Travel: Lonavala - Hills of Sahyadris in India

Lonavala is a beautiful and charming Hill Station at a height of 625 Meters above sealevel. It is without any doubt blessed by nature's beauty. The hill Station is only 128 Kms from Mumbai and around 70 kms from Pune, and is one of the favored hill stations and weekend getaways for people from Mumbai.

The best Season to visit Lonavala is throughout the year, except perhaps May when it can get warmer.
* October to March is ideal for sight seeing, with the best weather.
* April is bit warm, but suitable for outings, but as you get to May, it gets hotter.
* June to September offers some great views of natural beauty of Lonavala in the rainy season with rainfall all around, and can be a good time to visit if you like to look at natural settings when water is pouring all around, and the overall feel is soft and romantic.

Population : 50,000
Languages : Marathi, Hindi and English


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Set in the lush green hills of the Sahyadris, Lonavala is the most popular weekend destination from Mumbai and Pune. For a lot of people, it is a regular outing from the busy life in hectic cities, and there are no problems in going to the same place again and again. Lonavala is known as the Jewel of the Sahyadri; if you look at what all it offers, the praise seems justified - it offers the tourist pristine woods and valleys, gurgling and gushing waterfalls, historic caves, and many scenic vistas.
Historically, Lonavala has been there for many centuries, with the surroundings hills being the stronghold of the Maratha rulers, in their fights against the Moghuls and later the British. The Maratha warriors practised guerrilla warfare from here in their battles against these sets of enemies. However, now Lonavala is the epitome of peace and tranquility, with a lot of rich and famous people having setup holiday homes here for their use as a rest away from the city.
Lonavala also provides thrills of adventure sports in terms of rock climbing, including rock climbing at Duke's Nose.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS :
- Karla & Bhaja Caves: These rock-cut cave temples date back to the 2nd century BC and are amongst the oldest and finest examples of Buddhist rock cut temple art in India; they belong to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
- Rajmachi Point: Located about 6.5 km from Lonavla. Why is it famous ? It is famous for the view; this point commands a magnificent view of Shivaji's famous fort, Rajmachi (Royal terrace) and the surrounding valley.
- Ryewood Park and Shivaji Udyan: The stunning gardens are amongst the favorite picnic spots of the children, owing to the soaring trees and spacious open spaces provided by them.
- Valvan Dam : Located about 2 km from Lonavla. Located at the foot of the dam is a blooming garden, adorned with a wide variety of colorful flowers and other plants, which attracts a number of tourists.
- Tungarli Lake : The lovely Tungarli Lake supplies water to Lonavla town. There are no buses to the site, but taxis and autorickshaws are available from Lonavla Station (3 km).
- Lonavala Lake : The tranquil surroundings and serene atmosphere offered by the Lonavla Lake are enough to lure tourists here. The lake is also visited by a number of birds, making it a bird watcher’s delight.
- Duke's Nose : It stands 12 km from Lonavla, it is the finest landmark in Khandala and is popular with hikers. The cliff owes its name to the Duke of Wellington, whose famous and ample nose it resembles.
- Tiger's Leap : It is a cliff-top with a sheer drop of over 650 m. The magnificent view from Tiger's Leap is enthralling.
- Christian Cemetery : It is worth a visit for the century old tombstones with work on them. However, as happens in a number of such places, vandals have been at them, with most of them having been desecrated and their precious engravings stolen.
- Bushi Dam : During the monsoons, the dam fills with water and the water overflows on the 'steps'. People can sit on these steps and get wet. There are also a few waterfalls around.
- Lohagad Fort : Lohagad (literally 'Iron fort' in Marathi) is one of the many hill forts of Chatrapati Shivaji. It is situated 52 km from Pune in western India. Lohagad is at an elevation of 3,450 feet. A robust climb of about 11.2 km from Malavali Railway Station takes you to the 'Iron Fort', once a formidable battle-station of Shivaji. The fort commands a view of the surrounding hills and hamlets.
- Yoga Center: Lonavala has a Yoga center that provides

How to get there ?
Air: The nearest airport from Lonalvala is Pune, which is 64 km from Lonavala.
Train: Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune, all express trains plying between the two cities stop here.
Road:The bus service between Lonavala and Pune is good (2 hours). However, the ride is rough and it takes 4 hours to reach Lonavala from Mumbai. Buses shuttle between Lonavala and Khandala (5 km from Lonavala; 15 minutes trip).

