One of the most popular hill stations of Maharashtra, Lonavala is visited by nature lovers from every part of the country. Located at a height of 624 m above sea level, it is nestled in the Sahyadri Ranges. The name Lonavala, which is derived from Lonavali, a Sanskrit word, meaning a group of caves, hints at the option of sightseeing places here. There are many interesting natural caves to visit in and around the city.
From waterfalls, lakes, viewpoints, dams to majestic forts, it has almost everything to make a tour worthwhile. Having been under the rule of Yadava Dynasty, Mughals, Maratha Kingdom and then British, it has many monuments to showcase its rich history as well. It is a suitable choice for a weekend tour. If you don’t have many days to spare but craving some time in nature then opt for a 1 day Lonavala tour. Here are a few prominent places to visit in Lonavala in 1 day.
Lonavala Places to visit in 1 Day: Duke’s Nose, Lion’s Point, Celebrity Wax Museum, Ryewood Park Botanical garden, Lonavala Lake, Rajmachi Fort, Lohagad Fort, Tiger’s Leap, Bhushi Dam and Bhaja Caves
1. Duke’s Nose
One of the must visit places in Lonavala in 1 day is the Duke’s Nose. At a distance of 7 km from the hill station, this picturesque location promises a breathtaking view and an enjoyable hiking experience. The name of this place is derived from its resemblance to the nose of the Duke of Wellington. Although locals often refer to it as Naagphani, meaning Cobra’s hood.
At the top of the hill, you will find a Mahadev temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Tourists and locals often visit this place for picnic and adventure sports like rappelling, rock climbing, zip lining, etc. Camping at Duke’s Nose, with the promise of starlit sky above, is also quite popular.
2. Lion’s Point
Spend a few moments, glimpsing at the best of Lonavala at Lion’s Point. Travellers visit this cliff for a panoramic view of the mountain range, covered with dense forests and various waterfalls. The view of sunset from here is especially worth capturing.
A popular spot for photographers, it not only presents scenic views but also rejuvenates you with its soothing atmosphere. It is located between Bhushi Dam and Aamby Valley. It is a popular camping site as well. It is located near Tiger’s Leap, which is another popular viewpoint.
3. Celebrity Wax Museum
A quick stop at Celebrity Wax Museum is a must on your Lonavala day tour. Its location, which is only 2 minutes’ drive from Lonavala station, makes it all the more easier to visit. Built by a young wax artist, Sunil Kandaloor from Kerala, this wax museum has many life-like statues of popular celebrities from India and the world.
Some of the most popular wax statues here are that of renowned Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Mahatma Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajiv Gandhi, the great musician AR Rahman, Michael Jackson, and Bollywood celebrities like Sonu Sood, Salman Khan, etc. Click a picture with your favourite celebrity’s look alike statues at this museum.
4. Ryewood Park Botanical garden
Situated in Siddharth Nagar, Ryewood Park Botanical garden is spread over an area of 25 acres. Filled with dense flora, this garden is an ideal retreat from the everyday hustle. Lined with many old trees, it is a preferred place for walks as well. Ornamental plants, flower beds and thick green lawns tempts every visitor to just sit and relax here. It also has a Lord Shiva temple within its boundary. Do visit this botanical garden, especially if you are visiting with children. It is open from 8 AM to 7 PM.
5. Lonavala Lake
Located in Khondagewadi, Lonavala Lake is an alluring waterbody, with flourishing nature all around. Visit this lake for either a relaxing walk by the side of shimmering waters or for a peaceful time with nothing but sounds of nature around. If you wish to enjoy some mouth-watering snacks, then you will also find a few stalls nearby.
This spectacular lake is a bird watchers paradise too. This lake is strikingly scenic during the monsoon months when the water level increases and so does the greenery around. Although open all throughout day and night, it is best to visit this lake from 9 AM to 5 PM.
6. Rajmachi Fort
As the name suggests, Rajmachi Fort is located in Rajmachi/ Udhewadi village. This magnificent fort is a must visit for everyone who is interested in knowing the history of this region. Initially built by Satavahanas, it was later renovated many times when it came under the different reigns like Shivaji Maharaj, Emperor Aurangzeb, Shahu Maharaj and the British.
This fort is popular among adventure seekers too. It is a popular place for trekking especially from the nearby Kondana caves, which takes around 3 to 4 hours. However, if you are looking for a quick trek then drive up to Udhewadi village and climb from there. It is open from 9 AM to 6 PM.
7. Lohagad Fort
Standing strong at an altitude of 3,389 ft above sea level, Lohagad Fort is both a paradise for history buffs and an adventure site for trekkers and hikers. It can be accessed via four different entrances, namely Maha Darwaja, Ganesh Darwaja, Narayan Darwaja and Hanuma Darwaja. The sculptures on the Maha Darwaja and paintings on the walls of the fort are worth noticing.
The trek to the fort offers a scenic view of the surrounding hills, which one can admire even more from the top of the hill. The trek t is not difficult and can be covered within 40-45 mins if one starts from the base point at the village. Located in Lohagad village, this fort is open from 9 AM to 6 PM.
8. Tiger’s Leap
Standing at a height of 650 metres above sea level, Tiger’s Leap is a tourist attraction that must be included in your one day tour. Offering a picturesque view of the Western Ghats and the Sahyadri mountain ranges, dotted with scenic waterfalls, it is sure to leave you spellbound. Its resemblance to a leaping tiger gave it the said name.
Not only the view, you can also try activities like rappelling, rock climbing and trekking here. You will also find many food stalls here, making it a popular picnic spot too. Located 12 km from Lonavala station, it can be visited either for the sunrise or sunset view.
9. Bhushi Dam
Built over the Indrayani River, Bhushi Dam is one of the top tourist attractions of Lonavala. There are steps built at the dam, for visitors to sit and enjoy its scenic view. Feel the forceful flow of water down the steps as you admire the lush greenery of the hills around. It is often frequented by locals for picnics.
This dam is striking in monsoon season when the water level increases, making it appear all the more magnificent. It is located on the I.N.S. Shivaji Road. You can visit this dam from 9 in morning till 5 in evening.
10. Bhaja Caves
Architectural masterpiece, Bhaja Caves are a group of 22 rock cut caves, located in Bhaja village. Associated with Buddhism, these caves showcase intricate inscriptions and sculptures with a serene natural setting around. Dating back to 2nd to 1st century BCE, the prominent caves here are Cave 6, 9, 12 and 13.
Now maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, these caves take you back to ancient India, its culture and scientific brilliance. Open from 8 AM to 6 PM, you can visit these caves along with Karla Caves, which is also a prominent place to visit in this hill station.
If time permits, you can include a few more tourist attractions in your day itinerary for Lonavala tour such as Karla Caves, Tikona Fort, Visapur Fort and a quick shopping at Lonavala Bazaar.
Enjoying a close proximity to cities such as Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala is worth visiting, even for a one day tour. The Pune airport is the nearest airport while Lonavala Railway Station connects it with the rest of the country via railways. Contact us at Lonavala Khandala Tourism for 1 day Lonavala tour packages for an absolutely hassle free tour.
