Lonavala is the most splendid hill station in Mumbai which is frequented by the locals for the iconic view of the terrain and the serene valleys in the surrounding. Some of the trekking enthusiasts consider this to be a great getaway for them as they escape from the tedious cycle of life. The place in Lonavala serves as the best retreat for the tourists to enjoy the weekends and snack on the hot bowl of Maggie after the refreshing mountain climbing rounds. couple of spots that you must explore as you head to the hills of Lonavala for a refreshing weekend. So let us go check places to visit in Lonavala.
1. The tiger's leap
This spot is located at an elevation of 650 metres above sea level and is named after the rock which resembles the tiger leaping into the valley. Located in the lap of the mountains, the place attracts a massive number of tourists both locals as well as visitors from all around the country. The stream of water gushing down the cliff and the brilliant view of the valley is admired by the trekkers as they move up the valley to this location in the Hill. The location is meant for a short picnic trip or a hiking trail as means to do away with the tedious lifestyle. The serene ambience and the comfortable climate is going to establish a mystical aura for you.
2. The Bhaja Caves
Another striking feature of Lonavala is the magnificent Bhaja Cave which is praised for the elevation and thrill that is the main reason for the tourists to head up in the hills. What is a trekking trip without a few adventurous and spine thrilling caves along the way? Furthermore, the caves are considered a national asset because of the history associated with the location. It is believed that the Bhaja Cave is one of the oldest caves in the country and the Buddhist carvings on the walls of the caves are fine examples of art from the Hinayana phase of Buddhist culture. The winding path around the caves leads you to the Bhaja village where the travellers can rest for a while and pick up quick snacks. The waterfall in the nearby location also attracts the attention of the tourists to Lonavala.
3. Karla Caves
Not far away from the Bhaja Cave is the Karla Cave which preserves a prominent Buddhist Chaitya. You must pay a visit to this cave to witness the glory of Buddhist culture and view the walls of the caves which bear beautiful carvings of scenes depicted from the life of Buddha. The caves bear the mark of ancient architecture and you can visit the place at any time of the day around six in the morning to ten at night. The inscriptions on the walls and the fine motifs are still intact for the travellers to admire. Another iconic feature of the caves is the brilliant aisles which are called the 37 pillar aisles. The pillars date back almost two thousand years ago and hold the records of the glorious past. The temple at the entrance was designed a couple of years ago to add to the beauty of the caves.
4. Bhushi Dam
The Bhushi Lake serves as the picture-perfect location for you to take your friends and family for a picnic trip and indulge in the merry-making occasion. The splendid aura of the region and the massive dam add to the beauty of the Lake. You must head to this region of Lonavala if you are planning a fun-filled and relaxing time away from the crowd of tourists. The dam is constructed over the Indrayani River. The refreshing ambience of the location is meant to leave a mark on the heart of the people. The ambience of warmth and serenity will surely render you speechless as you bask in the beauty of the location. Located in INS Shivaji Nagar the tourists are allowed to access the space from nine in the morning to five in the evening.
5. The Duke's nose
This is a brilliant spot in the hills of Lonavala named after the Duke of Wellington as it resembles the features of the Duke. The place being a hill station provides the most fascinating view to the tourists as they head to the mountains to rejuvenate their mind and soul. The location is called Nagphani because of the shape of the peak which looks like the hood of the snake. The temple at the peak of the hill is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the trekkers are often spotted climbing the mountains to have a look at the temple built on the hills. The place is accessible all around the year for the favourable climate of the location and the picturesque scenic views.