Lonavala, located near Pune and Mumbai, is the most traveled hill station in Maharashtra during the monsoon period. With numerous waterfalls, lakes, and hills nearby, it is a popular camping, trekking, and other adventure sports destination.
It is a must-see if you appreciate nature, as it is surrounded by dense forests, waterfalls, and a dam alongside lakes. Lonavala is one of the twin hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala, located at an elevation of 624 meters above sea level. Lonavala is also well-known for its treks, such as the Andharban trek, which begins in Pimpri and ends in Bhira.
Lonavala is well-known for its manufacturing of the hard candy chikki, which is a sweet eatable made from various nuts mixed with sugar.
Lonavala Places To Visit
TIGER’S LEAP
Tiger’s Leap viewpoint is about 8 kilometers from Lonavala and is a popular tourist destination. It is a clifftop with a 650-meter drop that provides a spectacular view of the hills and the Western Ghats. It is well-known for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views, especially on a clear day.
Tiger’s Leap is an endearing term for this location because of its shape, which is reminiscent of a tiger leaping into the valley. The breathtaking views should, however, be enjoyed from a safe location rather than the perilous cliff’s edge. Another major draw is the echo point on Tiger’s Leap.
Entry Fee: Free
Distance from Pune: 87 km
Route: Pune to Lonavala via old Pune Mumbai Road
Parking:
Bike: 20 ₹
Car: 50 ₹
Bus: 100 ₹
Best time to visit: Monsoons
RAJMACHI
Rajmachi is a tiny town sited in Maharashtra’s Konkan region, in the Sahyadri mountainous region. The village of Udhewadi, another name for Rajmachi, is located at the base of the fort. Rajmachi Fort is well-known among trekkers and explorers. If you would like to do a complete trek, you can start from the edge of the Kondhane caves and climb for 3-4 hours. You can, however, drive all the way to the top to Udhewadi village (from Lonavala) and then take a 20-30 minute walk to the top of the fort. Rajmachi is a popular beginner’s trek due to the simple and well-marked trail on both paths.
Best time: June to September
IMAGICA
Imagica is a renowned entertainment theme park that is also known as a one-stop recreation center. The park is split into 3 amusement zones: Theme Park, Snow Park, and Water Park, with each offering a wide range of entertainment options such as live performances, Ferris wheel, water slides, themed entertainment shows, and even a relaxing outdoor pool.
The area is jam-packed with amusements and leisure activities suitable for people of all ages. Aside from luxurious accommodations, dining, and shopping, this theme park also features some self-created fascinating characters, live performances of acrobats, hip-hop dancing, a magic show, and a variety of other enthralling activities.
Timings: 11 AM – 9:00 PM, Rides and attractions open till 8:00 PM, open all days
Snow Park Ticket Prices: 399 ₹ per head
Imagica Theme Park Ticket Prices
Weekdays
Adult: 1299 ₹ per head
Child: 1099 ₹ per head
Senior Citizen: 699 ₹ per head
College Student: 1149 ₹ per head
Weekend
Adult: 1499 ₹ per head
Child: 1299 ₹per head
Senior Citizen: 999 ₹ per head
College Student: 1349₹ per head
Imagica Water Park Ticket Prices
Weekdays
Adult: 899 ₹ per head
Child: 799 ₹ per head
Sr. Citizen: 599 ₹ per head
Weekend
Adult: 999 ₹ per head
Child: 799 ₹ per head
Sr. Citizen: 599 ₹ per head
These tickets include unlimited access to all rides. In addition, depending on the day of the week, unique offers are available. This includes:
Happy Tuesdays: Tickets to Imagica Theme Park for 999 ₹ per head. Offer available on online bookings only.
Wat-a-Wednesdays: Tickets to Imagica Water Park for 599 ₹ per head. Offer available on online bookings only.
AAMBY VALLEY
Aamby Valley is a lovely township located about 24 kilometers from Lonavala. The 10,000-acre hilly landscape that the township now consumes has been transformed into a magnificent landscape through environmentally friendly designs and urban infrastructure that meets international standards. Many people visit the township for a day-long picnic or a weekend getaway. This exotic location attracts tourists from all over the world due to its luxurious urban infrastructure, tranquil atmosphere, and exclusive privileges. Aamby Valley in Lonavala should be visited at least once in a lifetime.
During a visit to Aamby Valley, visitors can participate in a variety of activities. They can explore the surrounding greenery on foot or take a long drive through the scenic area. Water sports and adventure/recreational sports are regularly organized in the vicinity of three massive artificial lakes and lush green forests. The tranquil atmosphere will undoubtedly put your frantic mind at ease. This is one of the reasons why many people seeking a peaceful escape come here frequently.
SUNIL’S CELEBRITY WAX MUSEUM
Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum is a popular attraction in Lonavala that was founded by Sunil Kandaloor, a 38-year-old wax artist from Kerala It has nearly 100 celebrity sculptures on display, including Rajiv Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, Michael Jackson, Kapil Dev, Adolf Hitler, AR Rahman, and others. The main attraction of the museum is a portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Sunil’s Wax Museum was designed with individuals who are unable to travel overseas in mind, in the style of the famed Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.
Timings: 9AM – 9:30 PM
Entry Fees: 200 ₹
Children below 5 are free
KARLA CAVES
Karla Caves are ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves that are popular tourist destinations. It is one of India’s oldest Buddhist cave shrines, also known as Karli Caves, Karle Caves, or Karla Cells. These caves house one of India’s largest Chaityas (prayer halls with stupas). Karla Caves is best known for its Ekvira Temple, which is located within.
Karla Caves, formerly known as Veluraka, house a gigantic 15-meter pillar as well as a temple devoted to Goddess Ekveera. A major ancient trade route running east from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan can be seen near the caves. To get to the cave, one must climb nearly 150 stairs.
Timings: 9AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Indian, SAARC, and BIMSTEC country residents (above 15 years): INR 15 per head
Foreign visitors (above 15 years): INR 300 per head
Image Source: Google