“We shall
not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive
where we started and know the place for the first time.” – T. S. Eliot.
“Lonavala”,
What’s in the name?
Folklore, legends,
mythology and a bit of history and culture, if we blend it well, makes the story of
any place very interesting.
Once upon a
time the entire region of Lonavala was covered in thick forest, the place was
known as Lonali. Many explorers, adventurers and historians say that “Lonavala”
its name is derived from the Sanskrit word Layan, which means to lay or relax.
The local tribes then used to speak a local language or dialect called “Prakrit”,
and called “len” as the place where you rest. Since the entire region was rocky,
they termed it as “Avali”. The name evolved from Lenavali to Lonavala over the
period.
History
series… summary.
Present
day Lonavala was a part of the Seuna (Yadava) dynasty. Later, the Mughals
realised the strategic importance of the region and kept the region for an
extended time. The forts in the region and the "Mavala" warriors
played an important role in the history of the Maratha Empire and that of the
Peshwas.
In
1871, the Lonavala and Khandala hill stations were again made popular by Lord
Elphinstone, who was the Governor of Bombay Presidency at the time. It developed the reputation of being a travel
destination in 1870s, when the British administrators of East India Company
started using it as a vacationing/ hunting spot.
Bhor
Ghat was an ancient trade route that connected Konkan Region Ports to Deccan
plains of Peninsular India played an important role in making Lonavala more popular
after the discovery of a route to make a motorable pass in Bhor Ghat came after
information was provided by a local Dhangar tribesman called Shigroba. Later,
the Great Indian Peninsula Railway laid a railway line from Mumbai to Pune. The
section through Bhor Ghat with 28 tunnels, and old bridges was opened in 1863.
The Ghat opened Mumbai to the Deccan plains of Peninsular India. The building
of this railways was marked by many challenges and adventures but that story is
for another time. Let’s come back to the present time and explore further as inquisitive travelers.
Lohagad Fort, Visapur Fort, Rajmachi Fort, Karla
caves, Bhaja Caves, Bhedse Caves, Tikona Fort, Scorpion's sting, Kathingad, are some of the famous spots of historic
importance in Lonavala. But there is so much more to be explored at Lonavala
for an avid traveler and explorer… Fort, Caves, Hills and Valleys, Lakes, Eateries,
Nature, Camping and Glamping Sites, Resorts, Farm Stays, Villas and Bungalows
on rent come and explore with us. Let’s camp, glamp, trek, go on long exploring
walking tours, cycling trips, become a local, experiment staying in villas,
cottages or in remote basic home stays of rustic and humble homes of Adivasis.
Exploring the know and lesser-known secrets of Lonavala and Khandala with NatureKnights
One of the most favorite monsoon holiday and picnic destinations for Mumbaikars
and Punekars. It is at a height of 2050 feet / 620 meters above mean sea level.
From Bombay Lonavala is 128 km by railway and 97 km by road. To Reach Lonavala
Trains take about 2.30 hours from Mumbai and 1 hr from Pune. Local Trains from
Pune take 1 hr 30 min. to reach Lonaval. There are 2 cinema theaters. Places
worth visiting here for tourists are Bushi Dam, Nagpani, Rajmachi Point,
Duke's Nose, Kune Point, Khandala Dari, Rye-wood Park, Tiger's Leap, Tungarli
Lake, Valvan Dam, Yoga Institute, Ghambir Nath Caves, Bhusi Lake, I.N.S.
Shivaji (A Navy Training Center) and for those seeking adventure seeking travel
explorer Lonavala and Khandala has many hidden secrets to be explored and
discovered.
Besides all
these the Lonavala Chikki, fudge, Jellies, Jams are the most popular sweets
over here.
Caves And Forts (REQUIRES A LITTLE FURTHER EXPLORING, WALKING OR TREKKING)
Few Popular Treks around Lonavala / Khandala with distances mentioned are from Lonavala
Lohgad Fort14 km
VisapurFort 14 km
Korigad Fort 20 km
Tikona Fort - 25 km
Rajmachi Fort 20 km
Dukes Nose 8 km
Tungi or Kathingad Fort 24 km
Bedsa Caves 21 km
Bhaja Caves 14 km
Karala Caves 12 km
VILLAS AND COTTAGES FOR RENT AT LONAVALA / KHANDALA CLICK HERE
WAIT FOR
THE DETAILED PAGE TO BE PUBLISED – WE WILL BE EXPLORING AND PUBLISHING MANY TRAVEL
DIARIES AND STORIES ABOUT LONAVALA AND KHANDALA… SO KINDLY BOOK MARK THIS PLACE
FOR FUTURE UPDATES.
PLACES THAT ARE EASY TO EXPLORE AND ENJOY.
