Lonavala is most amazing picnic spot to the visitors and near to tahmini ghat. Lonavala, attractive retreat away from the maze of the city, is one of the most famous picnic destinations in Pune, Maharashtra. And It is called as ‘City of Caves’ and the ‘Jewel of Sahyadri’. This hill station show off a spectacular setting that includes stunning waterfalls, rich green valleys, serene lakes and remarkable caves. The multiple places to visit in Lonavala that include natural wonders, historical sites, religious attractions, etc. never fail to impress visitors.
Check Out For Experience The Best Mountain Drive Pleasure Near Pune- Tamhini Ghat
places to visit in Lonavala
1. Tiger’s Leap
Tiger’s Leap is a prime picnic enchantment that sits in the lap of nature at a height of 650 metres above sea level. This vantage point has been named so because of its shape that duplicates a tiger taking a leap into the valley. It is visited by adventure seekers who give way to in hiking and trekking here.
This pleasing site with an echo point and a stream flowing nearby offers outstanding views of the valley below that attract visitors in large numbers. You can always pack a picnic lunch and head to this place to spend some quality time with your loved ones.
- Location: Near I.N.S. Shivaji Base, Lonavala
- Timings: 24X7
- Distance: 87 km from Pune.
- Tips: A small waterfall flows near Tiger’s Leap which can be seen during the monsoons.
2. Karla Caves
Another well liked tourist attraction – Karla Caves that houses the most well preserved and largest Hinayana Buddhist Chaitya in the country.Related with Mahasamghika sect of Buddhism, these are one of the oldest rock-cut caves in India with the oldest one dating back to the 1st century BCE.
You will be surprised to see sculptures, fine motifs, inscriptions, stupas, pillars and 37-pillar aisle at Karla Caves that boasts of over 2000-year-old beams, amongst which some of them are still alive. You will also come across a temple at the entrance that has been recently built using pillars from the Buddhist period.
- Location: Bhaja Village, Lonavala
- Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Distance
- 57 kms from Pune.
- 58kms from Mumbai.
- 70 kms from Bangalore.
3. Bhushi Dam
If you are looking for a picnic spot to spend quality time with family and friends, then visit to the Bhushi Dam, which forms the famous Bhushi Lake. There are steps to access this masonry dam on the Indrayani River, where you can soak the warm sunshine as well as enjoy the extrodinary views of the surroundings.
This popular tourist attraction tends to get overcrowded during vacations and weekends, perticularly in the monsoon season, when you may face difficulty in finding a decent spot to sit on the steps. Swimming is prohibited here because of the inconsistent water flow.
- Location: I.N.S. Shivaji Road, Lonavala
- Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
- Time Required: 2-3 hrs
- Entry Fee: Free
- Tips: Walking up to the dam is a little tricky with water logging, uneven stones and mud .The steps are slippery so wear footwear with good gripping
4. Tikona Fort
Tikona Fort, a wellknown historical site of the Maratha empire, obtain its name because of its triangular shape and is land at a height of 1066 metres above sea level. Once represented by the Mughals, Shivaji Maharaj regained its control in the 1670s and continued to remain a prime fort of the Marathas till the reign of Sambhaji.
The fort entrance is through a small cave, which leads you through a cluster of five caves and a guard tower. Within the fort, you can see a massive stone wheel and a broken temple, and at the top of the fort, you will come across a few water tanks and a Buddhist cave.
- Location: Near Kamshet, Lonavala
- Timings: 8 am to 8 pm
Are You Planning To Visit Bangalore? Checkout The Top 10 Best Picnic Places Near Bangalore.
5. Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake, surrounded by spectacular landscape, is a famous camping and picnic spot in Lonavala. This artificial lake is formed by the appropriate water of Pawna Dam that provides a absolute escape into nature’s arm. Treat your eyes to soak the natural beauty of this place with distant views of Lohagad Fort, Tunga Fort and Tikona Fort, And makes for a great backdrop for memorable pictures. While picnicking here, you can avail the facility of row boating and motor that adds to its overall appeal. Monsoon is the best time to visit this place that abounds with incredible sights, you come here during the winter season as well to enjoy barbeques by the lake.
- Location: Rajmachi Village, Lonavala
- Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Conclusion
You can visit Lonavala throughout the year, It is famous picnic place in the pune. In case if you planned to visit this hill station during the rainy season, don’t forget to explore other popular monsoon destinations in Pune as well.
