Lonavala Lake
The Lonavala Lake was constructed in the year 1876. The lake is also called as the monsoon lake. It is believed that it is the originating point of the river Indrayani. The lake is located at a distance of around 1.6kms from the Lonavala town.If you are a bit hungry Mc'Donalds is just nearby grab a Burger and can head towards.
The Lonavala Lake is home for many of the rare birds and water species. While you sit along the banks of this lake, you will be treated with a variety of birds and not to mention you will be shutter happy.
How to Reach
Lonavala lake is just 1.6km away from Main Market. From Lonavala Market, take right turn from Kumar Resort and go straight you will find Mc'Donalds on your right further go straight you will find a Statue, again take a right and go straight further down that road take a left on the INS Shivaji Road, you have reached Lonavala Lake.
Pawna Lake
The Pawna Lake is an artificially built lake when the Pawna dam was constructed. This place attracts many tourists because of its row boating and motor boating facilities. The boating in the lake gives you a magnificent view of the surrounding forts and the hillocks. The place is mostly cool and it is a nice place to sit and relax in the lap of the nature. The view of the forts Lohagad, Tunga and Tikona is awesome from the Pawna Lake.
How to Reach
As you enter Lonavla town (from Bombay side), there is a right turn for INS Shivaji/Amby Valley (there are signboards). Take that right turn, after climbing down the railway overbridge, you will see the road continuing straight into Lonavla town (right goes off to INS, Amby, etc). Keep going past Lonavla Railway Station and bazaar, and that road becomes the Pawana Road, further on that you will Pawna lake ahead.
Activities at Pawna Lake
Boating
-
Sausage Hills
The best picnic spots for the family and nature lovers in and around the Lonavala town. This place has got dense forests and is home for many varieties of birds and animals. If you are willing to spend considerable amount of time here, then you can find many rare birds chirping in the forests. The place also serves as the starting point of many trekking expeditions in the region.
Tungarli Lake
Tungarli Lake is an artificial reservoir in Lonavala. This lake is the major source of water supply to Lonavala city. There is a dam across the Tungarli Lake. During monsoons the lake fills with water and during summer the scarcity of water is a common problem.
The Lake is located at scenic surroundings and the well maintained lakeside add the beauty of the place. The garden near the dam site is a nice location for evening walks and hang outs.
How to Reach
Take the Second Exit to Lonavala on Mumbai - Pune expressway way and come down to Old Mumbai - Pune Highway. Look for HDFC Bank approx. 1km thereafter. Turn right at this point and about 500m from HDFC bank you will find Gurukul School. Just ahead on this Lane you will Tungarli Lake.
Ryewood Park
Ryewood Park is a picturesque hang out in the hill station Lonavala and is located very close to Lonavala market. This Park has plenty of grounds with greenish lawns and playing grounds for children. The Park is blessed with many varieties of trees which are decades old. It was a botanical garden and later converted to a Park. The present day garden has many facilities for merry making and is thriving with many varieties of flowers.
Ryewood Park is a weekend hang out for many families. Children enjoy the playing facilities in the Park. One can get the pure air in this park.
How to Reach
Ryewood Park is just 1.6km away from Main Market. After getting down at Lonaval Bus Station / Lonavala Railway Station just take the Straight road goes Lonavala Police Station take that road which will lead you to Lonavala Lake.On that Same lane you will Ryewood Park.
Bhushi Dam
Bhushi Dam is one of the majestic picnic spots in Lonavala. The Dam is magnificent during the monsoons with water gushing out through the dam make exhilarating waterfalls. The Dam is located at the backdrop of scenic hilly terrains and lush green environments.
This is a much sought weekend and vacation destination in Lonavala. Calm environment and cool atmosphere add the beauty of this site. Swimming is not allowed in this Dam.
How to Reach
From Lonavala Market, take right turn from Kumar Resort and go straight you will find Mc'Donalds on your right further go straight you will find a Statue, again take a right and go straight further down that road take a left on the INS Shivaji Road, you will find Lonavala Lake, go straight on that road ahead is Bhushi Dam.