PLACES TO STAY
- Fariyas Holiday Resort
- Treasure Island Resorts
- Velvett Country
- Dukes Retreat
- Kumar Resort
- Swiss Resorts
- Sahil Sarovar Protico
- The Upper Deck Resort
- Hotel Whispering Brook
- Basilica Holiday Home
- La Exotica Resort
- Biji's Hill Retreat
- The Lagoona Resort
- Orchard Resort
- Country side Inn

External articles / blogs:

1. Ayushveda.com (link)

Tourists to West India often make it a point to include Lonavala referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains’, in their itinerary. Trekkers, campers, hikers throng the hill station while leisure travelers account for the majority of the footfall. It is also fast emerging as a preferred choice of honeymooners. Most part of the year is good to visit Lonavala as it sports pleasant climate.

2. Placesnearpune.com (link). Some great photos of scenery, greenery and waterfalls.

Lions view point was easily the best part of my lonavala trip. The moment you reach the edge of the cliff after walking across the road, you just cannot avoid saying “wow!”. The view is majestic and panoramic. You would see dozens of small waterfalls all over the place with one waterfall pretty prominent in the view.

3. Monsoon trek (link)

On the two hour train journey, we passed Lonavala and Khandala and almost as many waterfalls as the tunnels we went through.

4. Tale India (link)

Lonavala is not only about the picturesque sights and salubrious climate but it is also home to some of the finest places of tourist interest. The most outstanding among the tourist attractions in Lonavala are the Buddhist rock cut caves of Bhaja and Karla located in close vicinity of this hill station. On your trip to Lonavala, you must not miss out on these caves since they offer interesting insight into the development of Buddhism in the region.

5. Trek to Twin forts of Lohagad-Visapur & Bhajje caves near Lonavala (link)

Lohagad: This is one of the most interesting forts to visit as it still has its fortification and doorways in pristine condition. The fort dates back to the Satvahan Era and was mainly used to keep a watch on the trade route passing through the Sahyadris.

6. Lonavala's secret destinations (link)

Yet, the hidden beauty of the city can be revealed only after a chat with localites. One such place is the Karala caves, which are approximately eight kilometers from Lonavala. The cheapest mode of transport to reach this fabulous place is bus service, which will drop you in 10 minutes to the site. Or else you can also take an auto rickshaw, easily available in the city.

7. Discover India (link)

The must visiting sites in Lonavala during your trip are as follows -
First, there is the Rye Wood Park near the rail way station which is famous for its dense forest of many big and beautiful trees. During the season it attracts tourists with variety of flowers.

8. Lonavala Excursions: A Visit at the 5 Historic Caves (link)

Bhaja Caves are located at the center of Lohagad Fort and Visapur Fort. These caves are mush smaller with a Chaitya style. Tourists should take a 250 feet climb to get into the caves. There are 18 rock cut caves as old as since the 2nd century. The first cave is the place of the master architect and ten were reserved for the viharas for priests. The other seven caves have an inscription concerning its donors. A beautiful waterfall is seen at the end.

9. Wonderful Attractions In Lonavala (link)

The Gambhirnath Caves is the most exciting natural attraction. The adventure lovers will enjoy it here This area lies between Thakarwadi and Monkey Hill while departing towards Mumbai. Everyone may reach this location after experiencing some sorts of annoyance. Tourists will get the chance to climb atop the hill. The path will be narrow but is still worth trying for experience.

