|
Lonavala
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.
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.
Places of Interest
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.
|
|
|
|
|