Valavan Lake
Valavan Lake is one of the beautiful picnic spot in Lonavala. The Valvan Lake is an artificial lake created by the Valvan Dam built across the Kundali River. The Valvan dam is the source of water to the Khopoli power station. By the side of the lake there is a beautiful garden with vast expanse of landscaped plains. The Valvan Lake and the surrounding dam sites and the garden are popular evening relaxation spots.
How to Reach
Take the Khandala Exit and come down to Old Mumbai - Pune Highway, on the left hand side you will Hotel Kamat take that Road and Come Towards Lonavala Market, after crossing Lonavala Market theres a right which goes to Valvan Village,after crossing Valvan Village just about 100m on your Left hand-side you will find Valvan Lake.
Tiger's Leap
If one looks at the valley from this spot it appears as if a tiger is leaping into the valley. This spot is a near INS Shivaji. It gives a fascinating view of the valley. There is provision for viewing the valley from the safe confines of a big hole. If a stone is thrown down from here, one can hear it ricochet.
How to Reach
As you enter Lonavla town (from Bombay side), there is a right turn for INS Shivaji/Amby Valley (there are signboards). Take that right turn, after climbing down the railway overbridge, you will see the road continuing straight into Lonavla town (right goes off to INS, Amby, etc). Keep going past Lonavla Railway Station and bazaar, and that road becomes the Pawana Road,that road goes straight to Tiger's Leap.
Duke's Nose
Nagphani (Duke's Nose) appears almost inaccessible, but it is a surprisingly simple trek to reach the summit from the southern approach. The trekker is rewarded with amazing views of the Mumbai-Pune road and rail corridors, as well as great views of Khandala and the surrounding Sahyadri peaks. Duke's Nose is a convenient day trip from either Mumbai or Pune and the trekking route starts also very conveniently near the Khandala railway station.
Reversing Station
The Reversing Station, Khandala is definitely one of the picturesque sites of the hill station. Once used by the railway department, the Reversing Station of Khandala is today an unused and secluded place. One can enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding regions from this site. During the night, lights from the distant Khopoli city present a heavenly view.
Karla Caves
Karla Caves are the largest cave temple (chaitya) in India and is located in Lonavala. These rock cut caves are assumed to be built around 100 AD by Buddhist nuns. The marvelous ancient Karla Caves are presently a popular tourist destination to have a close look at the ancient Buddhist architecture and culture. These caves exhibit Buddhist ideologies through inscriptions and stupas.
The Chaitya hall is spectacular with 37 octagonal pillars with a base structure of a water jar and it has a special feature of the façade screen made out of teak wood. The entrance of the Chaitya hall is adorned with an arch in the shape of a horse shoe.
Karla caves encloses Buddha viharas, where by the monks were stayed during their meditation period in the caves. The cave encloses sculptures of elephants adorned with metal jewelries and ivory tusks.
How to Reach
After crossing Lonavala Main Market go Straight towards Karla Caves, after crossing Toll Plaza come straight towards Karla Chowk, take a left that road lead to karla caves.
Kalote Lake
At (Khopoli)((12) Km)
Kalote is a beautiful lake located near Khopoli, off the Mumbai-Pune highway. Surrounded by mountains from 3 sides and over 80 meters in depth, It is definately one charming mysterious place.
Ashtavinayak Mahad Temple
At (Khopoli)((12) Km)
One of the Eight (Ashta) Ganapati (Vinayak) Temples of Maharashtra. The name of this Vinayak (Ganesha) is Varad Vinayak meaning the one who blesses all the wishes. The temple is situated in a scenic place, and the new extension to the main temple is being made. Behind the temple is a small temple of Shri Dattatreya situated in Bamboo trees.
Ashtavinayak Mahad Temple
Ashtavinayak Mahad Temple
Ashtavinayak Mahad Temple
Ashtavinayak Mahad Temple
Zenith Waterfall
At (Khopoli)((12) Km)
Zenith Waterfall is the best Waterfall to One-Day Picnic spot. Located 90km from Mumbai near Khopoli, the Place is full of Tourist during Monsoons. It is surrounded by Big Mountains of Sahyadri Range. Zenith waterfall in Khopoli is the mind blowing place to visit in heavy rains, with its black coloured rock on which the water appears white in colour.
