Lonavala

Lonavla is a popular town and a hill station in the Pune district of Maharashtra. This hill-station is located on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and is about 111.5 kms from Mumbai. Lonavla is famous for a popular candy known as 'chikki' and is also a major tourist stop-over between Mumbai and Pune. The lush blanket of green surrounding this hill-station springs to life during the Monsoon season. Many popular Bollywood films have used the picturesque backdrop of Lonavla which is blessed with waterfalls, lakes and greenery. The name 'Lonavla' is derived from 'Len' and 'Avali' that roughly translates to 'the resting place of stones'. This scenic hill station was initially a part of the Yadava dynasty. Later, the Mughals used this beautiful hill-station as a strategic location against their rivals. In 1871, Lonavla and the sister hill-station, Khandala, were discovered by Lord Elphinstone. Nearby attractions are Lohgarh fort, Lion Point, Tiger Point and the Duke's Nose. With a population of 60,000 souls, Lonavla is must-visit hill station on the way between Mumbai and Pune. Lord Elphinstone, who was the Governor of the Bombay Presidency, discovered the city of Lonavala along with Khandala in 1871.The present day Lonavala was a part of the Yadava Dynasty, which was taken over by the Mughals, who ruled the region for a long time. There is also an important role of the Mavala Warriors and the forts of the city in the history of the Maratha and Peshwa Empires.

Lonavala is set amongst the sylvan hills of the Western Ghats 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. It also has an important Yoga center near it, for the health conscious traveler.

Lonavala, being a part of the Sahyadri hills, offers an alluring and bewitching experience of nature's most gifted region. Surrounded by dense forests, waterfalls, dam alongside lakes, Lonavala is a must-visit if you admire nature and want a gateway to have a soulful weekend or a good trip. Also visit Khandala and Rajmachi on the way to Lonavala. The tourist destination has many attractions to its name, Bhaja caves, Bushi dam, Karla caves, Rajmachi fort, Ryewood lake, among others.