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Bushy Dam : Architectural
Bushy Dam is one of the majestic picnic spots in Lonavala. The Dam is magnificent during the monsoons with water gushing out through the dam make exhilarating waterfalls. The Dam is located at the backdrop of scenic hilly terrains and lush green environments. It is situated six kms from the Railway Station. |
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Karla Caves : Historical
Karla Caves are the largest cave temple (Chaitya) in India and is located in Lonavala. These rock cut caves are assumed to be built around 100 AD by Buddhist nuns. The marvelous ancient Karla Caves are presently a popular tourist destination to have a close look at the ancient Buddhist architecture and culture. These caves exhibit Buddhist ideologies through inscriptions and stupas.
The Chaitya hall is spectacular with 37 octagonal pillars with a base structure of a water jar and it has a special feature of the façade screen made out of teak wood. The entrance of the Chaitya hall is adorned with an arch in the shape of a horse shoe.
Karla caves encloses Buddha Viharas, where by the monks were stayed during their meditation period in the caves. The cave encloses sculptures of elephants adorned with metal jewelries and ivory tusks. |
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Bhaja Caves : Historical
Bhaja caves, second century old Buddhist caves, in Lonavala is rare Buddhist tourist destination. These caves encloses 18 rock cut caves constructed by Buddhist nuns and enshrines many sculptures like a prince in a chariot, a prince seated on an elephant, three armed warriors and dancing couples. All these sculptures are the specimen of Indian architectural age and the mastery in sculpturing.
The first cave is believed to be the residential place of the master of the caves, the next ten caves are Buddhist viharas with one cave contains the Chaitya hall. The rest seven caves are adorned with inscriptions including the details of the donor. A water fall is also located at the last of the caves |
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Lohagad Fort : Historical
Lohagarh, literally means Iron fort, is an important hill fort used extensively by Chatrapati Shivaji. It has a long history and was used by all dynasties who ruled Vidharbha and Maratha kingdoms. The fort is placed at an altitude of more than 1050 meters. This fort is situated on the Sahyadri ranges and divides the Pawna basin and Indrayani basin.
The fort site is a fine destination for tourist with interests in architecture, archeology and history. The actual date of original fort is not clearly known but the known records points out some additional constructions such as a step well and big tank during eighteenth century. The ancient fort’s four mammoth gates are still intact and are in good condition. |
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Tikona Fort : Historical
Tikona Fort, also renowned as Vitandgad fort, is a major hill fort in Maval region near Lonavala. Tikona fort, literally means triangle fort, had witnessed many dynasties ruled in the Maratha region. This was the nerve centre of the many activities of entire Malwan Pawna regions. The small hamlet close to the fort is Tikona peth. The fort’s mammoth entrance is a special attraction.
The Tikona fort is a great trekking destination for the adventurous tourists. One can get the eye catching views of the Pawna Dam and the forts at Visaput, Tung and Lohagarh. The fort encloses a lake, Satvahan caves and the temple of 'Trimbakeshwar Mahadev'. |
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Tung Fort : Historical
Tung Fort, also known as Kathingad, is a fort in the peak (tung means peak) and is very difficult to approach. The fort is in the Mawal region which was ruled by Maratha kings. The fort is constructed at a height of 3500 feet and about 1200 feet hilly terrain are with steep ascents.
The Tung fort is a tough and rough adventurous trekking destination. One can start trekking to Tung fort from Phagne Dam in Pawna River. The tung fort has already ruined and only the structure left was a temple dedicated to Devi Tungai. There is a lake and a cave at the fort region. From the pinnacle of the hillock, one can enjoy the majestic views of Lohagad and Visapur forts. |
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Koregad Fort : Historical
Koregad Fort is an individual fort in a hillock which is not connected to other hills in Lonavala Region. About one hour trekking expedition is required to reach the top. This hillock is credited with few ponds and magnificent picturesque landscapes. This fort stands alone with grandiose solitude. The fort is in ruins and most of the structures of the fort are not visible nowadays.
One can get eye pleasing views of surrounding hilly terrains and other forts from the peak of this fort.
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Morvi Dongar : Historical
Morvi Dongar is a fascinating hillock between Tung fort and Devgad. This is at one side of the Pawna Lake. There are many trekking routes from Morvi to Tung fort and other hilly ranges in Lonavala.
