Lonavala is a picturesque hill station located in the western ghats of Maharashtra near Pune. It is a popular weekend destination for people living in nearby cities like pune and Mumbai or anyone looking to escape from hustle & bustle of city life. The name Lonavala is derived from Sanskrit word ‘Lonavali’ which means a place surrounded by caves.
As you start your journey from Mumbai, you will be greeted with breathtaking views of the ghats, especially during monsoon season when the ghats are full of waterfalls and hills are covered with green blankets.
Places to visit in Lonavala:
Rajmachi point:
One of the popular tourist attractions in Lonavala is Rajmachi point. This point offers a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys & hills and also popular for trekking, camping and sunset view. For adventure enthusiasts, the Duke’s Nose trek is a must-try.
Karla & Bhaja caves:
People interested in history and architecture, can visit Karla caves and Bhaja caves. These ancient caves, carved in ancient Indian rock-cut architecture, holds historical and religious significance.
Bhushi Dam:
Another must visit attraction in Lonavala is Bhushi dam. Its gushing waters make a perfect backdrop for some stunning photographs.
Wax Museum:
Wax museum is a popular tourist attraction that displays lifelike wax statues of famous personalities from Bollywood, Hollywood, history, sports, politics, etc. like Amitabh bacchan, Shahrukh khan, Mahatma Gandhi, mother Teresa, Michael Jackson, superstar Rajinikant and many more. The museum offers visitors a chance to get up close to their favorite celebrities and take photographs with the wax figures.
Adventure activities:
Lonavala also offers several adventure parks & a ranges of adventure activities like zip-lining, bungee jumping, hot air balloon ride and offbeat adventure sports, making it a fun-filled destination for families and friends.
Camping places:
Lonavala offers several camping sites where you can enjoy a peaceful retreat in nature. Some popular camping sites are-
- Pawna lake
- Tikona fort
- Rajmachi Camping
- Valvan lake camping
Lonavala Chikki:
Don’t forget to try local delicacy-chikki, a sweet made from jaggery and groundnuts. You can find a variety of chikki shops in main market area. The hill station is also known for delicious Maharashtra cuisine.
As the day comes to an end, you can head to the sunset point to witness a breathtaking view of sun setting behind the Sahyadri mountains.
So, whether you are seeking adventure, looking for a peaceful retreat or simply want to escape the chaos of city life, plan a trip to Lonavala.
