Lonavala Tourism

Lonavala, the twin hill station of Khandala is perched at the altitude of about 622 meters in the verdant cradle of the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges that separates the Deccan Plateau from the coast of Konkan. This municipal council of Pune District is a very popular hill resort and a much sought after week end getaway from Mumbai and Pune. Endowed with pristine natural beauty, this 'Jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains' was discovered by the then Governor of the Bombay Presidency Sir Elphinstone in the year 1871. The name Lonavala has derived from a Sanskrit word 'Lonavli' which finds its origin from two Prakrit words 'Len' and 'Avali'. Len means 'cave' and Avali means 'series'. So Lonavli means a series of caves. Thus we can conclude that the hamlet receives its name after the number of caves that surround this plateau.

Bequeathed with lofty hills wearing the lush green cloak, milky water cataracts cascading down the budding cliffs, steep valleys enveloped with blooming verdure and extremely pleasing and rejuvenating milieu, Lonavala is the Promised Land well delivered. The mesmerizing pulchritude of Lonavala reaches its zenith during monsoon when foliage surpasses all its limits and waterfalls and ponds exhibit their virile fervor. Dark transcendental clouds rumble and tumble and silver shreds of heavenly nectar drench the entire mesa. The foggy dawn and aurora slowly breaking through the brume is a spectacular vista. The placidity and harmony of nature is present here in its entire splendor. Words seem to becoming lame while we try to describe this Arcadia incarnated. Lonavala is a perpetual romantic balled composed by the Almighty himself.

The unpolluted environs of Lonavala and the pleasant climate all round the year have rendered this apple a favorite health resort. Away from the maddening rat race of city life, Lonavala is a real experience of euphoria and ecstasy. This small town has today become an integral part and the pivot of Maharashtra Tourism. Millions of domestic and international tourists throng this hill resort every year. The striking and vivid appeal of Lonavala really casts a spell on every single soul that alights at this paradise personified. This is a perfect retreat from the hustle bustle of daily routine where one can unwind and refresh himself in the lap of Mother Nature. Be it a honeymoon couple or a solitude lover, a group of friends or a family looking forward to a break in nature's canopy, Lonavala is a paradigm of bliss and a jubilation to cherish.

History of Lonavala

Ancient Lonavala was a part of Yadavas Empire of Devagiri who were later overpowered by Mughals. Mughal Emperors, recognizing the strategic geographical significance of Lonavala retained their rule for an extended period. Mughals were succeeded by Peshwas. Under the Peshwa domain, Lonavala experienced its heyday of economical and cultural prosperity. The noteworthy chapter of Lonavala History is covered by the valorous sagas of Mavla Warriors, the fiercest of Hindu Fighting Clans who fought gallantly against Mughal armies. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj constructed a number of forts in Lonavala during this time. Lonavala also witnessed the bravery of exalted warriors like Sardar Dabhade, the commander of Peshwa armies who fought to the last drop of blood for glory and for country.

The late 18th century in the history of Lonavala is the testimony of the fierce battles fought on this very plateau between regional Indian kings and assaulting British armies. During the rule of all these empires, Lonavala did not possess any unique identity of its own. The present day Lonavala was discovered in the year 1871 by the then Governor of the Bombay Presidency Sir Elphinstone. He was totally captivated by the enticing charm the terrain boasts of and established a practice of visiting this hill station during summer to escape from the scorching heat of Mumbai. Other British administrators also found refuge to this Garden of Eden in summer. They enjoyed the sport of hunting in the dense forests of Lonavala. Gradually Lonavala acquired its present day stature as a foremost tourist destination and a most visited hill station of Western India.