Best Lonavala Places to Visit in 2 Days
Lonavala is a perfect weekend getaway for great scenic views of the surrounding hills and offer a year-round scenic pleasant atmosphere. There are amazing Lonavala Places to Visit in 2 Days.
Its production of the hard candy chikki is well-known, and the railway line connecting Mumbai and Pune also has a major stop here.
In this 2 Day Lonavala & Khandala trip from Mumbai, experience the natural beauty of Lonavala and it’s an attraction at your own pace. Located about 85 KMs from Mumbai, Lonavala is a perfect weekend getaway.
DAY 1:
- Tiger’s Point
- Lions point
- Karla caves
- Bhushi Dam
- Narayani Dham Temple
- Celebrity Wax Museum
Tiger’s Point
The point derives its name from its resemblance to the shape of a leaping tiger. It offers spectacular views of forests, lush greenery, waterfalls and lakes around. The sunrise and sunset views from here are mesmerizing.
Tiger’s Leap, or more famously known as Tiger’s Point, is a cliff-top that offers breathtaking views of Lonavala as far as the eye can see.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was once chased by a tiger. To escape, he jumped into a hillside ditch, causing the tiger to leap into the valley below, hence the name of the viewpoint. Tiger Point is now a popular spot on the weekends, and make great photos for the gram. There are also gorgeous waterfalls to ogle at. Make sure you enjoy a hot plate of bhaaji, bhutta and chai at the top.
Lion Point
The Lonavala Lions Club named the point “Lion Point” after their association with it. It is among the most well-known viewpoints in Lonavala and also one of the top places to include in Lonavala tours.
The point is mainly a cliff located between Bhushi Dam and Amby Valley. Tourists can also get an aerial view of the Tungarli Lake and Dam from here. The picture perfect views of the deep valley with lush greenery and a number of waterfalls make your heart miss a beat or two. The 12 kilometer drive from Lonavala to reach Lion’s Point takes you through an exciting experience with sharp curves and scenic landscapes. Once up there, brace yourself to face very strong winds.
During monsoon, you will have a spellbinding session with the clouds flowing over and around you minimizing visibility but maximizing the heavenly feeling you experience here. The sunrise and sunset views from here are mesmerizing. The place, in short, is a nature lover’s ultimate dream destination.
Karla Caves
The Karla Caves, Karli Caves, Karle Caves or Karla Cells, are a complex of ancient Buddhist Indian rock-cut caves at Karli near Lonavala, Maharashtra.
These caves houses one of the largest Chaityas (prayer hall with a stupa) in India. Karla Caves is primarily known for the Ekvira Temple located inside.
Karla Caves, also known as Veluraka in ancient times, feature a massive 15-meter pillar and temple devoted to Goddess Ekveera. It also accommodates a Buddhist monastery that is believed to have been built there around the 2nd century BC. One can spot a major ancient trade route near the caves running towards east from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan. One has to climb almost 150 stairs to reach the cave.
Bhushi Dam
Bhushi Dam which is located on the Indrayani River. A noteworthy fact about the Bhushi Dam is its construction in the 1860s. The Great Indian Peninsular Railway built the dam to provide water for its steam engines. The dam is now used as a tourist attraction in Lonavala.
Narayani Dham Temple
Sri Narayani Dham Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Narayani. The temple is built entirely of marble. The entrance to the temple has beautiful fountains with green lawns on either side. Many locals visit this temple for its daily bhajans. If you visit this temple, stay for at least one session of the bhajans and enjoy the harmony and spirituality that floats in the air.
The magnanimous four storeyed temple also houses idols of Ganpathi, Hanuman and several other deities which are decked up with dazzling jewels and in beautiful apparels.
Celebrity Wax Museum
Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum is a popular attraction in Lonavala. It houses almost 100 sculptures of celebrities like Rajiv Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, Michael Jackson, Kapil Dev Adolf Hitler, AR Rahman and many more. Wax Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji is the highlight of the museum.
DAY 2:
- Lohagadh Fort
- Bhaja Caves
- Pawna Lake
- Lonavala Bazaar
Lohagad Fort
Start your second day, early in the morning (around 7:00 AM) and head to Lohagad Fort for a nice trek. This fort has been occupied by several dynasties including the Marathas, Mughals and Nizams. It was later recaptured by Chhatrapati Shivaji from the Mughals and used for storing treasury.
The trek to the fort is an easy one and perfect for the first-timers, making it a favourite haunt of hiking enthusiasts. Lohagad Fort is a massive structure that was once under the control of the mighty Maratha Empire. It is also connected to its twin Visapur Fort. The thrilling trek route to Lohagad Fort is just one of its many attractions.
Whether you visit this destination for its lush green beauty, adventurous trekking route, panoramic views or illustrious history, Lohagad Fort is certainly worthy of a visit.
Bhaja Caves
Bhaja Caves is the Buddhist caves that belonged to the 2nd century BC. The Bhaje Caves are a group of 22 rock-cut caves consisting of inscriptions and stupas. The stupas are relics of the residing monks depicting their meditative states. In order to reach the Bhaje Caves, you need to climb several steps for about 30 – 40 minutes so make sure you visit this place when the sun rays are not too harsh.
Pawna Lake
The Western Ghats surround Pawna Lake. Various tourist attractions, such as Lohagad Fort, Tikona Fort, Tung Fort, and Visapur Fort, make the setting of Pawna Lake more prominent. Its refreshing ambience makes this place a beautiful destination near Lonavala and Khandala to enjoy an idyllic weekend.
Lonavala Bazaar
End your two day trip to Lonavala with a visit to the Lonavala Bazaar and shop for the famous chikkis that are available here. You can visit famous Maganlal Chikkis store near railway station to but chikkis. Here, you can discover a range of chikkis including peanut, cashew, dry fruits, almond chocolate, coconut, walnut, and many more. Don’t forget to indulge in these authentic delicacies and take home a box or two for your friends and family.
