Tourist places in and around Lonavla

Lccation : 60 km from Pune on the Mumbai road, Mahatrashtra in India.
It is a hill station at a height of 640 m ASL.

BHUSHI DAM

About 4.5 km from Lonavla town, on the way to I.N.S. Shivaji, there is a beautiful water overflow during monsoon season only. Season : June to Sept.

RAJMACHI POINT

About 6 km from Lonavla. This point commands magnificent view of Shivaji's fort Rajmachi (also known as Royal Terrace) and the surrounding valley. Regular buses ply between Rajmachi point and Lonavla bus stand.

One can make a day trek to Rajmachi fort too.

TUNGARLI LAKE

This lovely lake supplies water to Lonavla town. There are no buses, only auto rickshaws are available from Lonavla station (3 km from lonavla station). A route leads to Rajmachi fort.

VALVAN DAM

The dam with a beautiful garden at its foot is a popular evening spot 1.6 km from the town. This lovely dam supplies water to Khopoli powerhouse.

RYE-WOOD PARK

A thickly wooded park in the vicinity of the Lonavla station.

LONAVLA LAKE

A picturesque spot surrounded by natural scenery 1.6 km from the town, in summer however the lake dries up.

KUNE POINT

Halfway between Lonavla and Khandala of Bombay - Pune highway. This point is well known for scenic beauty.

DUKE'S NOSE

The finest landmark of Khandala is 5 km from Lonavla. It is the summit of hills owing to its resemblance in shape with nose of Iron Dukes the - Duke of Wellington. Good for hiking via Kuruwande village.

TIGER'S LEAP

The captivating name is given to a tip of a cliff from where there is a sheer drop of more than 650 meter. Please watch your step. Besides the soaring height the magnificent view from Tiger's Leap is enthralling. Buses are available.

I.N.S. SHIVAJI

It is a prime naval training centre with Naval Collge of Engineering, Nuclear Biological and Chemical warfare school, Damage Control Simulator (Akshat) and other training wings (visitors allowed only on Navy Day - Dec 4).

REVERSING STATION POINT

It is near Rajmachi point (Khandala) 7 km from lonavla. Famous for the panoramic view of the railway line going through tunnels on one side and the Duke's Nose on the other.

LOHGAD FORT

An arduous climb of about 8 km from Malavali station takes you to the "Iron fort" once a formidable fort of Chatrapati Shivaji. The fort commands an exhilarating view of the surrounding hills and dales.

YOGA INSTITUTE

The famous Yoga institute known as 'Kaivalyadhama' is near Valvan Lake. The institute imparts training in yoga and carries out research in various aspects of yoga. The institute also runs a hospital where diseases are treated by yogic exercises.

(Tel.no:02114-73039)

KARLA AND BHAJA CAVES

KARLA

The Karla caves are about 10 km from Lonavla. The Karla caves are the largest Chaitya caves in the country dating back to 160 B.C. The Chaitya hall is about 45 meter long and 15 meter high and is well preserved. The arched ceiling of the hall has wooden rafters, which have remained intact through centuries.

At the entrance of the cave there is a pillar with three lions on it. On the other side of it there must have been a symmetrical pillar but now the temple of 'Goddess Ekveera' has taken its place. The donor couple and Mithuna panels on the pillar are famous.

After climbing another two hundred feets above Karla caves we can observe wonderful sight of Shirota Dam.

BHAJA

The Bhaja caves are about 3 km from Malavali station. There is a motor able road upto the foot of the caves and the remaining distance of about 1.6 km is to be covered on foot.

The Bhaja caves lesser known than Karla caves are as old as the later. There are in all 18 caves of which cave no. 12 is the finest. Some sculptures and ornamental designs in the caves are worth seeing.

SAHARA LAKE CITY (AMBY VALLEY)

It is a beautiful city developed by Sahara India 21 km from Lonavla in the hilly areas. However you require prior permission to view this breath - taking city.

Koregad fort : Located near Sahara Amby valley.