hospital is 2 km from Lonavala on the road to Karla
and Bhaja caves. This center attracts both local and
foreign tourists seeking yogic healing. This center
was founded in 1924 and conducts various courses in
Yoga along with a research center and a training college.
Karla and Bhaja Caves, located in the hills at a distance
of 11 km from Lonavala, are important places to visit.
These rock-cut cave temples dating back to 2nd century
bc and are amongst the oldest and finest examples of
Buddhist rock cut temple art in India, belonging to
the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Adventure seekers can
try their hand at rock climbing at the Duke’s
Nose peak and other locations in the Karla hills, near
Lonavala.
HOW TO REACH
Lonavala does not have an airport. The
nearest airport is in Pune, which is 64 km from Lonavala.
As Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai
(Bombay) and Pune (Poona), all express trains plying
between the two cities stop here. The travel time from
Lonavala to Mumbai in express train is 3 hours while
it takes 1 hour from Lonavala to Pune. There is also
an hourly shuttle service for Pune (2 hours). The railway
station in Lonavala is located near the fruit market,
while the main bus stand is near the main road. The
bus service between Lonavala and Pune is good (2 hours).
However, the ride is rough and it takes 4 hours to reach
Mumbai from Lonavala. Buses shuttle between Lonavala
and Khandala (5 km from Lonavala; 15 minutes trip).
Travelers can hire bicycles on hourly basis to explore
Lonavala or to go to Khandala.
PLACES TO EAT
Tourists can savor traditional Indian,
Marathi and western food in the hotels and restaurants
across this small town. Lonavala is known for chikki,
which is a local sweet.
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