While you plan a mesmerizing trip to Lonavala, you need to visit the famous landmarks scattered throughout the place. There are also many less-explored places to visit in Lonavala, which you must witness to experience the serenity around. Tick the right items from your bucket list by visiting Lonavala soon.
1. Pawna Dam (Pavana Dam)
It is a popular picnic and camping spot in Lonavala. The accumulation of the waters from the dam has created the Lonavala Pawna lake, which is an artificial lake. The swiftly flowing waters, along with the greenery and cool breeze all around, makes it a picturesque landscape for tourists throughout the year. You can always pack a picnic lunch and head out to the major tourist attraction.
- Location: Pawna Dam, Lonavala
- Best for: Natural landscapes
- Things to do: Picnic, camping
- How to reach: 22km from Kamshet Railway station; regular jeeps available.
2. Rajmachi Fort
Popularly known as Manoranjan Balekilla, this is a must-visit for all tourists. It was built by the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji and held special significance concerning Indian history. The fort has ancient caves and natural surroundings, which are a treat for the eyes.
- Location: Rajmachi Village, Lonavala
- Best for: Historical site, natural spot
- Things to do: Sightseeing, trekking
- How to reach: Lonavala is the nearest railway station for the fort. You can trek up the hills to reach the tourist spot.
3. Karla Caves
It is one of the oldest rock-cut historical caves in India, which has a well-preserved Hinayana Buddhist Chaitya. The creation of the ancient caves dates back to the first century BC, with various carvings related to Indian mythology. Explore the various ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves, pillars, stupas, beautiful temples, and carvings inside the Lonavala Karla cave.
- Location: Karli, Lonavala
- Best for: Buddhist carvings and ancient historical site
- Things to do: Explore the rock-cut cave, photography
- How to reach: Local buses from Lonavala railway station
4. Tikona Fort
It is one of the popular historical forts in Lonavala, which was originally built by the Marathas. It gets its name because of its unique triangular structure. Once the Mughals gained control over it, Shivaji Maharaj regained it back from them. The small entrance of the fort leads to several caves, temples, and Buddhist carvings.
- Location: Near Kamshet, Lonavala
- Best for: Historical significance
- Things to do: Explore the interiors of the fort, visit the temple inside
- How to reach: Car or bus ride via NH-48
5. Tungarli Lake
It is a beautiful Lake located close to Lonavala. An ideal picnic spot to enjoy with your family and watch the amazing natural landscape. The freshwater of the lake is cool and is easily accessible. The nearby shops sell excellent street foods like Vada Pav and Pav Bhaji.
- Location: Near Valvan Dam, Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Best for: Freshwater lake and natural beauty
- Things to do: Visit Tiger’s Leap and Della Adventure Park
- How to reach: Either by car or on foot
6. Narayani Dham Temple
The beautiful temple offers a spiritual retreat for tourists in Lonavala. The spacious hall, beautiful rose garden, and fountains are a treat to watch in the temple. It consists of an idol of the Hindu Goddess Narayani, along with several other Gods and Goddesses. Clicking pictures are strictly not allowed inside the temple premises. But you can visit the nearby tourist spots around the temple and get a hold of some amazing panoramic views.
- Location: Yoga Center, Plot No 28/199, Near Kaivalyadhama, Tungarli Rd, Tungarli, Lonavala, Maharashtra 410401
- Best for: Religious trips and pilgrimages
- Things to do: Tour around the temple and accept the prasad offerings
- How to reach: Located on Mumbai-Pune old highway; easily accessible by road.
7. Miniature World Museum
It is a great place to spend time with family and friends, especially kids. You will find popular designs in miniature shapes and sizes here. You can also opt for regular exhibitions and shows.
- Location: NH 4, Varsoli, Lonavala, Maharashtra 410405
- Best for: Miniature displays
- Things to do: Explore around the museum
- How to reach: Bus ride for 2-3km from the main town.
Five Best Hiking And Camping Spots In Lonavala
If you are an adventure freak who loves hiking and camping spots, then Lonavala will never dishearten you. It has the best and unique spots where you can indulge in fun adventure sports along with your family. Check out the best Lonavala places to visit and plan your camping accordingly.