10. Enjoy the cool and lush greenery of Lonavala (link)

Start your day with a visit to the Karla Caves where you can look at some ancient ruins and Buddhist carvings. Not a very crowded place, it will give you ample time to explore it in a better way. The Chaitya caves are also a must-see. You can also go trekking to the Bhaja caves, which is situated next to Karla caves. The rocks date back to 2nd century BC and make up many temples.

11. A whole new life (link)

For people who are looking for a good place to stay try MTDC resorts Karla - The cottages are good much better than highly priced hotel rooms , the only drawback is the distance from the main city - but its a good place to just relax & enjoy the rains...

12. Maverick - The thought begins (link)

The scenic beauty was amazing, all the mountains were lush green, and covered by clouds and it was raining consistently to add on to the beauty of the weather. As we were heading towards the Tiger Waterfall, the fogs became more dense

13. Pen Shots (link)

Ryewood Park is a picturesque hang out in the hill station Lonavala and is located very close to Lonavala market. This Park has plenty of grounds with greenish lawns and playing grounds for children. The Park is blessed with many varieties of trees which are decades old. It was a botanical garden and later converted to a Park.

14. Visit to Karla Caves, Lonavala (link)

Admired the symmetrical architecture of the place which was built in 2nd or 3rd Century. The stupa inside the cave is a very common feature in the Buddhist rock cut caves in India

15. Journeys explored (link)

Further reached Lonavala almost at noon. Grabbed up almost anything be with melons, chikkis etc..to suffice our hungry, thirsty souls.

16. Pune to Loanavala (link)

after some thoughts we went for Lonavala and thankfully it turned out to be a worthwhile decision. A wonderful ride for someone in Pune looking out for a decent biking experience. Mind you it is a bit risky, we were lucky not to get into any accident but next time if I am gonna go that route it would be in day time and with some more preparation.

17. Trek, Trips and Adventures (link)

Korigad predates 1500 A.D. and Shivaji Maharaj included this fort in Swarajya along with Lohgad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona in 1657 and in 1818 Marathas lost it to the British. There is Ganesh Darwaaja half way to the top with idol of Lord Ganesh in small rock cave and big cave near it.

18. My Trip To Lonavla (link)

While going through the old highway there were three things which stuck me most. First being the countryside around me it was beautiful. I have almost visited all the hill stations in northern India so small cliffs now dont entice me so much but i was awestuck by the sights i saw in a cloudy evening.

Photos:

1. Photos of a trip to Lonavala (link)
2. Photos of Lonavala on Flickr (link)
3. The Lion Valley, Lonavala (link)
4. Loanavala Photo Gallery on world66.com (link)
5. Photos at sulekha.com (link)
6. Photo of Karla caves near Lonavala (link)
7. Lonavala in monsoons (link)
8. Photos of famous tourist spots (link)
9. Lonavala: Korigad and Kune falls: Amby Valley: Entrance (link)

Some videos shared by people about Lonavala on Youtube:

1. Lonavala Trip



2. Another Lonavala Trip



3. Lonavala- one of the best trip



4. Lonavala trip waterfall (at Tiger Falls)



5. Team picnic at Lonavala



6. Lagoona Resort Lonavala (link)



7. Ola Lonavala! 26 types of National Chikki (link)



8. The Machan - A Tree House, Lonavala

9. Amby Valley - Sahara City Lonavala

India Travel - Kanyakumari - Southern tip of India

- Total area of Kanyakumari: 1,685 square kilometers.
- Annual rainfall: 1,188.6 meters of rainfall.
- Maximum temperature goes to 35ºC and falls to a minimum of 21ºC.
- The nearest airport is about 87 kilometers away from Kanyakumari, located in Trivandrum (Kerala State).
- There are two railway junctions, Kanyakumari Junction and; Nagarcoil Junction.
- Bus terminus - 3; (i) Central and Express Bus Stand (ii) Anna Bus Stand and (iii) Christopher Bus Stand.

