Lonavala - A Chilled Off Destination

By Author: Rashmiranjan Patil
Total Articles: 261
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Lonavala is beautiful hill station located in the district of Pune in Maharashtra. Sitting in close proximity to cities like Pune and Mumbai, Lonavala is a popular weekend getaway for the locals of these regions and other nearby areas. Tourists from other regions of India and also rest of the world also flock to the region to cool their heels off in the beautiful surroundings of Lonavala. This hill station is particularly renowned all over for its hard candy sweet called 'Chikki'.

The name Lonavala is derived from Prakrit language and means a series of resting place carved from stone. The region like any other hill station is rich in natural beauty and boasts of vast stretches of lush greenery, roaring waterfalls, sparkling lakes and ponds, woodlands, glorious hills and a lucid cover of mist surrounding the entire region, giving the entire region a very dreamy feel.

Lonavala also boasts of a rich and interesting history that adds character to the entire region. Lonavala owes its origin to Lord Elphinstone, Governor of the Bombay Residency during the British rule. The present Lonavala was under the Yadava dynasty, ...
... later over taken by the Mughal empire after they the strategic importance of the region. Remnants of the regions interesting past is still visible in the various forts and other relics found in the region.

In terms of tourism attractions in Lonavala, there are quite a few options like the various vantage points namely Rajmachi Point, Tiger’s Leap, Shivlinga, Lion's Point and the Shooting Point. Other than the various vantage points the other attraction of the region includes the Ryewood Parka and Shivaji Udayan, Valvan Dam, Lonavla Lake, Tungarli Lake, Duke's Nose, Karla Caves, Lohagad Fort, Bushy Dam, celebrity Wax Museum and others.

There are also plenty of Lonavala Hotels across various budget ranges that cater to travelers traveling on various budgets. Hotels irrespective of their budget range offer quality lodging facility and various services and facilities ensuring a comfortable stay, no matter in what type of hotel or resort you are putting up at.

Lonavala is a year round destination however, it is best to avoid the region during the monsoons but plan a trip just after the monsoons when the rains have injected the region with a new life and vigor. The nearest airport is located in Lohegaon in Pune, while the region has its very own railway station connecting Lonavala to various regions in Maharashtra and the rest of the country. Other than that there is also good number of state and private buses available from various regions in the state for Lonavala. Lonavala is very near to Mumbai. The distance from Mumbai to Lonavala is only 88 km. The distance from Lonavala to Pune is 65 km. It is popular as a hill station.