History
Present day Lonavla was a part of the Yadava dynasty. Later, the Mughals realized the strategic importance of the region and kept the region for an extended time. The forts in the region and the Mavla warriors played an important role in the history of the Maratha and Peshwa empires. In 1871, the Lonavla and Khandala hill stations were discovered by Lord Elphinstone, who was the Governor of Bombay Presidency during those times.
Transport
By road
Lonavla is on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and is well-connected to several other towns of Khopoli, Karjat, Talegaon Dabhade, etc.
By train
Lonavla is well-connected by train. Local trains run from Pune at 2 hour intervals. It takes 2.5 hours by train from Mumbai and 1.5 hour from Pune. All trains, whether travelling from Mumbai to Pune or Pune to Mumbai, will stop at Lonavla. The trains coming from Mumbai will stop at Karjat since an extra set of locomotives need to be added to each train before it starts its journey up the western ghats to reach Lonavala.
By Air
Lonavla does not have an airport, though the Indian Air Force station, Troppo is situated on the way to Aamby Valley City. The city of Aamby Valley has its own private airport. The nearest commercial airports are Pune International Airport at 64 km and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at 104 km.
Lonavla Tourist Places
Rajmachi Point
Rajmachi Point is located about 6.5 km from Lonavla. This point commands a view of Shivaji's famous fort, Rajmachi (Royal terrakouioce) and the surrounding valley. Regular State Transport buses ply between Rajmachi Point and Lonavla from the State Transport Bus Stand. The famous Vaghjai Dari is also located here.
Ryewood Park & Shivaji Udyan
This is an extensive garden situated in Lonavla. The garden covers a lot of ground and it is full of tall trees. There is an old Shiva temple in the park. The garden has plenty of place for children to play.
Valvan Dam
Valvan Dam has a garden at its foot, and is a popular evening spot 2 km from the town. The dam supplies water to the Khopoli power station at the foothills of the Sahyadris for generating electricity. The Kundali River feeds into the dam's reservoir.
Lonavla Lake
Lonavla Lake is surrounded by natural scenery, about 1.6 km from the town. The lake dries up during the winter months.
Duke's Nose
Duke's Nose stands 12 km from Lonavla, clearly visible from the highway while driving towards Mumbai. This landmark in Khandala is popular with hikers. The cliff owes its name to the Duke of Wellington, whose ample nose it resembles.
Tiger's Leap
Tiger's Leap also known as Tiger's Point is a cliff-top with a sheer drop of over 650 m, giving an extensive view. Buses are available up to I.N.S. Shivaji and the remaining distance of about 1.6 km has to be covered on foot.
Just around tiger's leap, there is an small waterfall active only during the monsoon. It serves the purpose of relaxing in the water better than Bushy dam, as the force of the fall is higher. Also, after the brief steep descent, the fall becomes a stream with a fair amount of force to go all the way down to the base of the Tiger's Leap. Adventurers can trek down the stream whilst intermittently stepping back on land where the water current is too strong and the fall is steep.
Karla Caves
Karla caves , located near Lonavla, is a complex of cave shrines built by Buddhist monks around 3rd to 2nd century B.C. A famous temple of Goddess Ekvira Devi is also present here.
Bhushi dam during the rainy season
Lohagad Fort
A robust climb of about 11.2 km from Malavali Railway Station takes you to the 'Iron Fort', once a formidable battle-station of Shivaji. The fort commands a view of the surrounding hills and hamlets.
Bhushi Dam
A waterfall near the dam is a popular spot between Lonavla and I.N.S. Shivaji. Buses running on the I.N.S. Shivaji Road stop here.
Lion's Point
Scenic point midway between Bhushi Dam and Aamby Valley .
Tungarli Lake and Dam
This lake and Dam come to life during the Monsoon season, where youth climb the mountain top to the Dam. This dam was built during the British era and features a serene surrounding.
Shooting Point
Another scenic point in the town of Khandala (Bazaar peth), which provides magnificent view of the Rajmachi Fort and the valley. Also the home for the St. Mary's villa.
Wax Museum
The Wax Museum, only 3 km away from the railway station at Varsoli, near Toll Plaza is a new attraction for the tourists.
Lonavala Photo Gallary
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4 comments:
Lonavala is good place for weekend or one day trip for people of Mumbai and Pune. They are too many places for visit and some sightseeing like khandala and malshejghat. So take Mumbai Lonavala taxi is good option, becaus it's save your money avoiding lot of local traveling charges and also make your trip comfortable.
Thank you for sharing this informative blog about Lonavla. It sounds like a fascinating place to visit, with its scenic beauty and unique attractions.
If you ever plan a visit to Sri Lanka, there is a hotel with a rich history and stunning views luxury hotel Kandy . It is located in a beautiful place with stunning views.
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