LONAVALA, MAHARASHTRA

LONAVALA / KHANDALA

Lonavala is a hill station surrounded by green valleys in western India near Mumbai. The Karla Caves and the Bhaja Caves are ancient Buddhist shrines carved out of the rock. They feature massive pillars and intricate relief sculptures. South of the Bhaja Caves sits the imposing Lohagad Fort, with its 4 gates. West of here is Bhushi Dam, where water overflows onto a set of steps during a rainy season. Lonavala is hit tourist place for the one-day group tour, I stay at navi Mumbai so I often visit there.

There are many Dhaba styled hotels on Mumbai Pune express where you can enjoy Indian food especially nonveg 

If you travel to the Khandala hill station, one thing is for sure - you will fall in love with it at the very first sight. In fact, most of the people who stay in Mumbai also visit this hill resort on weekends, to forget the daily tensions and let their body, as well as their mind, relax and rejuvenate. Khandala has been blessed with nature's beauty in abundance. The natural splendor, combined with peaceful surroundings, makes the hill station the perfect holiday spot. Today, Khandala is counted amongst one of the most visited tourist destinations in India.

Lonavala is also famous for tracking and you may get HOT AIR Ballon ride here. (booking required )

POINTS TO VISIT

Bhaja Caves

Bhaja caves, second-century old Buddhist caves, in Lonavala is rare Buddhist tourist destination. These caves enclose 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.

Bushy Dam

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. This is a much sought weekend and vacation destination in Lonavala. Calm environment and cool atmosphere add the beauty of this site. Swimming is not allowed in this Dam.

Karla Caves

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 fa?ade 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 enclose Buddha viharas, where by the monks were stayed during their meditation period in the caves. The cave encloses sculptures of elephants adorned with metal jewelry and ivory tusks.

Koli Temple(Aai Ekvira Temple)

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 Navaratri 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.

LOHgad Fort

Lohagarh, literally means Iron fort, is an important hill fort used extensively by Chhatrapati 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 Pavna 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 point out some additional constructions such as a step well and big tank during the eighteenth century. The ancient fort's four mammoth gates are still intact and are in good condition.

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.

Celebrity Wax Museum

This is situated on the highway. you can see much advertising of this on roads, easily accessible and must visit the place ... lots of wax statues are made with so perfection. Entry fees are nominal like RS 200/250 pp. The place is a fun getaway for families/friends - and proves to be a great place to take pictures and just enjoy yourself.

Lion Point

Lion point is a little far from Lonavala main market but you will get the directions if you ask anybody. Just remember that it is also known as Tiger Point. It's a pleasant drive from Mumbai or Pune and the stretch towards the point is lovely. We found fog and rain all the way, which made the journey memorable. Lion point should make huge improvements on the parking lot as it is horrible during monsoon. The point is pretty dirty too. But the view of the valley is nice and misty. It is one of those places where the journey is more interesting than the destination.

Tikona Fort

Tikona Fort, also renowned as Vitandgad fort, is a major hill fort in Maval region near the Lonavala. Tikona fort, literally means triangle fort, had witnessed many dynasties ruled in the Maratha region. This was the nerve center 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'.

WHAT TO EAT 

DURING RAINY SEASON, THIS PLACE IS FAMOUS FOR IT'S CORN PAKODA