Lonavala Sightseeing

Rajmachi Point

Taking the Mumbai Pune road from Lonavala and after traveling for 6.5 km, you will encounter a �Ghat�. The point where this �Borghat� begins is known as Rajamachi point. Rajamachi means Royal terrakouioce or terrace.
This point offers an elegant panoramic view of the alluring natural beauty of the nearby valley (Vaghjai dari) on one side and on the other, a transcendental spectacle of the very famous Rajamachi fort established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This fort is at walkable distance from Rajamachi point. Other two smaller forts Shrivardhan fort and Manoranjan fort can be also visited from here.
To reach Rajamachi point a tourist can use the easily available state transport bus from the Lonavala bus stop.

Ryewood Park and Shivaji Udyan

Stationed very close to Lonavala market is an extensive garden called Ryewood Park. Covering a capacious area of more than 25 acres, this park enthralls both kids and grownups. Named after an English officer Mr. Rye, this garden was originally a botanical garden. Later it was reconstructed and decorated with embellishing floral plants and staggering tall trees for the tourist purpose.
The voluminous open space covered with luscious greenery and the swings in the park prove to be a majestic fascination for the children.
In the park is situated an ancient Shiva temple which adds a religious aspect to the romantic and amusing Ryewood Park and Shivaji Udyan. This garden is located just half a kilometer from the city railway station and is easily accessible through auto, taxi or bus.

Valvan Dam

Approximately 2 km away from Lonavala market in a village named Valvan at the foothills of the Sahyadri, is situated the Valvan Dam. Set up across the Kundali River, Valvan Dam supplies water to the Khopoli power station. A beautiful garden surrounded by several food courts make this spot a favorite picnic layout. An artificial Valvan Lake adds to the tourism aspect of the Valvan Dam reservoir.

Lonavala Lake

Situated on the outskirts of the town Lonavala, this lake is notable for its enchanting natural beauty and attractive landscapes. Though it dries up in the winter season, pristine surroundings of Lonavala Lake appeal the tourists very much. This picnic spot is easy to reach as it is just 1.6 km away from the town.

Duke�s Nose

For those who love adventure, trekking and hiking, this is the perfect destination while you are on the visit to the twin cities Lonavala and Khandala. Named after the long nose of the Duke of Wellington because of their likeness, this cliff is placed 12 km away towards Mumbai from the Lonavala town and is easily noticeable from the highway.

Tungarli Lake and Dam

Built during the rule of British, this dam is full with profusion during the rainy season. It is the source of the water to the nearby villages and towns like Lonavala and Khandala. Rich with splendid natural scenery and peaceful surroundings Tanugiri Lake and dam attract a large number of tourists.

Tiger�s Leap

Another must visit destination for the hikers and trekkers is Tiger�s leap. Also known as Tiger point; this is a cliff top situated at the straight height of 650 meter. This cliff top looks like a leaping tiger and gives a bird�s eye view of the entire valley.
During monsoon, a small waterfall which later turns into a stream increase the beauty of this spot and adventure loving people enjoy sports like rafting in it. Commuting to Tiger�s Leap includes a 1.6 km trek as the buses can only go up to I.N.S. Shivaji- A Naval Engineering Training base. Trekkers follow the trail of the stream and finally land at the foot of the Tiger�s Leap.

Shivlinga

Seated among the valleys those surround the Tiger�s Leap, this place is outstanding for its panoramic natural beauty and magnificent scenic view. The Shivlinga placed here is believed to be Svayambhu and attract visitors to come and pay homage to the lord Shiva. Many food stalls including are parked here and tourists can enjoy delicious bhajiya and cutting tea here.

Karla Caves

The largest cave temple of the nation and one of the last survivals of the rock cut caves are situated in Karla Caves near Lonavala. As these caves portray the unique architectural style and explicit culture of the Buddhist religion they are believed to have been built by Buddhist Monks.
The inscriptions carved on the �Stupas� in these caves take us back to 2nd or 3rd century and thus Karla Caves prove to be a historical monument of Buddhist religion. The cave enclaves are cut and carved out of rock and the hard work and the master craftsmanship of the monks allure our eyes.
The Chaityas (prayer halls) and the Viharas (dwelling places) specially built for the monks are present in the inner shrines of the caves. The door to these prayer halls is ornamented with an arch that resembles the shape of the horse shoe. The Lion Colunm (Sinha Sthambha) situated at the front of the cave is made of pure stone and decorated with a stone arch (Torana).
The unique and exquisite demeanor of these caves attracts the tourists and archeologists from different parts of India as well as the world.

Bhaja Caves

Along with Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves too present the exceptional example of rock cut caves. Situated near Lonavala, this complex of 22 rock cut caves date back to 2nd century B.C.
Both Bhaja caves and Karla Caves are identical in their style of architecture and grandeur of craftsmanship. The enlarged horseshoe entrances are found in Bhaja caves too. 14 stupas, 5 built inside and 9 outside having irregular excavations are the prominent feature of the Bhaja caves.

Lohagad Fort

The Lohagad Fort, also widely known as �Iron Fort� was established during the governance of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Reaching this fort is not quite easy as it requires a continuous climb of 11.2 km starting from Malavali Railway Station. From the top of this fort one can get an astonishing view of the surrounding region and the terrain is particularly admirable and dazzling during the rainy season.
The most interesting and magnetic part of the fort is known as �Vinchoo Point� which resembles the tail of the Vinchoo (scorpion) and is very difficult to access.

Bhushi Dam

Located near I.N.S. Shivaji, Lonavala, Bhushi Dam is an extremely popular weekend getaway for Punekars. Combination of lush greenery, water and rocks make this place one of the most sought out tourist destinations. The best time to visit the Bhushi dam is the monsoon season when the dam overflows.
Though swimming in the dam is not allowed for safety issues, watching the water gushing out of the dam and flowing over a series of steps is a delight. Visitors occupy the steps and enjoy the flow of the water. Bhushi dam gets very crowded on weekends. Sometimes when the water level is high, the tourists have to make their way through knee-deep water to reach the dam. Many shops are parked near the dam from where the tourists can buy rubber slippers which are more suitable to wear in the water.

Tikona Fort

Tikona Fort, also known as �Vitandgad� is one of the eminent hill forts situated near Lonavala on the banks of Pavana River. The region where Tikona Fort is established is called Maval, the centre of the entire Malwan Pawna regions.
As the name suggests, the Tikona fort is built up in a triangular or pyramidal structure. The meaning of the word Trikona is, �Three Sides�. The special attraction of this fort is its huge entrance. Tikona fort originally belonged to Nizam Empire until 1657 when, Shivaji Maharaj along with Trikona Fort conquered all other forts and the entire Konkan territory.
Presently Tikona Fort has become a favorite trekking spot because of its relatively easy climb. From this fort the visitors get spectacular and eye catching views of other forts like Tung, Visaput, and Lohagarh. The fort shelters a temple of 'Trimbakeshwar Mahadev', a lake and Satvahan caves.

Celebrity Wax Museum

Sunil Kandaloor, a talented wax artist from Kerela has established this Celebrity Wax Museum in the quiet town of Lonavala. Wax statues of Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachhan, Shahrukh Khan and other famous personalities like Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Mother Teresa and Sai Baba can be found in this Wax Museum.