India Tourism » Lonavala Travel

LONAVALA
The term ‘Lonavala’ (also spelt Lonavla and earlier known as Lanouli) probably has its origins in a Sanskrit term which means ‘numerous caves’ or ‘a town surrounded by numerous caves’. Besides, there are forts, lakes, waterfalls, dams, woods, parks, gardens, a zoo, a major Ayurveda Institute, and, of course, peaks (points) and cliffs galore. Try the odd-shaped peak called Duke’s Nose (nagphani or ‘snake hood’ in local lingo) for its structure, or gasp at the sheer 650 m drop of Tiger’s Leap. Admire the view from Reversing Point and Sunset Point, and picnic at the man-made reservoir called Tungarli Lake. Or would you rather join the crowds at the Walvan and Bushy dams? During the monsoons, both are usually packed with hordes of tourists.

Children would especially enjoy a visit to Mohatta’s Zoo, 7 km from the town, which has a rare collection of birds and monkeys from Africa and South America. Hiking, angling and swimming are other common sporting activities on offer, weather permitting. In its monsoon glory period, when ‘raindrops keep falling on your head’, you’ll notice that clouds literally envelope the entire Lonavala town. There’s more in store you just have to look out, onto the hills, and you’ll behold a thousand waterfalls gushing from the slopes and flowing into ravines below! No wonder lovers and honeymooners choose these hills for their romantic escapades.

WHY IT’S A MONSOON PLACE
Heavy south-westerly monsoon rains between June and September mean an average rainfall of 450 cm a year. And rain means ponds, lakes and lush greenery enveloping the picturesque terrain, providing a breathtaking view. As you enter the last 20 kms of your approach, do look out of your window and marvel at nature’s own picture postcard panorama on display. For those of you who are terrified of waterlogging in cities, Lonavala’s slopes are a natural defence against any such occurrence. So get going, save for a rainy day, and spend quality monsoon time at Lonavala.

HOW TO GET THERE
Lonavala is truly ‘western’, located on the western slopes of the Western Ghats in the western part of Maharashtra 600-650 metres above sea level. There is no airport, but you can fly into Pune or Mumbai. All trains between Mumbai and Pune halt at Lonavala. Depending on your mode of transport, it could take two-and-a-half to three hours by surface transport from Mumbai, and about one-and-a-half hours from Pune.

WHERE TO STAY
There are numerous hotels, resorts, hostels and restaurants suiting every pocket and every need, right up to the five-star level. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) runs a resort at Karla, and another at Rye Woods, Lonavala

SCENIC SPOTS
• Karla Caves, which belong To the 1st and 2nd century BC, strikingly like Ellora.
• Tungarli Lake, Pawna Lake, Lonavala Lake and Valvan Lake.
• Lohagad, Visapur and Tikona Forts, where you also get caves and lakes.
• Bhaja Caves, a complex of 18 caves believed to have been built by budhist monks in the same period.
• Bushy Dam, located 6 km outside Lonavala, quite a tourist favourite.