- Rey Wood Park
- Bushi Dam
- Gambhirnath Caves
- Tiger's Leap
- Dukes Nose
- Khandala Valley
- Pavna Lake
- Tungarli Lake
We will be sharing Camping, Glamping and Villa Options in a few days.
Rey Wood Park:
Once a Botanical Garden, during the years of British Raj,
initiated by ‘Mr. Rye’, has now been converted into a park frequented by
picnickers. The Garden is spread over 25 acres of manicured land, the park
provides lawns, that are equipped with swings where the children can play and
have fun. Hence it is an ideal visiting spot for the tourists as well as for
the local people, to sit on the clean wooden benches, stroll around the tall
trees and relax with the near and dear once. Apart from the varieties of trees
and flowering plants, the park also has an old Shiva Temple within its
premises.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE - There are lot of temples around this place that you can pay
a visit to like Shri Siddheshwar Temple, Koli Temple, Laxmi Mata Temple and Ram
Temple. Apart from the temples, the Tiger’s Leap, Lonavala Lake, Bhor Ghat,
Kune Falls, etc. also lie close to the park.
GETTING THERE - The park is located close to the Lonavala market and is just
half a kilometer away from the railway station. To reach here you can easily
get an auto-rickshaw or simply walk down.
Bhushi Dam:
Ideal time to visit this place is in the month of August. The Dam overflows and
fun lovers hate to miss this golden opportunity. The extra water overflows from
the staircase like structure. This is like a outlet for the water and this is
the point after coming where one feels like being in Lonavala that one has
heard of.
Gambhirnath Caves :
The most adventurous place over here is Gambhirnath Caves. This place lies
between Monkey Hill and Thakarwadi while going towards Mumbai. After bearing
some amount of nuisance you reach this place. Coming here includes climbing the
narrow path on the hill. When you enter the cave, you will feel the underlying
suspense and darkness in this place.
Tiger's Leap:
Popularly known as Vagdari. You will also find the Echo point over here. Nagphani
and Tiger's Leap were close to each other, hence often visited at a time.
Dukes Nose:
Also known as Nagphani, Duke's Nose is an ideal place for those who like
adventures. Mahadevi temple has been built recently over here. At the end
of rainy season Maharashtra's Everest "Kalsubai" is visible from
here. After reaching Khandala when you walk a certain distance towards khopoli
water electricity Centre, you can see a rock oddly penetrated into the hill,
that is Duke's Nose.
Khandala Valley:
Popularly known as Khandal Dari or even Canino Trek for some. This is the
only place which is advised not to be visited in the rainy season. The place is my favorite of all trekkers. This place lies in between Rajmachi Point and
Rajmachi fort. You come across the Ulhas River in this valley. The easiest way to reach
the bottom is to first reach the Kune point and then walk to the bottom.
Pavna
lake:
This beautiful Lake
on Pavna Dam.
Tungarli
Lake:
This lake is at the north of S. T. Stand near Tungarli village. The hill gives a beautiful view of
Rajamachi, Lohagad, Visapur fort and Lonavala City.
Lakes
And Dams
Lakes And Dams Name Distance from Lonavala
Bushi Dam & Lake Approx 04.00 km
Lonavala Dam & Lake Approx 02.40 km
Pavna Dam & Lake Approx 32.00 km
Shirota Dam & Lake Approx 11.00 km
Tungarli Dam & Lake Approx 03.00 km
Valvan Dam & Lake Approx 03.00 km
Some Of the Other Points
1. Rajmachi Point or Rock Garden: It is about 6.5 km from Lonavala
Railway Station. Regular S.T. Buses run in between Rajmachi Point and Lonavala
S.T. Stand.
2. Bairamji Point: It is 8 km from Khandala Station.
3. Reversing Point: It is near Rajamachi Point. It is known for its panoramic view.
4. Kune Point: Midway to Lonavala and Khandala On the highway. It
is known for its scenic beauty.
5.Barometer Hills: It is 24 km from Lonavala Railway Station with
Tungi and korigad fort is an extensive table and called sakur Pathar, famous
for healthy climate.
6. Ambavane Village: It is 22 km from Lonavala.
7. I.N.S. Shivaji: This is a basic naval camp.
8. Kaivalydham: It is 22 km from Lonavla.
9. Tata Duct Line: 3 km from Khandala Railway Station
NOTE: THE AUTHOR/S MAKE NO CLAIMS FOR THE AUTHINTICITY OF ANY HISTORICAL OR ARCHEOLOGICAL OR CULTURAL CLAIMS. SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME. IF POSSIBLE, IT MAY OR MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO ADD YOUR SUGGESTIONS TO THE ONGOING UPDATES OF THE CURRENT PAGE, SO KINDLY EXCUSE US IF IT DOES NOT GO AS PER YOUR SUGGESTIONS.
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