India, the sub-continental country is known for its richness in culture and tradition. For visualizing the geographic neighbors of India, the Northern side is bordered by the wide range of the huge snow clad Himalayas, the west by the Arabian Sea, and the East is covered by the Bay of Bengal. It is the southern side that is very unique as both these seas mingle with the Indian Ocean. The Land that is located in the tip of the country, where the three seas get united is none other than Cape Comerin or Kanyakumari.

Map of Kanyakumari on Google Maps:


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The name of this place has been christened after the virgin goddess – Kanyakumari Amman. As per mythology, Goddess Parvati under the disguise of Devi Kanniya did a penance in one of the rocks in this area to get the hand of Lord Shiva. Hence this place is also a popular pilgrimage. Kanyakumari and its surroundings are believed to be part of the land which was created by Parasurama, incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Folktales and mythological stories speak volumes about Kanyamymari.
In historical times, Kanyakumari was once referred to as the "ALEXANDRIA OF THE EAST". This place was a great centre for art, culture, civilization and pilgrimage for many years, in addition, it was also a famous centre for commerce and trade.
If you talk about modern Kanyakumari, some of the distinctive monuments are located on the sea; there are two rocks known as ‘twin rocks’. Each of them are distinctive and landmarks, both symbolizing the rich past of Indian heritage, having the monuments of swamy Vivekananda and Saint Thiruvalluvar.

Major tourist attractions:

Kumari Amman - The temple is located on the shore and is devoted to a manifestation of Parvati. The temple is located at a picturesque point, and commands a breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty. The diamond nose ring of the deity can even be witnessed from the sea. The timings of visits to the temple are from 4.30 AM to 12.15 PM & 4.PM to 8.15 PM. Annual Festivals are the Car festival (May / June) and Navaratri (Nine Days) Festival (September / October). The temple can be very crowded at certain points.

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial - The monument was built on the spot where there is an urn that contained the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi before they were immersed into the river. The architecture of the temple is designed in a way so that the first rays of the sun fall exactly on the place where the ashes of this great personality were kept. Visting Hours are from 7 AM To 7 PM. Entrance is free for tourists.

Udaigiri Fort - The fort was built by King Marthanda Verma and has a factory where guns are manufactured. The splendid Padmanabhapuram Palace is a huge mansion of the Travancore Kings, recognized for its captivating artistic appeal.

Thiruvalluvar Statue - The pedestal of the statue is of 38 feet height and the statue located on the pedestal is 95 feet tall with a grand total height of 133 feet for the entire sculpture. The 3 tier pedestal known as Atharapeedam is surrounded by an artistic Mandapa known as Alankara Mandapam with 38 feet height. Surrounding the Alankara Mandapa stand 10 elephant statues, signifying 8 directions; the remaining 2 directions are with earth and space down. Visting Hours - 8 AM To 4 PM.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial - Essentially a sacred monument, built by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee to commemorate the visit of Swamy Vivekananda to “Shripada Parai” during 24th, 25th and 26th December 1892 for deep meditation and enlightenment. Visting Hours - 7 AM To 4 PM.

Suchindrum - Suchindrum is a small village about 12 km. from Kanyakumari and about seven kilometres from Nagercoil. This holy place is located on the bank of the river Pazhayar, adjoining to fertile fields and coconut groves; the temple is dedicated to Sri Sthanumalayan. This word denotes Siva, Vishnu and Brahmma - Sthanu represents Siva, Mal represents Vishnu while Ayan represents Brhamma i.e. Siva, Vishnu and Brhamma in “One Form”.

Mathur Hanging Bridge - This bridge constructed in 1966, is the tallest as well as the longest trough bridge in Asia, having a height of 115 feet and a length of one kilometre.

St. Xavier Church - The church records show that the church was built in the year 1600 A.D. In the year 1865, the Church was enlarged and the shrine of our lady was also renovated and vaulted over. In 1930, the church was raised to the status of a Cathedral.

