Lonavala located at a distance of 120 kilometres from Mumbai, Lonavla is a favourite hilly destination around Mumbai. Ideal for a day or weekend trip, Lonavla is beautiful and cool hill station decorated with gurgling streams and quiet glided walks. The waterfalls of Tungarly or trek up to the Duke's Nose (a gigantic hillock )will also give you the complete feeling of being close to mother nature. A must visit to be included in your excursion itinerary. Numerous lakes surrounds Lonavala. Tugauli, Lonavala and Bhushi lakes are worth visiting; so is the Walvan Dam. The small hill station of Khandala is just 5 km away.

Travelers coming from Mumbai pass through Khandala before reaching Lonavala. Kaivalyadhama Yoga Hospital is 2 km from Lonavala on the road to Karla and Bhaja caves. This center attracts both local and foreign tourists seeking yogic healing. This center was founded in 1924 and conducts various courses in Yoga along with a research center and a training college. Karla and Bhaja Caves, located in the hills at a distance of 11 km from Lonavala, are important places to visit. These rock-cut cave temples dating back to 2nd century BC and are amongst the oldest and finest examples of Buddhist rock cut temple art in India, belonging to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Adventure seekers can try their hand at rock climbing at the Dukes Nose peak and other locations in the Karla hills, near Lonavala.

Karla Caves

Just 11 kms from Lonavala are Karla & Bhaja Caves, Rock-cut structures are one of the most primitive forms of architecture found in several parts of India. The Karla Caves in Maharashtra are one of the finest examples of this architectural style. The Caves are located high in the surrounding hills. A narrow winding path, leads up to them. Built by Buddhist monks, the caves are in keeping with the Buddhist ideas of simplicity. The caves are characterised by many halls and a huge stone stupa along with the 2000-year-old teak wood ceiling which is still intact. Outside the cave is a pillar crowned with lions. This was an emblem of the Buddhist King Ashoka, now adopted by the Indian Government as the state emblem.

How To Reach

By Air: he nearest airport from Lonalvala is Pune, which is 64 km from Lonavala & Mumbai which is 100 kms.

By Rail: Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune , all express trains plying between the two cities stop here.

By Road: The bus service between Mumbai to Lonavala and to Pune is good (2 hours). Buses shuttle between Lonavala and Khandala (5 km from Lonavala; 15 minutes trip).