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Nestled amidst the Sahyadri mountain ranges, Lonavala is a gorgeous hill station that serves as a popular weekend getaway for people in Maharashtra and beyond. Known for its verdant landscapes, cascading waterfalls and pleasant weather, Lonavala offers the perfect escape into nature's abundant beauty.
Location of Lonavala
Lonavala is situated in the Pune district of Maharashtra, around 64 km east of Mumbai and 96 km west of Pune city. It sits at an elevation of 622 m above sea level in the Sahyadri mountains, which form a part of the larger Western Ghats range.
The hill station marks the junction of Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Bangalore-Mumbai old highway, placing it strategically enroute connecting Maharashtra's two biggest cities - Mumbai and Pune.
How to Reach Lonavala
Reaching Lonavala is convenient given its proximity to major transit hubs.
By Air: Pune Airport at Lohegaon is the nearest airport, located 66 km away. One can hire a taxi or board a bus to cover the 1.5 hour journey to Lonavala.
By Train: Lonavala has its own railway station that is well connected via regular trains to Mumbai and Pune. Several long distance trains connecting New Delhi and Bangalore also halt at Lonavala.
By Road: Lonavala enjoys good road connectivity. Buses for Lonavala are available every 15-30 minutes from Mumbai and Pune. One can also drive down by car/bike using the Mumbai-Pune expressway via Khopoli exit.
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Top Attractions & Places to Visit
Lonavala offers plenty of scenic spots for tourists to explore. Here are some must-visit attractions:
Lonavala Lake: The postcard-perfect lake provides boating opportunities while enjoying the surrounding hills.
Rajmachi Point: The viewpoint offers breathtaking sights of the Western Ghats and Konkan valleys.
Tiger's Leap: As the name suggests, one can enjoy stunning cliff views of the plains below from this vantage point.
Duke's Nose: A unique cliff formation that resembles the nose of the Duke of Wellington - thus the quirky name!
Bhushi Dam: Perfect spot for a relaxing picnic while admiring a scenic dam and waterfall nearby.
Karla Caves: Historic Buddhist rock-cut caves displaying ancient paintings and stone carvings from the 1st century BC.
Best Time to Visit Lonavala
October to May marks the peak tourist season as the weather remains pleasant throughout. Summers are mildly warm while winters are cool and delightful.
The monsoons from June to September also have their charm with lush greenery all around. But be prepared for potential rainfall.
With such beauty and tourism potential, Lonavala definitely warrants a visit especially if you call Maharashtra your home!
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Conclusion
Lonavala is a beautiful hill station located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India. The town is known for its lush greenery, scenic views, and pleasant weather. It is well-connected to major cities in Maharashtra by air, train, and road. Some of the popular tourist spots in Lonavala include Lonavala Lake, Rajmachi Point, Bhushi Dam, and Karla Caves. The best time to visit Lonavala is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
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