Padmanabhapuram Palace - It is one of the four municipalities in the district; 55 Km. south of Trivandrum, about two km. east of Thuckalay and 35 km. from Kanyakumari on the Trivandrum-Cape Comerin road. This town is surrounded by a fort with an area of 187 acres. The ancient capital of Travancore might be constructed before AD 1601. The palace with an area of seven acres, is situated in the very centre on the Padmanabhapuram Fort, amidst hills, dales and rivers. The palace which is situated in Kanyakumari District is under the control of a Curator of the Archaeological Department of Kerala Government.

Tirparappu Water Falls - The Kodayar makes its descend at Tirparappu and the water fall at this place, about 13km. from Pechiparai dam. The river bed is rocky and about 300 feet in length. The water falls from a height of nearly 50 feet and the water flows for about seven months in a year.

Muttom Beach - The famous beach at Muttom is located about 16 kms from Nagercoil and 32 kms from Kanyakumari. Muttom is famous for its beautiful landscaping and high rocks dipping into the sea at the beach-side. The sun set view point at Muttom is one of the most Panoramic view points in the district. Another attraction of Muttom is the century old light-house built by the British.

Vattakottai (Circular Fort) - A granite fort six kilometres north-east of Kanyakumari cape, forms the terminal of a line of ramparts known as the South Tranvancore lines built by Marthanda Varma to serve as defence for Nanjil Nadu. It is rectangular in shape and covers an area of about three and a half acres.

Peer Mohamed Dargah, Thuckalay (35 kms) - This dargah is named after Peer Mohamed Oliyullah, the great philosopher Mohamed Appa, who wrote many books on philosophy.

Sunrise and Sunset - Sunrise can be seen in Kanniyakumari through out the year at Bay of Bengal. Sunset can be seen from View Tower through out the year except the months of June, July and August.

Places to stay:
Hotel Parvathi Residency, Kanyakumari (link)
Hotel Singaar International (link)
Indienhermitage (link)
Hotel SeaView (link)
Hotel Cape Residency
Saagar Hotel
Melody Park Hotel.
Ashok Hotel

Reaching there

By Air: The nearest airport from Kanyakumari is situated at Trivandrum about 80 kms away.

By Rail: Kanyakumari is well connected by rail to major parts of the country.

By Road: Extensive road network connects Kanyakumari to other parts of the country.


External articles / blogs:

1. travelonthedollar.com (link): Has a few photos also

The oldest and the most ancient landmark in this town is the temple of Goddess Kumari who prayed to Lord Shiva to be accepted as wife by him. The name of this place has taken after the name of the Goddess. During the British Raj, it was also known as ‘Cape Comorin’, is probably a British spoilt version of ‘Kumari’, which mean virgin. The town is so small that an enthusiastic tourist may actually walk the entire length and breadth of the town and not shed a drop of sweat. Anyway, buses are available and the fares are rock bottom. The auto rickshaws fares are also very reasonable. In short, travelling in and around Kanyakumari is not expensive.

2. Indian Weatherman (link): Lots of photos

In 1609 AD Viswanatha Nayak of Madurai captured Kanyakumari. Afterwards there was no real threat to Venad Kings. Kanyakumari thus became an integral part of the Venad Empire with the capital at Padmanabhapuram. King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma(1729-1758) of Venad dynasty formed Travancore ( Modern Kerala) by extending his domain further north up to Aluva. Kanyakumari thus came to be known as Southern Travancore. In 1741, King Marthanda Varma another great king from the same dynasty overcame the Dutch East India Company forces at the fiercely fought "Battle of Colachel."

3. Video of Kanyakumari (link)
4. Post on triter.com (link)

Nearest airport from Kanyakumari is Trivandrum in the neighbouring state of Kerala. It takes about two hours by train or bus to go Kanyakumari from Trivandrum. Kanyakumari is well connected by rail to all major cities in India like Chennai, Trivandrum, Bombay, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore. Buses are frequently available from Thiruvananthapuram, the closest major transport hub. Long distance buses are available from Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai etc.

