Lonavala

 Very popular hill stations, known for their resplendent green beauty during rains, these twin hill stations offer romantic hills, small waterfalls and the works…  A place very easily reachable by train or by road, 70 km from Pune, it's just about an hour-and-a-half long drive.  A number of hotels, motels and resorts assure you comfortable stay. Located at a four hours trek is the dreamy hamlet of Rajmachi from where the twin forts of Manoranjan and Shrivardhan are worth seeing! 

Besides, a quick weekend getaway to Lonavala is perfect to de-stress you out with must visits to the Lonavala Lake, Bushy Dam, Tiger's Leap, Ryewood Park,Tungarli Dam, Barometer Hill. Also what makes the place famous is the famous Chikki (made of jaggery and groundnuts) and also the chocolate fudge! A must visit in the rainy seasons; some of the recommended hotels include Duke's Retreat at Khandala and Fariyas at Lonavala!

In recent years the heavy flow of weekenders and conference groups from Pune has changed the demography of the area dramatically. Khandala gives a good view of the rainwater fed waterfalls while Lonavla acts as the base for the Karla & Bhaja Caves. These caves date back to the 2nd century B.C and are one of the finest examples of rock temples by the Hinayana sect in India. The Karla caves were carved by the monks and the artisans who tried to imitate the carvings on wood. The light filters inwards through the Sun window. A wooden umbrella protects the Dagoba or representation of Buddha. Kneeling elephants that have seated figures top the pillars. These 37 pillars are the circumambulatory aisles. Teak beams rib the ceiling. Out side the cave a stambha with four back-to-back Lions stands. This pillar is associated with Ashoka and is believed to have been kept there later. The Bhaja caves are older and peaceful than the Karla caves. Out of the 18 Bhaja caves ten are viharas and one is an open chaitya. Getting There: By Road : Lonavala is on the Mumbai-Pune Highway,104 kms, Pune-Lonavala, 66 Kms By air     : Nearest airport is Pune, 66 kms By Rail   : Lonavala is on the Mumbai Pune Rail line of the central Railway.