Morvi Dongar is a jungle region with many varieties of trees and flora. This is a natural habitat of various kinds of bird fauna. Bird watchers can enjoy the days here watching beautiful birds. |
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Visapur Fort : Historical
Visapur fort is located at an altitude of nearly 4,000 ft above sea level in Lonavala. One has to do a real trekking expedition to reach this historical fort. It is believed that the fort is built centuries back and was thriving with many activities during the rules of many Maratha dynasties. Chathrapthi Shivaji was using this as a place to watch the movements in the downhill and the plains. |
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Ryewood Park : Gardens
Ryewood Park is a picturesque hang out in the hill station of Lonavala and is located at around one km from the railway station. . This Park has plenty of grounds with greenish lawns and playing grounds for children. The Park is blessed with many varieties of trees which are decades old. It was a botanical garden and later converted to a Park. The present day garden has many facilities for merry making and is thriving with many varieties of flowers. There is an old Shiva temple also in the park. |
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Nagphani (Duke's Nose) : Scenic
Nagphani, later known as Duke’s Nose after Duke Wellington, is a cliff at Khandala near Lonavala. The Cliff is pointed like a snakes pointed head portion (hood) and hence the name Nagphani. The name Dukes’ nose is derived as the cliff looked like the shape of the Duke. This is a marvelous picnic spot nearby Lonavala. Duke's Nose stands 12 km from Lonavla. |
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Sausage Hills : Scenic
Sausage Hills is one of the best picnic spots in Lonavala. This pristine hill is covered with dense forests and is the natural habitat of many varieties of birds. The Sausage hill is the perfect place for hill climbing, bird watching and trekking. Many trekking trails originate from Sausage hills and leads to other hilly terrains, forts and lakes. From this hill one can get eye catching views of Pawna Lake and Tunga Fort. |
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Scorpion's Sting (Vinchu Kata) : Scenic
Scorpion’s Sting, also known as Vinchu Kata, is a long and narrow fortified spur in the region of the Lohagad fort which extends westwards of the Lonavala. This is a finger styled projection of fissure of Lava and the name scorpion’s sting due to its natural shape. The attractive beauty of the pinnacle of this hilly terrain is worth visiting.
This trail is very fascinating for the nature lovers and trekkers. From this peak one can descend towards the Visapur fort. The peak offers long views of surrounding plains and lush green sceneries of the forests. |
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Koli Temple (Aai Ekvira Temple) : Religious
Koli temple, a temple of the Koli (fishermen) community in Lonavala, is located outside the main chaitya of Karla caves. The tribal Goddess Aai Ekvira is the main deity here. The Koli tribes throng to this temple during special occasions like navarathri and chaitra. One can see the koli fishermen community populaces walking all through the hilly terrains to reach the temple with festivities, Koli dances and folk music.
Koli tribes offer animal sacrifices in this temple, they offer the sacrifice of goat or chickens and they believe that the tribal Goddess has majestic powers. |
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Pawna Lake : Lake
Pawna Lake is an artificial lake formed by the Pawna Dam built across the Pawna River nearby Lonavala. The lake attracts many tourists due to its imposing natural ambience and cool climate. From the dam site one can view the majestic sights of Tungi, Lohagad and Tikona forts.
Presently the fort is in ruins and there is not much structure left in the fort. The scenic surroundings and the majestic panoramic views of the plains are the best attraction here. |
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Tungarli Lake : Lakes
Tungarli Lake is an artificial reservoir in Lonavala. There is a dam across the Tungarli Lake. During monsoons the lake fills with water.
The Lake is located at scenic surroundings and the well maintained lakeside add the beauty of the place. The garden near the dam site is a nice location for evening walks and hang outs.
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Valvan Lake : Lake
Valavan Lake is one of the beautiful picnic spot in Lonavala. The Valvan Lake is an artificial lake created by the Valvan Dam built across the Kundali River. By the side of the lake there is a beautiful garden with vast expanse of landscaped plains. The Valvan Lake and the surrounding dam sites and the garden are popular evening relaxation spots. |
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Lonavla Lake (Monsoon Lake): Lake
Lonavala Lake is also known as Monsoon Lake as it dries up during the winters and gets filled with gushing water during monsoons. This lake, built around 1876, is a picturesque picnic spot in Lonavala. This location is gorgeous with natural beauty and scenic surroundings. The source of the Lonavala Lake is the famous river Indrayani. This lake is a natural habitat of many water bodies. Many varieties of birds can be spotted over the lake.
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Fishing : Adventure
Lonavala is the hamlet of the fishing community known as Koli. Lonavala is the nerve-centre of the fishing activities in the state. The number of Lakes and dam sites make this place a hub of all kinds of fishing activities. The lakes in Lonavala are thriving with varieties of fish fauna. |
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Tiger's Leap
Tiger's Leap 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. |
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I.N.S. Shivaji
A Naval Engineering Training Base.
Lion's Point
Scenic point midway between Bhushi Dam and Aamby Valley.
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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.
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Rajmachi Point / Monkey Point / Sunset Point
8 KM from railway station towards Mumbai you can see this beautiful place and enjoy the beauty of sharp hills and water falls. From the monkey point you can see the valley and the Pune Mumbai express way and its tunnels. You can also see beautiful houses of famous film personalities and film shooting spots. Spend some time inside the park enjoying the surrounding hills and deep valleys, you can also watch the speeding vehicles of the six lane expressway. At the monkey point be aware of monkeys and don't carry eatables openly. There is an entry fee of Rs 5 to the monkey point. Very near to the Monkey point is the sunset point. |
