Published Date: January 16, 2025
Lonavala is absolutely a hidden gem in Pune, Maharashtra. The term ‘Lonavala’ is derived from two words viz., ‘Leni’ meaning caves, and ‘Avali’ meaning series. Aptly called, this hill station in the central western part of India has a series of caves, like Karla, Bhaja, and Bedsa.
This blog post briefs the top tourist spots in Lonavala that you can visit with your family or children.
Must-visit lakes in Lonavala
Lonavala Lake
This lake is also known as monsoon lake because during the monsoon season, it gets completely filled and later in the winter season, it gets completely dried. You can reach this lake by bus as it is just one and a half kilometers from Lonavala town.
Pawna Lake
Initially, it was a reservoir. But now, it has turned out to be a man-made lake with beautiful and intricate carvings on the walls. This place is best for camping. So, solo travelers or tourists traveling with friends can choose this when planning a 1 day trip to Lonavala.
Caves in Lonavala
Karla caves
These rock-cut caves are popular and oldest Buddhist shrines dating back to the 2nd century. It is believed that Buddhist traders used these caves as shelters while traveling. Also, it has a huge (long and tall) prayer hall claimed to have been built in the 1st century.
Bhaja caves
Bhaja houses more than twenty small caves at about four hundred feet in height. The wooden carvings and architecture are the most admirable ones in these caves. No doubt children will like this place.
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Bedse caves
Previously called Marakuda, these caves were built in such a way that people get the perfect Pawna or Pavana lake. However, tourists need to climb at least four hundred steps to explore these caves, including its chaitya and vihara.
Other places to visit in Lonavala with family
Duke’s Nose
This is a renowned viewpoint located near Lonavala. Tourists who love trekking, hiking, mountaineering, or rock climbing must visit this place. The routes are quite steep so it is challenging to take children. Otherwise, a great tourist spot.
Tiger’s Leap
It is a sightseeing point on a cliff located in the Khandala hills, near Lonavala. When viewed from the top, this resembles a tiger leaping the valley underneath—thus resulting in this unique name. Looking at the scenic views of the mountain ranges and the alluring valley make it one of the best places to visit near Lonavala.
Rajmachi Fort
Rajmachi is a small village that houses the historically significant Rajmachi Fort which includes twinning fortresses—Shriwardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort. Located in the Sahyadri range, these forts are difficult to reach and have only two routes—the trek route and the local route.
Kune Waterfalls
This is the only waterfall open to the public in Lonavala, Maharashtra. The view of these cascading waterfalls amid the lush green mountains is truly overwhelming. This three-tiered waterfall is a must-visit spot when planning a Lonavala family trip.
Narayani Dham Temple
Spread at about five acres, this temple complex primarily houses the Goddess Narayani or Shree Durga. It also has the idols of Vinayaka and Hanuman. Lonavala tourists coming with their families can seek blessings and experience holy vibrations in this temple.
Bhushi Dam
This dam was built in the 19th century across the river Indrayani in Maharashtra. Tourists can visit this dam only through local buses and not their private vehicles. Indeed, one of the best Lonavala tourist destinations for families and couples.
Tikona Fort
The fort is pyramid or triangle-shaped, and hence the name Tikona Fort. Like Rajmachi, this is also an ideal choice for trekking.
Is the Lonavala Maharashtra tour a part of North India?
Though this place lies in Maharashtra, the central region of the country, and is a part of the Sahyadri range of Western Ghats that extends up to the southern tip of the country, most tourists and travel experts count it as a must-visit hill station in northern India. Also, when you look for off-beat hill stations in North India, you will find this on the list without a doubt.
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