Rajmachi Point
Traveling about 6.5 kilometers on the Mumbai Pune Highway from Lonavala will reach you to a popular Ghat named 'Borghat'. The locus where this Borghat inaugurates is widely known as Rajamachi point. The term 'Rajamachi' can be explained as the 'Royal Terrakouioce' or 'Regal Terrace or Balcony'. Exalted as a must visit place around Lonavala, this vantage point offers a spectacular vista of nearby Vaghjai Dari (valley) on one side and on the other, a transcendental panorama of imposing Rajamachi Fort. Vaghjai Dari is a prodigious valley ornamented with lush green plateaus embroidered with innumerable florets. This alluring natural beauty leaves the beholders totally dumbfounded.Rajamachi Fort, which is positioned at a walkable distance from the Rajamachi Point is a towering citadel established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Apart from the famous Rajamachi Fort, one cannot miss visiting other two smaller fortifications Shrivardhan Fort and Manoranjan Fort. To reach Rajamachi point from the town Lonavala you can either board a state transport bus from the Lonavala Bus Stop or commute on your rented bicycle.
Duke's Nose
Those who are die hard fans of adventure tourism and really love venturing sports such as trekking and hiking, Duke's Nose is the perfect destination while on the visit to the twin cities of Sahyadri Ranges; Lonavala and Khandala. The proud cliff that bears the haughty natural edifice named Duke's Nose is placed about 12 kilometers from the Lonavala town towards Mumbai on the Mumbai Highway. This is a part of a particular hill that looks like the long nose of the Duke of Wellington. Marking its likeness with the nose of the duke, the hilltop is named Duke's Nose. This natural rock formation is very prominent and it is easily visible from the highway.
Tiger's Leap
Another not to miss terminus for adventure enthusiasts, trekkers and hikers near Lonavala is the Tiger's Leap. Popularly known by another epithet 'Tiger Point' too, this is a cliff top situated at the straight height of 650 meters. The formation of this cliff top creates the semblance of a tiger that is about to leap into the valley. From the Tiger's Leap we can enjoy the enchanting bird's eye view of the entire enclosing valley. During the rainy season, a small waterfall is formed which drops from the cliff and later turns into a wider stream. The ivory white water cataract deluging down the hilltop against the backdrop of freshly blossoming valley is a sublime panorama. The adventure lovers enjoy rafting in the waters of this stream. Reaching at the top of the Tiger's Leap involves a bit of expedition as the buses can only go up to I.N.S. Shivaji- A Naval Engineering Training base. As you get down the bus at I.N.S. Shivaji, you will have to undertake a 1.6 km of trek. Trekkers sometimes also follow the trail of the aforementioned stream and finally land at the footings of the Tiger's Leap.
Shivlinga
Rooted in the midst of the panoramic valleys that skirt the Tiger's Leap, this vicinity is acclaimed for its outstanding natural spectacle and striking scenic vista. The Shivlinga, or the Lingam of Lord Shiva seated here is not manually installed but it is a natural rock formation and so venerated as 'Svayambhu' (self originated). This Shivlinga residing amongst the picturesque precipices creating the breathtaking layout beckons innumerable tourists, adventure enthusiasts and devotees to come and pay homage at the feet of Lord Shiva in His open Durbar. Multiple food stalls are parked on the deck that cater the needs of the tourists alighted here. Do not forget to savor the delectable taste of special Lonavala Bhajia and cutting tea at Shivlinga.
Lohagad Fort
The Lohagad Fort, also popularly known as the 'Iron Fort' was constructed during the dominion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Reaching this fort requires a continuous climb of about 11.2 kilometers starting from Malavali Railway Station and as it is not quite easy to trek all the way up the fort, only adventure seekers and enthusiastic tourists pay a visit to this citadel. From the top of the Lohagad Fort one can perceive an astounding view of the surrounding region. This terrain, revitalized by the refreshing rain looks particularly admirable and dazzling during the rainy season. The most interesting and appealing portion of the fort is called the 'Vinchoo Point' which receives its name due to its resemblance with the tail of a Vinchoo (scorpion) and is extremely difficult to reach.
Tikona Fort
Tikona Fort, an alternative name for 'Vitandgad' is one of the prestigious hill forts established near Lonavala. Fixed on the banks of the river Pavana, the Tikona Fort marks the Maval Region, the centre of the entire Malwan Pawna Divisions. As suggested by the name, the Tikona fort is constructed in a triangular or pyramidal shape. The word Tikona or Trikona can be explained as 'Three Sides' or 'Three Angles'. The colossal entrance of this fort is the special attraction and the most striking feature of this edifice. Tikona fort was originally a part of the mighty empire of Nizam until 1657 when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj conquered the entire Konkan territory including Tikona Fort and all other nearby forts. Due to its relatively easy climb, Tikona Fort has now become a favorite trekking spot. The tourists enjoy the spectacular and eye catching views of other aerial forts visible from the top of Tikona Fort including Tung, Visaput, and Lohagad. Tikona Fort houses a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva - 'Trimbakeshwar Mahadev', Satvahan Caves and a pristine lake.
