Lonavala is one of the best hill stations in Maharashtra. This is part of the western ghats. Lonavala is a suitable location for the Mumbai and Pune publics because it’s 67 km from Pune and 83 km from Mumbai. It’s the perfect destination for people who love to spend time in nature’s home. In this blog, I am writing about the 15 best places near Lonavala that you have to visit once in your life.
Here are the 10 best places near Lonavala:
1. Rajmachi
Rajmachi is a small village situated near Lonavala. It’s around 15/20 from Lonavala. Rajmachi is the heaven of Lonavala. Here are two historical forts. This place is famous for fireflies and night camping. Every pre-monsoon season, fireflies come here. Once in your life, you have to experience one of the best firefly festivals in Maharashtra.
2. Bhushi Dam
Bhushi Dam is the favorite destination of tourists. The best time to visit is during the during the monsoon season, although the place gets overcrowded during peak season. In the off-season, it is mostly dry and rocky, but there is still a good amount of water in the dam. It offers a good site, but nothing as good as the monsoons. And this is the most famous and visited tourist place in Lonavala. It is easily accessible via train, bus, or taxi.
3. Tikona Fort
Tikona Fort is one of the best for beginner trekkers. Tikona Fort, also known as Vitandgad Fort, This fort is located in the Maval region, near Lonavala. The fort’s height is 3500 feet above sea level, and it takes 1 to 2 hours to reach the top of the fort. This fort was built in the 17th century by the Maratha Empire. Tikona Fort is worth the trek because of the best views from the top of the fort and its great history. The base village of this fort is Petha Tikona. So if you want to visit this for just a sea full YouTube blog about how to reach and how’s the trek.
4. Wagheshwar Temple
Wagheshwar Temple is located in Pavana Lake. Yes, it’s located discreetly in the submerged depth of Pavana Lake. This 14th century temple is one of the unique temples near Lonavala. This temple has been submerged for almost 8 months. The temple is visible in the summer season, so if you are going to visit Lonavala in the summer, then you must visit this temple.
5. Tiger Point
Tiger Point is located near Bhushi Dam and Aamby Valley. It is surrounded by hills and the western ghats of Sahyadri. If you want to experience a seasonal view then the best time to visit this place is during the monsoon season. During the monsoon and winter seasons, During the winter season, it’s all surrounded by clouds that make it appear like heaven. Tiger Point is a clifftop with a height of 600–700 m, so in monsoon season there is a panoramic view surrounded by hills, waterfalls, and clouds.
6. Kataldhar waterfall
Kataldhar is one of the biggest and best waterfalls near Lonavala. This is just 15 km from Lonavala, and it takes basic trekking to reach this beautiful waterfall. This is too popular nowadays, but if you are going to visit on weekdays, then you are not going to get stuck in a crowd. On weekends, it’s one of the most crowded places. And if you love adventure and you want to do waterfall rappelling, then this is the best place for you. If you don’t have any previous trekking experience, then join a trekking group. The good time to visit this place is from July to October.
7. Visapur Fort
Visapur Fort is located near Malavali Station in Lonavala. This fort was built for the purpose of protecting Lohagad Fort, which is near Visapur. This fort is famous for its rich history and the steps of the waterfall during the monsoon season. The trekking type needed to reach this fort is mid level. The trek distance is just 6 kilometers, and the duration is near 5 hours. It is 1084 meters above sea level.
8. Karla caves
Karla caves are ancient Buddhist caves located in Karla village. This is famous for being the largest Hinayana Buddhist temple in India. It is 11 km from Lonavala, and it is a good road to reach the base. From the base village, you have to complete 350 steps. This is the house of a Buddhist monastery in the 2nd century BC. If you like to visit historical places, then don’t miss this place. This is an example of the beautiful Indian architecture.
9. Bhaje caves
Bhaja caves are located at 400 feet above the village of bheja, lonavala. This cave temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the archaeological survey department India. Bhaja caves is little bit similar to karla caves. The main attraction of this caves is the chaitya griha with horseshoe ceilings. And if you and your group love to explore archeological sites the you must visit this caves. And other caves are in nearby area are Bedse caves, Karla caves, patan buddhist caves, kondane caves.
10. Imagica Iceland
Imagica Iceland is the best water park near Lonavala. It’s located on the Pune-Mumbai highways, so it’s easily accessible. If you visit Lonavala on a summer day and you don’t have any idea where to go and chill, then this place is best for you. Here, you can enjoy high-energy slides, chilled out attractions, and great food and drinks. It opens at 10:30 a.m. and closes at 7:30 p.m. If you have anyone’s birthday in your group, then the person gets free entry, and they offer you a birthday discount. There are many different packages and discounts, so if you go, just check it out once. Enjoy your day with fun and adventure.
Conclusion
All these places are near to lonavala.Lonavala is the best place for everyone who likes trekking, adventure, and parties. These places are surrounded by western ghats, which have great history and beauty. Lonavala is heaven for Pune and Mumbai, and it’s accessible and irreplaceable. I tried to write about my own experience. Thank you for reading this article. Keep exploring!
Also Read: 7 Most Adventurous Treks in Maharashtra for Unforgettable Memories