Whatever is expected at a hill station, can be found at the twin hill resorts. There are several places to be seen at Lonavala and Khandala. Apart from the sight, there are several activities like trekking, leisure walks fishing. few attractions are listed below:
Karla Caves:
Karla caves are the ancient Buddhist caves believed to come in existence since 160 BC. Also, the caves are believed to be the biggest amongst "Chaitya Caves". There are state buses that ply from the Lonavala bus stand to these caves. The fine and delicate carvings done by the artisans leave one spellbound. At the entrance of the caves, there is a small temple of Ekvira Devi. There are also pillars on the entrance which are carved out in the shape of lions and elephants. The carving inside the caves represents different forms of Gautam Buddha. Other carvings at the caves include dancing couples. The entrance gate which leads into the huge Chaitya griha or hall is in the shape of a "Peepal" leaf the hall is full of stone pillars that are carved with elephant and human forms. The roof of the hall is semicircular and is very high. There are several restrooms around here and the rooms are calm and ideal for meditation.
Bhaja Caves:
The Bhaja caves lie en route from Pune to Lonavala near Malavali station in a small town called Bhaje. The Bhaja caves are similar to the Karla caves but are much smaller in size. On one side of the caves is the Lohagad fort and on the other side of the caves is the Visapur fort and approximately in the center are Bhaja Caves. The Bhaja caves are also constructed in the Chaitya style. The sun's rays fall directly on the caves during the sunset. On the southern side of the caves, several figures of Gods and Goddesses are carved out.
Bedsa Caves:
The Bedsa caves are situated 9 km southeast of Bhaja caves on Mumbai Pune road near Kamshet, between Kadde and Bedsa. These are believed to be built in 1st century AD. A bus or a truck can be hired to reach here from Kamshet. They are almost of the same size as of the Karla caves but there is a less tourist influx as they lie off the main road. There is a huge Chaitya hall with Lion pillars and restrooms. The pillars in these caves are smooth and in the shape of the lion or human beings. The sun rays fall directly in the prayer hall.
Rajmachi Fort
Rajmachi point lies on way to Mumbai from Pune. The place is known as the Rajmachi point as the Rajmachi Fort is located opposite to this point. One can reach the fort only by foot and it is surrounded by deep valleys on three sides and a thick forest on the fourth side. Rajmachi Fort is actually two forts Shrivardhan and Manoranjan Fort.
Shrivardhan Fort
The eastern part of the Rajmachi fort is known as the fort Shrivardhan fort. There is a small temple between the two forts of Shrivardhan and Manoranjan which is dedicated to Shri Bhairavnath. The entrance of the Shrivardhan fort is semicircular in shape hence it is not easy to locate it. Also, there are two caves at the fort an out of which one belongs to the Buddha period. The rest of the fort is constructed in the Marathi style. There are two water tanks at the fort which contain water throughout the year.
Manoranjan Fort
Manoranjan fort is located behind the temple and can be reached from the road behind the temple. At the base of the fort, there are some Buddhist rock-cut caves which were ancient monasteries. There is a small lake of water which is full of clean and potable water throughout the year. The lake is divided into two parts with a straight rock.
Visapur Fort
This fort is located on the eastern side of the Lohagad Fort and is surrounded by a large plateau. The defensive walls with obscure designs make the fort a famous spot amongst the tourists. The walls and the designs are still in a good shape even after climatic disorders like high temperatures, rainfalls, etc. the guard's room is located in the middle of the forest which is now the day is in ruins. The fort is bigger than than the Lohagad Fort. There is a pass of 1 – 15 furlongs between Visapur and Lohagad forts.
Lohagad Fort
Lohagad fort is located at a distance of 10 km from Lonavala and belongs to Shivaji`s period. The fort was used to keep prisoners in the year 1564. Shivaji won the cave in 1670 and in 1751 Gaikwad and Dabhade family were imprisoned in the fort. There are three gates at the fort, the first gate is known as the Delhi gate. The third gate, in particular, is very exquisite. After crossing the third gate one reaches the guard's post. A huge cave is constructed outside the fort which was used for storing the grains during the rainy season. Also in the fort, there is a tomb, a Shivlinga, a water tank. The atypical design done on the doors and walls of the fort are known as Vindhukata (fangs of a scorpion).
Duke`s Nose
Duke’s nose was earlier known as Nagphani. This place got its name after Duke Wellington a British Governor came here, his nose resembled with the cliff. The cliff also looks like the hood of a snake. Duke’s nose is a wonderful picnic spot.
Bhairavnath Devsthan at Dhak
The Devsthan is located on a hilltop near Lonavala, which is difficult to climb. This place can only be reached by foot and is a nature’s paradise. The region has thick forests, deep valleys, and speedy streams. The place offers a mesmerizing bio-diversity. From the road, there is a road diverting into a narrow zigzag path up to the temple.
Ryewood
Ryewood is a popular picnic spot located behind the main market at Lonavala. The Ryewood is a big garden covering a lot of ground and is covered of beautiful and splendid tall trees. There is an ancient Mahadeo temple in the park. The park was named Ryewood after an English officer Mr. Rye stayed in this place for quite some time. There is a separate area for children to play in.
Amruntanjan point
At the beginning of the Khandala Ghat on the first slope end, there is a huge hoarding of Amruntanjan. There is a huge of flat ground here from where the view of the valley and Dukes Nose can be seen. The view of the city is breathtaking from this point.
Kune Falls
Kune waterfalls are located between Lonavala and Khandala. The fall can be seen from Khandala Ghat while coming from Mumbai. Though the waterfall is in full flow during the monsoon season but it continues too fall even after the monsoons. The waterfalls at a height of 100 feet at the point. One can take a bath in the water as it flows through the valley.
Tiger`s Leap
Tigers leap is a prominent place in the region. A careful view of the valley from this point gives the impression that a tiger is leaping into the valley. Hence the region is known as the leaping point. This point is located at a furlong distance from INS Shivaji.
Bushy Dam
Bushy Dam is a small dam located at a distance of six km from Lonavala. The busy dam is the most popular and the crowded spot in Lonavala. The place is packed on weekends and especially during the monsoon season. During the monsoons, the water runs over the steps as the water flows over them. No swimming is allowed here.
Lonavala Lake
Lonavala Lake was built around in 1876 and is a picturesque picnic spot. The Lonavala Lake is also known as the Monsoon Lake as the lake dries up in winters and gets filled with water during monsoons. The lake has natural and scenic surroundings. The lake gets its water from the famous Indrayani River. Several migratory birds flock to the lake during the season.
Kiomoi Must-Dos while you are in Lonavala
Trekking and Hiking: the mountainous terrain of Lonavala and Khandala has a perfect setting for trekking and hiking. There are several routes that can be taken to explore the Sahyadris.
Rock Climbing: Try out rock climbing at the Duke`s Nose peak and several other locations in the Karla hills, near Lonavala.
Nature Walks: Take long walks along the waterfalls and the green hills in and around Lonavala.
Shop for Chikki: Lonavala is famous all over the globe for Chikki. Chikki is a sweet preparation made of jaggery mixed with peanuts, cashew nuts or sesame seeds.
Fishing: Go out for fishing which is done at several places in the region. You may encounter several avid anglers early in the morning.
Picnics: There are several lakes in and around Lonavala with beautiful surroundings making the region a perfect picnic spot. Go out for picnics with your family or friend.
Perform healing Yoga - Kaivalyadham Yoga Hospital, a health resort is located in the green valley of Lonavala. Week-long course for healing through yoga are conducted here. One can even visit the place as a tourist.
