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Lonavala is located in the western part of the state of Maharashtra, in
India. It is situated 106 km southeast of Mumbai at an altitude of 625 m above
sea level. Lonavala is a Hill station in Maharashtra. Also known as the jewel of
the Sahyadri Mountains. This Hill Station is also a popular Health Resort in the
western ranges on the sahyadri,It Is situated on a hieght of 625 mtrs. above sea
level and is a popular gateway from Mumbai and Pune. It also serves as a
starting point for tourists interested in visiting the famous, ancient Buddhist
rock cut caves of Bhaja and Karla, which are located near this hill station.
Around Lonavala :
Lonavala provides a panoramic view of the lush green surroundings of the
Sahyadri ranges. The peaceful environs of the town, which provides a great
escape from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai city, attract tourists to this
place. Travelers can take a walk along the waterfalls, the grassy abundance and
hills in and around Lonavala. The mountainous terrain of Lonavala is ideal for
trekking and hiking.
There are numerous lakes around Lonavala. Tugauli, Lonavala and Bhushi lakes
are worth visiting; so is the Walvan Dam. The small hill station of
Khandala is just 5 km away. Travelers coming from Mumbai pass through
Khandala before reaching Lonavala.
Kaivalyadhama Yoga Hospital is 2 km from Lonavala on the road to Karla
and Bhaja caves. This center attracts both local and foreign tourists seeking
yogic healing. This center was founded in 1924 and conducts various courses in
Yoga along with a research center and a training college.
Karla and Bhaja Caves, located in the hills at a distance of 11 km
from Lonavala, are important places to visit. These rock-cut cave temples dating
back to 2nd century BC and are amongst the oldest and finest examples of
Buddhist rock cut temple art in India, belonging to the Hinayana sect of
Buddhism. Adventure seekers can try their hand at rock climbing at the Duke. s
Nose peak and other locations in the Karla hills, near Lonavala.
Getting there :
By Air : The nearest airport from Lonalvala is Pune, which is 64 km
from Lonavala.
By Train : Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune ,
all express trains plying between the two cities stop here.
By Road : The bus service between Lonavala and Pune is good (2 hours).
However, the ride is rough and it takes 4 hours to reach Mumbai from Lonavala.
Buses shuttle between Lonavala and Khandala (5 km from Lonavala; 15 minutes
trip).
General Information :
Population : 50,000
Languages : Marathi, Hindi and English
Best Time to Visit : The best time to visit Lonavala is between the months
of October and May. It is advised not to visit Lonavala in the monsoon
season between the months of June and September, as it experiences heavy
rainfall during this time.
Climate : The weather in Lonavala is pleasant. Summers (April-June) are
mild, while winters are cool (November-February). It experiences heavy
southwestern monsoon rains between June and September.
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