Lonavala is a hilly area surrounded by green valleys in western India. It is known as "Jewel of Sahyadri Mountains" and "City of Caves". It is also known for manufacturing tough sweet chikkis. It is a major stop on the rail line that connects Mumbai and Pune. Surrounded by dense forests, waterfalls and dams close to lakes, it is a must visit place

Districts/Region

Lonavala, Pune District, Maharashtra, India.

History

The region around Lonavala was a significant Buddhist place in the second century BC, and various old Buddhist rock-cut cave temples can be found around here. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, ruled this region. Later it went under the Peshwa rulers, who established the second Maratha Empire. It was at last taken over by the British when they crushed the Peshwa empire.

Geography

Lonavala is in the western part of the state of Maharashtra, India. It is set among the slants of the Sahyadri mountain ranges, and is 106 KM southeast of Mumbai at an altitude of 2,050 ft above sea level.

Weather/Climate

The region has a hot-semi arid climate year-round with an average temperature ranging from 19-33 degrees Celsius. 
April and May are the hottest months when the temperature reaches up to 42 degrees Celsius.
Winters are extremes, and the temperature can go as low as 10 degrees Celsius at night, but the average daytime temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius.
The annual rainfall in the region is around 763 mm. 

Things to do

Lonavala is one of the best places to visit, especially during monsoons. Tourists will feel refreshed by the abundance of greenery. Some of the places which tourists can visit are Wax Museum, Pawana Lake and Tiger point. Other activities include paragliding in Kamshet, trekking to Rajmachi Fort, night camping in the forested Sahyadri hills and many other such adventures. Apart from these, tourists can also spend some time doing more peaceful and relaxing activities such as taking a stroll at Lonavala lake, Explore the Bhaja and Karla Caves, having a picnic at Bhushi Dam and go shopping for local goods and produce. 

Nearest tourist places

• Imagica: Imagica is a world of its own, full of magic and fun, providing entertainment, fun, relaxation, dining, shopping and lodging in a single place. A world-class Theme Park, Water Park of international standard. India's biggest Snow Park & First Theme Park Hotel- Imagica is a favourite family destination in India and one of the best things to do in Khopoli. Experience Imagica at the Grand Indian Food Festival at Imagica Capital Restaurant and try some of the most delightful cuisines from across the nation.
• Maval: A small tehsil in the district of Pune, Maval is known for its mesmerizing sunsets, thrilling water sports, and camps. Visitors can indulge in a spread of activities like rafting, kayaking, swimming, and more along with tasty local food at Maval. Furthermore, the clean and spacious environment of Maval allows travellers to set up camp and spend a night away. (4.6 KM)
• Alibaug: Famous for its beaches, Alibaug also offers water and adventure sports. The main beaches for water sports are Mandwa beach, Nagaon beach and Alibaug beach. These beaches offer activities such as parasailing, sea kayaking, jet ski and banana boat ride. (81 KM)
• Kondana Caves: Kondana Caves, a group of 16 Buddhist caves, is situated 33 KM north of Lonavala in a small village, Kondana, in Karjat. These caves with several stupas and sculptures offer a glimpse into the ancient lifestyle of the Buddhist monks. The caves are famous for their intricate carvings which are associated with Buddhism and are said to date back to the 1st Century BC. These caves showcase an excellent display of stone cut structures and will incite your curiosity if you are a history lover. A must-visit for tourists during the monsoon season to see their grand allure and combine a visit to the waterfalls nearby to cherish a beautiful holiday.

Special food speciality and hotel

Tourists can get almost all types of cuisines in Lonavala like from Gujarati food to spicy mint vada pavs and the most lip-smacking roasted corn especially sold out by the street hawkers. Lonavala restaurants also offer well-known cuisines like South Indian, Continental, Indian, Punjabi and also you can get tastier non-veg. 

Accommodation facilities nearby & Hotel/ Hospital/Post Office/Police station

Various hotels, resorts, lodges and homestays are available in Lonavala. Lonavala has a well-developed network of hospitals, post offices and police stations in the surrounding area.

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit

Lonavala is easily accessible throughout the year. Lonavala has different attractions in each season, which makes it a tourist destination for the whole year. Tourists are suggested to take precautions during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall.

Language spoken in area 

English, Hindi, Marathi