Gagangiri Maharaj Ashram
At (Khopoli)((12) Km)
Over the years, places associated with Shri Gagangiri have emerged as ashrams and places of pilgrimage. The prominent amongst them are the ashrams at Gagangad and Khopoli where Maharaj resides for the major part of the year.
Khopoli Market
At (Khopoli)((12) Km)
This place is a Local Market to buy any stuffs at cheaper rates. This market starts from hico junction to Khopoli village. The hawkers sell their products on the side strech of the road. This road is closed for vehicles on this day.
Vadavali Lake
At (Kamshet)((20) Km)
Vadivali Lake is one of the larger lakes in the area, at an altitude of 2200 ft above msl. It is an artificially created lake due to the backwaters of the Uksan Dam.
Kondeshwar Temple
At (Kamshet)((20) Km)
An ancient elephant temple well known as Shri Kondeshwar temple is located at pohara near to kamshet. Pahara is a hilly forest range. This temple is dedicated to Hindus god Shiva.
There is a scenic view nearby this temple for the tourists as this place is surrounded by the dense forest, all around. Thousands of Hindu devotees come to visit this temple at the time of Mahashivaratri, as a huge festival is conducted at this time.
Bhandar Dongar
At (Kamshet)((20) Km)
On the hillside in Talegaon, located 22 km from Kamshet is Bhandar Dongar. It is a popular destination for paragliding.The mildly sloping terrain of the hillside, which gives a good view of the ground below, makes it an ideal spot for paragliding and hang gliding as it is easy to keep the landing location in sight after take off, as there is nothing to obstruct the line of vision.
Activities at Bhandar Dongar
Paragliding At Bhandar Dongar
On the hillside in Talegaon, located 22 km from Kamshet is Bhandar Dongar. It is a popular destination for paragliding.The mildly sloping terrain of the hillside, which gives a good view of the ground below, makes it an ideal spot for paragliding and hang gliding as it is easy to keep the landing location in sight after take off, as there is nothing to obstruct the line of vision.
Paragliding At Bhandar Dongar-Bhandar Dongar
Paragliding At Bhandar Dongar-Bhandar Dongar
Bedsa Caves
At (Kamshet)((20) Km)
Bedsa Caves, as ancient as 60 BC, consisting of two caves are considered to be among the oldest caves in Maharashtra. The caves can be reached through number of steps on the sloppy hilly location. The main cave known as Chaitya, the prayer hall, enshrines a beautiful stupa. This cave contains four 25 feet high pillars with many carvings including those of elephants, horses and bulls. The ribbed roof is supported by orthogonal pillars.
Another cave is Vihara, containing beautiful carvings on it. Both caves facing east direction are adorned with exquisite carvings as well. An early morning visit to the caves is recommended as the sunlight will make the caves more visible.
Bhairi caves
At (Kamshet)((20) Km)
Bhairi caves are placed on high rocks with sharp tops. The huge cave known as Bhairav cave is a very strange cave in which animal sacrifice still takes place. Bhairi caves can be reached by many rocky steps from the foot hills, the path approaching the caves are rough and very dangerous. Ascending and descending are difficult and an adventurous trekking is required to get a close view of the caves. The trails from the city to Bhairi caves are undulated and slippery with sharp rocks and forest covers.
Pawna Dam
At (Mulshi)((60) Km)
Pawana Dam, is an earthfill and gravity dam on Pawana river near Maval in the state of Maharashtra in India.
Mulshi Lake
At (Mulshi)((60) Km)
Mulshi Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Pune just under an hours drive away from the city. The Lake is formed in the catchments area of Mulshi dam. The lake with scenic surrounding and unexploited Sahyadri hilly terrains is a perfect spot for a weekend picnic.
Tamhini Ghats
At (Mulshi)((60) Km)
Tamhini ghats enroute the road ahead of Mulshi Lake that joins NH17 at Mangaon is albeit the bad roads a riders pleasure. With many seasonal water falls dotting the entire length after monsoons these ghats offer some of the most amazing views of the valleys in this region. Its prudent to avoid the Tamhini route after sunset as for long distances you might not find even a shop in these ghat routes.
Waterfall at Tamhini Ghat