Ryewood Park and Shivaji Udyan
Situated in the proximity with the central marketplace of the town, this extensive garden entitled 'Ryewood Park' is a noteworthy tourist destination of Lonavala; the Jewel of Sahyadri. Sprawling over the capacious area of over 25 acres, this beautiful park beckons both kids as well as adults. Christened after an English officer Mr. Rye, this enthralling enclosure was originally engineered as a botanical garden. Later, over the years it was reconstructed and a number of ornamental floral plants and staggering tall trees were added to the Ryewood Park.Embellished with beautiful flowers and verdant green landscapes, this botanical garden was later rendered a favorite tourist's hub. The voluminous open space blanketed with luscious greenery and the swings installed for the sport of kids conceive this park a fascinating niche for the children. A remarkable attraction of Ryewood Park is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Placed in a corner of the garden, this shrine adds the religious demeanor to the romantic Ryewood Park. Located just half a kilometer from the city railway station, this amazing and amusing Ryewood Park and Shivaji Udyan is easily accessible via auto, taxi or bus.
Valvan Dam
Nestled about 2 kilometers from the heart of Lonavala Town, there is a tiny little hamlet named Valvan. Placed at the foothills of the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges, this village is specially recognized for its celebrated Valvan Dam. Constructed across the Kundali River, Valvan Dam furnishes as the source of water to the Khopoli power station. Aside from the magnanimous vista of the massive Valvan Dam, a beautiful garden set up here amplifies the tourism aspect of the place. This garden is encircled by various food courts which have made this locale a favorite picnic layout for the people from Lonavala and Khandala towns. To top all this, the vicinity is also bequeathed with an artificial Valvan Lake that even augments the tourism appeal of the Valvan Dam reservoir.
Bhushi Dam
Bhushi Dam, stationed near I.N.S. Shivaji, is an extremely popular and most sought after weekend getaway for Punekars. A sweet medley of rejuvenating greenery, sparkling water and rocky plateau render this vicinity a most desired and craved for tourist destinations. Monsoon is the ideal season to visit the Bhushi dam as this is the time when the dam overflows and creates a spectacular vista. Even though swimming in the dam is not permitted due to safety reasons, witnessing the water gushing out of the dam and flowing over a series of steps is a delight in itself. Visitors occupy the steps and enjoy the flow of the water. Bhushi dam gets extremely crowded on weekends and the steps adjoining the dam are thoroughly packed with people. Sometimes when the water level is high, the tourists make their way through knee-deep water and reach the dam. Many shops parked near the dam sell rubber slippers which are more befitting to be worn in the surging water torrents.
Tungarli Lake and Dam
Constructed by British during the pre independence era, this dam deluges with opulent water during the rainy season. Tungarli Lake and Dam suffice as the source of water to the adjoining villages and towns including Lonavala and Khandala. Affluent with scenic natural charisma and endowed with tranquil ambience, Tungarli Lake and Dam attract a large number of tourists every year.
Lonavala Lake
Located right on the outskirt of the Lonavala Town, this lake is particularly notable for its enchanting natural elegance and artistry of its attractive landscapes. Though this lake is seasonal and it dries up during the months of winter; the resplendent surroundings of the Lonavala Lake beguile the tourists to no extent. This is one of the most visited tourist attractions of Lonavala and as it is situated just 1.6 km away from the town; this picnic spot is easily accessible from the heart of the Lonavala Township.
Celebrity Wax Museum
A talented wax artist based in Kerala named Sunil Kandaloor established this Celebrity Wax Museum in the quiescent town of Lonavala. This Wax Museum houses lifelike wax statues of Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachhan, Shahrukh Khan and other famous personalities like Sai Baba, Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Mother Teresa, Hitler, and A. R. Rahman and so on.
Karla Caves
Karla Caves embedded near Lonavala are applauded for housing the largest cave temple of the country and one of the last survivals of the rock cut caves. As the architecture of these caves exhibits the unique Buddhist structural order amalgamating with the explicit culture of Buddhist Religion, it is estimated that these caves of Karla Cave Complex were built and carved by Buddhist Monks. The inscriptions engraved on the 'Stupas' inside these antiquated caves take us back to 2nd or 3rd century. The cave enclaves cut and carved out of rock stand as the testimony of the hard work and the master craftsmanship that the Buddhist Monks had applied here.These caves, as old as about 2 millenniums, turn out to be the historical illustration of Buddhism prevalent in India during that epoch. The 'Chaityas' (prayer halls) and the 'Viharas' (dwelling places) specially built for the Buddhist Monks to stay and to pray can be seen in the heartland of the caves. The door that leads to these prayer halls is festooned with an arch that resembles the shape of a horse shoe. The Lion Column (Sinha Sthambha) placed in front of the Karla Caves is carved out of sheer stone and adorned with a stone arch called Torana. The unique and dainty aura of these caves beckons the tourists and archeologists from different parts of country and globe.
