Nature’s poetry unfolds in every corner of Lonavala in these places.
Some places reside in nature and one of them is Lonavala, a beautiful retreat away from the chaos of the city. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Often called the ‘Jewel of Sahyadri’ and the ‘City of Caves’. Lonavla, the hill station boasts spectacular views and the place includes lush green valleys, stunning waterfalls, serene lakes, and remarkable caves. Historical sites, natural wonders, and religious attractions like these various places are there to visit in Lonavala and never fail to impress visitors.
Could you take a look at some of the must-visit Lonavala tourist places that should be on your itinerary to make the best of memories of your vacation in this hill station?
1. Tiger’s Leap
Tiger’s Leap viewpoint is located around 8 km away from Lonavala and is a major tourist attraction of this place. It is a clifftop with a sheer drop of over 650 m, offering a comprehensive view of the hills and the Western Ghats. It is famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset view, especially on a clear day.
Tiger’s Leap is an unusual name given to this place due to the resemblance of the shape with that of a tiger leaping into the valley. This point, which provides an interesting view of the valley below, is just a short distance away from INS Shivaji. The exhilarating views should, however, be enjoyed from a safe spot rather than from the top of the cliff which is precarious. The echo point on Tiger’s Leap is another major attraction.
2. Bhushi Dam
Located a few kilometers away from Lonavala railway station, Bhushi Dam is among the best weekend getaway for tourists as well as locals. Engulfed by the carpeted hills, the forcing water of the dam makes a huge natural water park that rejuvenates the visitors. The view of the Bhushi Dam water, when overflows over an array of steps and then passes through the rocky terrain, is mesmerizing. The kiosks of tea, pakoras, and other tasty tidbits have been developed around to delight the amazing crowd of visitors.
3. Rajmachi Point
At a distance of 6 km from Lonavala Railway Station and 2.5 km from Khandala Railway Station, Rajmachi Point is located on the way to Mumbai from Pune, just before the starting point of the ghat in Khandala. The Rajmachi Point is one of the top tourist places in Lonavala. Rajmachi Point is located within walking distance of the Dukes Retreat. This spot got its name because Rajmachi Fort of the incredible Maratha ruler Chatrapati Sivaji is situated opposite this point. The point offers spectacular views of Rajmachi Fort, the surrounding valley, and waterfalls as part of Lonavala packages. Rajmachi Point has a temple and a children’s park. This is also a famous area for movie producers.
4. Karla Caves
At a distance of 11 km from Lonavala, 59 km from Pune & 107 km from Mumbai, the Karla Caves or Karle Caves are a complex of ancient Indian Buddhist rock-cut cave temples located at Karli near Lonavala, Maharashtra. It is one of the best Lonavala tourist places and also among the well-known historical places to visit near Mumbai & Pune protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Karla is one of the most famous centers of early rock-cut architecture in India. The caves are excavated nearly 100 m on a high spur of the chain of hills on the north flank of the Indrayani valley. These caves were developed over two periods – from the 2nd century BC to the 2nd Century AD and in the 5th – 10th Century AD. The oldest of the cave shrines is believed to date back to 160 BC, having arisen near a major ancient trade route, running eastward from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan.
5. Lonavala Lake
Lonavala Lake is located on the outskirts of Lonavala and is sourced by the Indrayani River. The lake fills up during the monsoons and dries up during the winter leading it to be popularly known as the monsoon lake. It is a popular picnic spot offering activities like bird watching, swimming, and angling.
6. Lohagad Fort
At a distance of 11 km from Lonavala, 66 km from Pune & 114 km from Mumbai, the Lohagad Fort (Iron Fort) is a historical fort situated along the Sahyadri hills in the Lonavala region of Maharashtra. It is one of the best tourist places to visit in Lonavala and also one of the most popular heritage in Maharashtra.
Lohagad makes an ideal trekking destination for trekkers from Pune and Mumbai because of its accessibility, ease of trek, and lush green surroundings. The Lohagad trek is very popular, especially during monsoons. Malavli is the base of the trek, which is around 7 km from Lohagad. It is a simple, very scenic, and pleasant trek and the distance from Malavli and Lohagad can be covered in two hours.
7. Ryewood Park
Once a Botanical garden, during the years of service of an English officer ‘Mr. Rye’, has now been converted into a park frequented by picnickers. Lounging over 25 acres of manicured land, the park provides extensive green lawns, that are equipped with swings where the children can play and have fun. Hence it is an ideal visiting spot for tourists as well as for the local people, to sit on the clean wooden benches, stroll around the tall trees and relax with the near and dear once. Apart from the varieties of trees and flowering plants, the park also has an old Shiva Temple within its premises.
8. Tungarli Lake
Forget about the popular Pawana and explore Tungarli Lake in Lonavala instead. This hilltop lake is one of the most picturesque lakes with unparalleled views of the Sahyadri range and the calming blue waters. To reach this lake you need to embark on a short trek to reach the water. Along the way you’ll find food and snack vendors so, if you need a pitstop, this is a great palace to do so.
From the lake, you have a full-access view of Rajmachi and Lonavala and you can easily spot Lohagad Fort too! If you are planning to stay here overnight, there are plenty of campsites where you can choose the tents of your liking. The main water source to the lake is the 1930s British Era Tungarli Dam which is also a source of water to neighboring residents of the nearby hill stations.
9. Kune Falls
Kune Falls are the 14th highest waterfall in India located in Lonavala. It is a three-tiered waterfall set amidst the backdrop of the Sahayadri mountains. Divided into two sections, visiting Kune Falls makes up for an enchanting visual experience. A popular picnic spot, the area is surrounded by lush greenery. One can also enjoy swimming and bathing in the water. Unfortunately, the road to the Kune Falls is private, and hence visitor entry is restricted.
10. Lion’s Point
Situated between Bhushi Dam and Amby Valley in Lonavala, Lion’s Point is a popular vantage point in the city that offers spectacular panoramic vistas of the adjacent hills and the valley below. The hilltop is surrounded by cascading waterfalls, lush green valleys, and majestic mountains and is a famous tourist spot in the city.
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