If you are thinking to plan a tour to a place that is not infiltrated by tourists always, Lonavala in Maharashtra can be a great destination. Sitting in the laps of Sahyadri Mountains, Lonavala is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Maharashtra. It wears a coat of tranquility and remains covered with mist during monsoon making it an ideal hideaway for the monsoon and mountain lovers. Lonavala is also famous as “The Jewel of Sahayadri.”
Known for its pristine waterfalls, lakes and calming greenery, you can reach Lonavala for having a gala time in your summer vacations. It’s one of the top places to visit in summers in Maharashtra due to its pleasant weather. Visit Lonavala to experience romance and love in the Western Ghats. Away from the hustle-bustle of city life, Lonavala is popular as a health resort because of its unpolluted and fresh environment and salubrious weather.
Lonavala derived its name from two words Leni and Avali. Leni refers to a resting spot that is carved from stone in Prakrit and Avali refers to series in Prakrit. So, in Prakrit, Lonavali is a wonderful spot that has many Lenis around it.
The present Lonavala was the Yadava dynasty’s part. The Mughals later found the strategic significance of this place and kept this area for a long time. The area’s forts and “Mavala” warriors also play a vital role in the Maratha Empire’s history and also in that of Peshwas. The Lonavala hill station and the Khandala hill station were discovered in 1871 by Lord Elphinstone, the Governor of the Bombay Presidency during that time. This place was just a thick forest at that time and was inhabited by some people only. Soon, owing to its beauty and scenic views, developments started taking place here and it became a famous hill station in Maharashtra.
Lonavala is a preferred weekend getaway in Maharashtra for most people because of its tranquil environment and scenic beauty. Below is the list of must-visit places in Lonavala:
Amusement Park: There are many water and amusement parks in Lonavala. They can be your one-stop fun and enjoyable destination to visit with friends and family. They boast of many fun activities and rides to enjoy for both kids and adults. They are a famous recreational spot with many joy rides, water rides, fun zones, and more.
Trekking: Another great activity to indulge in for the adventure enthusiasts is trekking. Duke’s Nose in Lonavala is a famous trekking site. It offers you magnificent views of the forests and matchless beauty of this place makes it one of the finest places to trek to.
Rock Climbing: You can also check out rock climbing in Lonavala, another popular activity here since the area is fully covered with huge mountains and alluring sights to make it worth giving it a try.
Paragliding: If you wish to indulge yourself in some adventure, paragliding in Lonavala is probably the sport for you. It will offer you an out-of-the-box experience that you never wish to miss. It is a great experience of a lifetime of being sitting on a 2-seater plane and gliding through the huge sky. The beautiful scenic vistas and rush of adrenaline is something you cannot experience at any other place.
Camping Near The Lake: You just cannot get enough of your lake visit if you don’t stay there overnight, basking in the beauty of this place. Camping is another great activity to indulge in. Camp around the lakes and see the real beauty of nature.
Bungee Jumping: Get ready for an exciting experience that will leave you dumbfounded and let you overcome all your fears. When in Lonavala, ensure to try bungee jumping at least once.
Shopping: You can take home the famous snacks that this town is well-known for, the crunchy and sweet chikki of Lonavala. You can also shop for the famous canned jams in this area.
Located 96 km away from Mumbai and 64 km away from Pune, Lonavala is well connected by roads to all the major nearby cities and states. Lonavala enjoys its proximity to 2 international airports including the Pune’s Lohegaon Airport which is 70 km away and the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport of Mumbai which is only 90 km away. This place has its own railway station.
Plan a trip to this gorgeous hill station immediately and enjoy your trip!