Lonavala is located in the lush & evergreen hills of the Western Ghats, sat as one of a bucket list place to visit. Located a mere 2 hours away from the sprawling metropolis of Mumbai and the lively city of Pune, this hill station is one of the most visited travel destinations by people on a quest for peace from their fast-moving lives in an urban jungle. Nestled between green hills, overlooking gushing waterfalls in season, Lonavala is more than a destination but an experience to be cherished.
The geographical setting of Lonavala is epic. Located on a plateau at 2000 ft above sea level, it belongs to the Sahyadri range and its walls overlook two valleys with many hills. During the monsoon, Lonavala becomes a green heaven with waterfalls flowing down rocky rocks and fog enveloping the scenery that looks nearly angelic. Lonavala is hushed by the heart of the adventurers, a handful of nature lovers, and some history chopping mama so basically they got almost everything for every other human being.
What is the History and Background of Lonavala?
Lonavala was an important stop on ancient trade routes and traces its history back to the 2nd century BC. The name Lonavala is taken from the Sanskrit word, which means resting place of caves. It is well known for rock-cut caves that became a Buddhist monastic heritage site hundreds of years ago.
Funnily enough, Lonavala was only developed as a hill station during the British colonial period. This adorable little town, a summer resort where the British stumbled on while looking for a cool escape from the scorching heat of the plains. It has a rich historical significance with many forts and ancient caves around. During the Maratha Empire, the region also held strategic importance and served as a military outpost.
One of the most intriguing stories surrounding Lonavala is that of the renowned Bhushi Dam, which was built between 1860-70. According to legend this dam was built to provide water for the nearby towns and also a location where British soldiers would picnic with their families. To this day, it is still a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, especially in the monsoon season when the water flows down in full force.
Famous monuments and places of interest in Lonavala
Karla Caves
Just a few minutes drive away from Lonavala, fresh weather and a UNESCO World Heritage site the Karla Caves is carved out of rock. These caves, carved by Buddhist monks, date back to the 2nd century BC and contain a complex of chaitya halls with elaborate sculptures. The central cave (Cave 8) is a chaitya (prayer hall) with a grand stone stupa at its center.
Fun fact: This is home to the largest chaitya hall in India. You are going to be struck by the magnificence of this cave!
Bhaja Caves
Like the other historical bastions found here—the Karla Caves—also these remains of ancient rock-cut caverns depict stunning Buddhist architecture. The are much older than their counterparts at Karla and notable for their stupas and lovely carvings. Surrounded by hills, the silence inside these caves is suitable for meditation and soliloquy.
Local legend has it that these caves house monks that once lived a life of seclusion in order to avoid the distractions of worldly life.
Lohagad Fort
Lohagad Fort which means “Iron Fort” is a wonderful hill fort located at the height of 1,033 meters. It is an important tourist attraction for its history of Maharashtra and was the one time fort of the Maratha empire. This fort has massive walls and also great views of the surrounding Sahyadri mountains.
Trivia: The fort is famous for its uniqueness in shape that views it as a gigantic scorpion sting when seen from miles away and interpreted as an ideal element for trekkers and historians.
Tiger’s Leap
If you are looking for adventure and want to soak in some views, Tiger’s Leap is a must-visit. Called Tiger Leap, this point provides beautiful views of the green valleys. With its steep drop and magnificent views, it is a place where you can take pictures as well as enjoy the refreshing breeze off the mountain.
Fun fact: Rumor has it that if you stare hard enough you may see a tiger jump over the valley!
Rajmachi Fort
Located close to the stunning village of Rajmachi, this fort is a reliable trekking adventure. The fort is a historic site with ruins that goes back to the 17th century. The trek to Rajmachi Fort is thrilling and the view from atop is equally satisfying.
Interesting Story – The battle of the fort was between Marathas and Mughals, and it still has stories of bravery.
Bhushi Dam
Bhushi Dam is one of the most popular picnic spots, particularly during monsoon when overflows cascade in a magnificent way. Here, families and friends come to revel in the cool waters as well as the beauty of nature surrounding the dam.
Pro tip: Pack some snacks and eat them down by the water!
Architecture Specialties of Lonavala
The architecture of Lonavala mixes ancient rock-cut style with colonial influence. Caves like those at Karla and Bhaja have exquisitely crafted, intricately carved details that reference Buddhist iconography.
Old buildings from the time of colonialism, such as bungalows and churches, give a distinct colour to the hill station. But more than their visual appeal, the colourful buildings that define regions here (as in so many other places) testify to a history stretching back to ancient times, and layers of colonialism before independence. The unique blend of stone, wood and nature creates a fitting atmosphere that welcomes visitors.
Engaging Facts and Trivia About Lonavala
Chocolate Hub: Chocolate in Lonavala is a sweet made from jaggery and nuts. You have to try it when you go there and you can find many different flavors from the shops in the area.
Lonavala Magic Monsoon — Lonavala seems particularly gallant in the monsoon season, bursting with greenery and dripping with waterfalls. This is one of the places that get a lot of local tourists there to see the beauty nature provides.
Movie Link: Lonavala is the popular destination for shooting Bollywood films. Many movies have shot out this land of scenic vista and tranquillity, making it a coveted choice for filmmakers.
Get your Adventure Fix: Other than sightseeing, Lonavala is an adventure sports node. From trekking to paragliding, there is a lot of adventure to enjoy.
How to Enjoy the Best Trip You Can ?
- Do not travel when monsoon is on: I would suggest if you have flexibility in your plan then visit Lonavala during the months of June to September which is when Lonavala looks most beautiful in this season. The waterfalls and greenery are a sight to behold.
- Eat Local: For sure, try local food like chikki and vada pav There are many street vendors and restaurants that sell delicious snacks.
- Drink Water: Many days consisted of trekking and exploring so drinking enough water. Bring a water bottle with you, and continuously sip on it while exploring.
- Advance Booking: Make your bookings well in advance to avoid any hassle, through portals like MakeMyTrip, ClearTrip or EaseMyTrip while planning for a trip.
- Other Attractions: If time permits then explore nearby attractions like Khandala and plenty of waterfalls there. There is a certain uniqueness and beauty to each.
Conclusion
Lonavala is full of nature, history and culture. Be it while standing at a viewpoint and examining the wide valleys all around, or when you are inside caves that exist for a long time, each and every side of this hill station probably has a story to tell. Hampi is not only just a place to visit, It is an essence of journey where the beautiful landscape and historical experience goes hand-in-hand.
So, pack your bags and get your camera ready for one of the most beautiful trips that you will never forget. If you want to know more, log onto the Trip Advisor for reviews and tips, YouTube travel vlogs by influencers travelling Lonavala’s heritage and beauty. Happy travels!
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