1. Malawandi Lake
It is a beautiful lake surrounded by four important forts- Lohagad, Tung, Tikona, and Visapur. The camping site is easily accessible and open to all. The expert guides can help you place your camp with ease and have a fun trip ahead.
- Location: Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Best for: Camping, boating
- How to travel: Bus or car
- What to see: Camping site, lake, natural landscapes
2. Uksan Lake
The lake is best visited right after the monsoons when the water level is high enough. You can trek along the sides and base your camp near the Uksan lake. A huge number of tourists visit this place round the year.
- Location: Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Best for: Natural beauty and street foods
- Things to do: Sightseeing, hiking, camping
- How to reach: 60km from Pune, via NH-48
3. Karnala Camping
This camping area has the best traveler reviews in Lonavala and is highly regarded to be one of the best Lonavala tourist places to visit for adventure seekers. It is completely safe to hike and camp along with your family and friends. You can also visit the Della Adventure Park and Rajmachi camping site from this place.
- Location: Karnala, Maharashtra
- Best for: Natural beauty
- Things to do: Camping, hiking
- How to reach: 67km from Pune; easily accessible by road
4. Lohagad Camping
Lohagad is among the many exquisite forts in Lonavala, and it also has a beautiful camping site. It is easily accessible from the Mumbai-Pune expressway and is a must-visit place. You can also visit the nearby places of popular interest while you base your camp here.
- Location: Pune district, Maharashtra
- Best for: Historical importance and natural site
- Things to do: Trekking, camping, hiking
- How to reach: 60km via Mumbai-Pandharpur road
5. Khandala
It is a popular hill station in Maharashtra along the Western Ghats. You will get to view some amazing tourist places in and around Khandala like Rajmachi fort and Bhaja caves and Karla caves. Plan your camping in Khandala for a memorable experience. Also, get to know about the Lonavala tourist places to visit from Khandala.
- Location: Pune, Maharashtra
- Best for: Cool weather, waterfalls, scenic beauty
- Things to do: Hiking, bird-watching, and camping
- How to reach: 5km from Lonavala by bus or car
Activities to enjoy in Lonavala.
You can try various fun activities at Lonavala along with your family. Here are some amazing things to try in Lonavala:
- Camping near Pawna Lake, a scenic spot. You will get hold of some amazing picturesque views here.
- Paragliding at Kamshet. Perform it under expert supervision to enjoy the excellent adventurous rides.
- Watch the mesmerizing sunset at Lion’s Point. The natural landscape is beyond any explanation, which will surely mesmerize you.
- Hike to Tiger’s Leap. try it with a group of members and experience a fun adventure.
- Visit the kid-friendly place called Imagica. It is filled with adventurous activities, especially for kids below 12 years of age.
- Hot air balloon safari. Fly high amidst the clouds to get a panoramic view of Lonavala.
- Explore Aamby Valley and Zenith Waterfall. They are popular natural landscapes that will enthrall you in every way.
Related Topic- Explore India
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What type of climate does Lonavala have?
A:
Lonavala has a cool temperate climate, along with heavy rainfall almost throughout the year. The temperatures remain average, especially during the summers and winters.
Q: Does Lonavala remain closed during any part of the year?
A:
No, Lonavala does not remain closed as a whole during any part of the year. Some of the important locations may be closed, especially during Shivaji Jayanti and Ganesh Chaturthi.
Q: Which religious places to visit in Lonavala?
A:
Ekvira Devi Temple, Kaivalyadhama Ashram, and Gagangiri Ashram are some of the important religious places in Lonavala. They are also among the Lonavala best places to visit for a fulfilling family trip ahead.
Q: Which street foods to try in Lonavala?
A:
You can try Vada Pav, Misel Pav, and Pav Bhaji. The shops near Lion Point and Tunga Forts offer amazing street foods.
Q: Where to stay in Lonavala?
A:
There are various resorts and hotels in and around Lonavala where you can spend the night. It is also recommended that you choose a place near the Mumbai Pune expressway.
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