Lonavala Travel Guide, India, Lonavala National Park, Lonavala Hotels

Lonavala Travel Guide

Lonavala and Khandala are two charming little hill stations on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, 5-km apart, that straddle the Mumbai - Pune highway at an altitude of 625m, quite popular as health resorts. Blessed by the nature in bounty, the hill resorts have plethora of places of Tourist Attraction in Lonavala & Khandala - Beautiful Hills, Deep Green Valleys, Huge Lakes, Historic Forts, Waterfalls, etc.

Lonavala and Khandala offer breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls during the monsoon, and the surrounding mountains of the plains spread out to the horizon. A trip to these holiday resorts can be combined with that on the Karla, Bhaja, and Bedsa caves, which are very near from Lonavala.

Lonavala is located in the western part of the state of Maharashtra. It is set amongst the slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range. Also known as the "Jewel of The Sahyadri", Lonavala is a place of this regionwhere nature is present in its entire splendor. It has become famous because of nature's gift of beautiful valleys, hills, milky waterfalls, lush greenery, and pleasant cool winds.

CLIMATE:

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.

The best time to visit Lonavala is between the months of October and May. It is advised not to visit Lonavala in the monsoon season between the months of June and September, as it experiences heavy rainfall during this time. Cotton clothing is apt all through the year and light woolens may be required in winter months.

EXCURSION:

There are several important cities near Lonavala like Khnadala, Mumbai and Pune.

Khandala is one of the important hill stations in the state of Maharashtra and is the pride of the Sahyadri Mountains. Khandala is endowed with abundant natural beauty and like Lonavala, it is also provides a popular gateway from the hustle and bustle of cities of Mumbai and Pune. The picturesque green surroundings of this pretty hill station attract the travelers towards it.

Mumbai: Mumbai's very name conjures up a host of visions: of glamour and megastars who hold millions in thrall, of some of the largest and worst slums in the whole of Asia, of industrialists and business houses, of a multifarious futuristic lifestyle that is likely to become even more intense as the hill resort moves closer and closer to becoming the world's second largest metro by the year 2015…. Mumbai manifests a strong Western streak amidst the traditional Maharashtrian milieu. This is probably due to its being literally the Gateway of India, the point of arrival for most visitors from the West.

The Best Season in Lonavala

Kune Falls - Lonavala

Pune: Pune may not be a cosmopolitan hill resort as its upstart cousin on the coast, Mumbai, but it is a pleasant getaway for all those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the hill resort. The hill resort has a calm atmosphere, non-confronting people, and is certainly much more relaxed and peaceful than Mumbai. Today, the hill resort has lost much of its grandeur of Maratha period but the places around here are quite rich in heritage and natural beauty.

Attractions and Places to Visit in Lonavala

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 hill resort, 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.

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

By Air: Nearest airport is situated in Pune at 64-km.

By Rail: Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune. All express trains plying between the two cities stop here. There is also an hourly shuttle service for Pune.

By Road: Lonavala situated on the Mumbai Pune Highway. It is 104-km from Mumbai and 64-km from Pune. The bus service between Lonavala and Pune is good. Buses shuttle between Lonavala and Khandala. Travelers can hire bicycles on hourly basis to explore Lonavala or to go to Khandala.