Best Tourist Places in Lonavala For A Perfect Weekend Getaway

Nestled in the Sahaydri ranges in Maharashtra, Lonavala is a paradise for nature lovers or those looking for a peaceful and quaint vacation retreat. Also named as the 'City of Caves' or the 'Jewel of Sahyadri,' this hill station is surrounded by lush greenery, tall cliffs, waterfalls, and numerous natural caves that cannot be missed. So, if you are planning a trip to unwind yourself or enjoy quality time away from the city’s monotonous life, this list of Lonavala tourist places will help you plan your itinerary with ease.

One of the best places to visit in Lonavala is the Tiger's Leap. Located approximately 8 km from the city's center, it offers a spectacular view of the surrounding Western Ghats, which are covered with lush greenery. The cliff resembles a tiger about to leap, hence the name Tiger's Leap. It is a favorite spot for adventure lovers, owing to numerous trails lying ahead of the vantage point via which you can explore the unparalleled beauty of the rugged mountain ranges. A small stream flows nearby where you can take a bath or enjoy the weather.

Lonavala is famous for several natural caves from ancient times, and Bhaja Caves are one of them. It is a chain of rock-cut caves with an origin dating back to the 1st century BCE. Hence, the caves have been named as one of the oldest natural monuments in southern India. Several excavations have unearthed Buddhist remains belonging to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. The cave chain includes Chaityas, which were worshipping spots of Buddhists, and Viharas, or natural cave-styled residents of the monks. Apart from exploring these caves, you can also take a dip in the nearby waterfall for a refreshing experience.

Located 7 Km away from the hill station, Duke’s Nose is one of the best places in Lonavala you should include in your itinerary. It derives its name from the Duke of Wellington as the vantage point resembles him in several aspects. Once you reach the top, you will be greeted with a spectacular view of the green-clad Sahyadri Ranges at a far-off distance. This spot is often regarded as Nagphani, as the shape of the cliff's top resembles the snake's hood. Perched atop is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is an ideal place for you to seek blessings. Apart from photographing and marveling at the natural beauty, you can also take part in some adventurous activities like rock climbing, rappelling, trekking, and hiking.

Perched atop a cliff at a height of 1066 meters, the Tikona Fort is considered as a significant historical asset from the Maratha empire. According to the tales, the fort was acquitted under the Maratha empire when Shivaji Maharaj reclaimed victory in 1670 after a fierce battle with the Mughals. The name 'Tikona’ means three vertices that resemble its triangular shape. Its entrance is through a small cave and leads to a cluster of five differently-sized caves and a medium-height guard tower. Apart from this, the fort’s compound houses the ruins of a small temple and a humongous wheel made out of stone. The top level of the fort houses a small Buddhist cave, which is believed to be the residence of monks from ancient times.

Known to be a popular camping spot amongst both locals and tourists, the Pawna Lake is a must-visit place in Lonavala. Even though it is an artificial water body, the lake offers a mesmerizing view of nature, with mountain cliffs at the far-off distance and a picturesque backdrop formed by the spectacular views of the Tikona Fort, Lohagad Fort, and the Tunga Fort. Apart from enjoying a picnic with your family or camping for the night with your friends, you can also go on a boat ride in the lake.

Lohagad Fort is indeed a famous Lonavala place, owing to its long-term connection with India’s history. It witnessed the succession and demise of several dynasties over the years, including that of the Marathas, Nizams, and even the Mughals. The fort gets its name 'Iron Fort' for its impenetrable structure that provided optimal protection to Shivaji's army during the Maratha empire. Strategically located at a height of 1050 meters from sea level, it used to be a perfect military lookout for the armies. Once you reach the fort, you will be taken aback by its scenic beauty, including the green-covered mountain ranges and Vinchu Kata, a chain of Capricorn-shaped hills in close vicinity.

Sprawled over an area of 25 acres, the Ryewood Park is a paradise for people of every age, from little children to elderly. It houses several landscaped lawns accompanied by paved walkways, lush green gardens, flower beds, floral arrangements, and well-trimmed bushes. Apart from this, you will also come across a children's park with several small rides where your little ones can have fun to their heart's content. Since this park was originally a botanical garden, the flora is quite rich, marked with different species of ornamental plants, old trees, flower beds and nurseries, and many more. If you want peace, visit the Lord Shiva temple within the park’s compound and take part in their meditation sessions.

One of the best historic Lonavala places to visit is the Rajmachi Fort, which is often known as the Manoranjan Balekilla. It was constructed by none other than the ferocious Maratha ruler, Maharaja Chhatrapati Shivaji, as a part of a military lookout point in the Western Ghats. It comprises two forts, namely Manaranjan and Shrivardhan. They are built at a height of 3000 feet from the sea level on the rugged hilltop of the Sahaydri range. Inside the complex is present a Kal Bhairav temple where you can seek blessings and wonder at the ruins of the fort. Apart from offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats, this spot is also a popular vantage point for trekkers, as there are numerous trails where you can go hiking.

The Canyon Valley is yet another popular tourist spot in Lonavala, known for its rich fauna and flora and the ideal location beside the Ulhas River. Here, you need to descend the valley to explore the terrain and, once done, ascend back to the starting point. This is one of the many reasons for visiting the Canyon Valley and exploring the rugged topography marked with waterfalls and the surrounding views of the Western Ghats.

There are numerous places to see in Lonavala, from historic forts belonging to the Maratha empire to the rock-cut caves depicting Buddhist culture and vantage points. So, plan your trip in a way that the maximum number of places in this above-mentioned list can be covered. Besides, if you are traveling to Lonavala from far lands, we would recommend you visit the famous places in mumbai like Gateway of India, Marine Drive etc for a wholesome experience.