Lonavala is a major attraction among the top Indian hill stations. The city lies in the Pune district and is a 64 km drive from Pune city. From Mumbai, it is a 96 km drive. Lonavala is located in the Sahayadri range and separates the Deccan plateau and the Konkan Coast. To get the best vacationing returns in Lonavala, the only thing you need to do is to contact your private tour guide who can make the necessary arrangements for lodging and sightseeing. Enjoy the sightseeing activities while munching a specialty sweet called Chikki.
History of Lonavala
Sir Elphinstone, the then Governor of Mumbai rediscovered Lonavala in 1811. This place was also a mountain hideout of the Marathas who constructed forts in Lonavala. The terrains of the mountain were used for conducting guerilla warfare against the British and the Mughals. The influence of Buddhism can also be found when you visit the caves of Karla, Bedsa, and Bhaja.
Nowadays, Lonavala is a famous town for vacation. You can tour many vantage points easily with the help of your guide. The site houses overflowing dams and lakes that accentuate the lush green foliage and have earned recognition as cheerful picnic spots. If you want to bask in rain, then visiting this place during monsoon is a wise idea.
What are places that are worth paying attention to? Here is the list.
Karla Caves
When you visit Karla Caves, you will find that the artistic prowess of man fights a friendly war with nature to establish supremacy. The ultimate winner is definitely nature, but man-made architectural works cannot be undermined.
The works at Karla caves can be dated back to 80 BC. These caves are the presentation of architectural brilliance. For accessing these caves, make up your mind to cover some three hundred steep steps, which really provide you thrill. The pillars and carvings are inexplicable. However, to make the experience safe, it is always advisable to hire a private guide.
Tiger Point
Tiger Point is located at a height of 650 meters. It is also known as Tiger’s Leap and provides amazing vistas that are inclusive of green ambiance, glittering waterfalls and water bodies, and dense woods. If you visit this touring spot during the rainy season, you can enjoy the feel of clouds passing through your body and above your head. During this period, the blissful experience will be maximized. You can also witness the delight of the rising and setting sun.
Lion’s Point
At this place, you can enjoy great vistas of numerous waterfalls. In addition, the luxurious green nature and the profound valley will attract you for sure. Lion’s Point is a 12 km drive from Lonavala city. Be ready to feel the excitement, as the journey will include various amazing scenery and sharp bends.
Kune Falls
Its three-tiered waterfalls are one of the largest in the country and they gush from an altitude of 650 ft. approximately, which provides exciting views. Located amid Khandala and Lonavala, the falls present captivating looks combined with affluent green everywhere. Try to visit Kune falls during monsoon to experience its best scenic wonder.
Bhaja Caves
Bhaja caves holds among the world’s most renowned Buddhist centers. There are twenty caves located at the hilltop that depict the craftsmen's architectural brilliance. The age of these caves dates back to approximately 2200 years.
As the caves are faced in the western direction, you can enjoy the superb view of caves after 3 pm. Conducting photo sessions during that time will be great as the sunbeams entering the caves create unbelievably beautiful impact. Monsoon is the best time to visit these caves because you will get the opportunity of enjoying the lush green ambience.
Visiting Lonavala is worthwhile as the city is surrounded by mountains, lush greenery, and old man-made caves. You will love to witness and capture the architectural excellence in your camera. Contact your tour guide today for planning the trip for safety, convenience, and ease.
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