5. Nice Events on Blogspot.com (link)

Kanyakumari (also spelt as Kanniyakumari) order is contoured by Tirunelveli district in the northwestern and point, by Kerala denote in the northwest and confluence of Mount Sea and Soldier Ocean in the west and south. The coastline is nigh uniform eliminate for few points of come projects into the sea at Cape Comorin.

6. Post with great photos on indiaouting.com (link)

The temple of Goddess Kumari is rather small by South Indian standards, but comes with the usual ingredients of Pujaris (Hindu Priests), Poojas, Kumkums, and Prasads (sweet offerings made to Gods). All men are supposed to enter the temple with bare torsos as it deemed to be a mark of respect to the Devi. You should be careful about the touts in the temple.

7. miyzone on blogspot with some photos (link)
8. Photo of waves striking the rocks at Kanyakumari (link)
9. Post with great photos at oktatabyebye.com (link)

After lunch, we set out to see the Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial, by boat. There are regular ferry services from the jetty which is very close to the TTDC resort. We were lucky to get the last ferry, at 4.30 p.m. and were taken first to the Thrivallavur Statue, a famous Tamil poet of yester years. The statue is magnificent and stands tall on a rock near the Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial - the author of the philosophical work Tirukkural - a treatise on the Indian way of life.

10. Description of the Kanyakumari Temple (link)

he main entrance to the temple is through the northern gate though the deity is facing east. The eastern entrance is kept closed except on special occasions when the deity is taken out for ceremonial bath. Three corridors surround the sanctum. The outer corridor has no special shrines, but after a walk round it the devotees cross the 'Navarathiri mandapam' and a pathway leads to the second corridor encircling the shrine. There stands the flag mast or 'Kodisthambam'. From here you can have a clear view of the Goddess. A move further forward will take you in front of the sanctum.

11. Story on travelpod.com (link)

Swami Vivkeananda, also known as the wandering monk, travelled all over India. When he visited Kanyakumari in December 1892, he was drawn to the two rock islets which are the southernmost tip of India. He did not have money to hire a boat so he swam to the rocks. He meditated on the rock for three days and had a vision of one India. The main hall has a tall statue of Swami Vivekananda. The other hall is built around a foot shaped carving on the rock. According to folklore this is the foot print of goddess Kumari who stood on this rock on one foot in penance. There is also a meditation hall called Dhyana Mandapam.

12. Photos of sunrise at Kanyakumari (link)
13. Post on worldoftimepass.com (link)

Though there are several places of tourist-interest in the town and district, Kanyakumari is especially popular in India for its spectacular and unique sunrise and sunset. The confluence of three ocean bodies - the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea - makes the sunrise and sunset even more special. On balmy, full-moon evenings, (locally called Chitra Pournami) one can also see the moon-rise and sunset at the same time - on either side of the horizon.

14. Photos of the rocks at Kanyakumari (link)

How to plan ? Max time required for seeing whole Kanyakumari is 1 full day . Reach Kanyakumari by morning 5am and then complete sunrise (mostly at 6am; depends on seasons) and then get into prebooked hotel and complete breakfast and then visit Kanyakumari Temple , just beside the sunrise view point ; and then go for a trip to vivekananda memorial hall ( trip will be close to 2-3hrs) ;complete lunch and then you have option either to visit Padhmanabhapuram palace or go to some beaches near kanyakumari, watch sunset

15. Photos of Udaygiri Fort (link)

Photo Galleries:

1. Shunya.net Photos (link)
2. Kanyakumari Photos (link)
3. Photos of Kanyakumari at holidayiq.com (link)
4. MichaelJM's Kanyakumari Photos (link)
5. Great photos of Kanyakumari on Sulekha.com (link)
6. Photos of Kanyakumari on oktatabyebye.com (link)