1. Lohagad Fort: The Lohagad Fort is one of Lonavala’s best hill fortresses and historical edifices snuggled at a soaring height of 3400 feet. This fort appears to be perched atop a hill and showcases a stellar combination of scenic surroundings and ancient architecture.
On reaching the fort, you gape at Chhatrapati Shivaji’s deep history and the way he made use of the edifice to keep his treasures safe. You can easily ascend to this fort in a few hours. This mighty Maratha empire structure is interlinked with the fort of Visapur.
- Location: Lohagad road, Maharashtra
- Timings: 8 AM – 5PM
2. Tikona Fort: After the Rajmachi fort, the dominant hill fort of Tikona is one of the popular spots for tourists. Due to the pyramidal shape of the hill, the Fort has got its name Tikona. It is perched at a soaring height of 3500 feet and is one of the most popular adventure destinations in Lonavala amid trekkers.
The seven water tanks, large doorways and high fortifications are the most eye-catching elements of the fort. From the topmost bastion of the fort you get to enjoy spectacular views. The trek to reach the Tikona fort is an enchanting one as you pass through several water tanks, temples and caves. Once, you reach the extended parapet’s edge, you take in the gorgeous beauty of the surroundings.
- Location: Tikona Peth, Near Pawna Dam, Tikona hiking Trail 412108
- Timings: 8 AM – 5PM
3. Valvan Dam: Situated over the renowned Kundalika river, the Valvan Dam provides power for the power station of Khopoli by serving as a barrage. It originates in the Western Ghats and it is the quietness and calmness of the place that make it so popular. It is a favorite amongst solace seekers and peace lovers.
The dam’s backwaters have formed the Valvan Reservoir that is also a famous tripping spot. You can picnic here in the refreshing emerald green lakeside garden situated right next to the dam and capture beautiful shots of the scenic surroundings.
- Location: Near Khopoli Power Plant, 2 km From Lonavala, Khandala, Lonavala.
4. Della Adventure Park: Pump up your adrenaline by spending a day at the Adventure Park of Della. This park is an exciting place that you must visit when in Lonavala because you can make the most of crazy adventure sports here. This waterpark cum amusement park offers a host of thrilling activities for you to enjoy.
Special features of the park include the country’s very first Swoop Swing. At 1250 feet, the Park also has the longest Flying Fox. Other activities that you can enjoy here include artificial rock climbing, rappelling, rocket ejector, buggy rides, sky cycling, ATV, and several kinds of zorbing. The Park also offers dirt bike riding.
- Location: Lonavla, Kunegaon, Maharashtra 410401
- Timings: 11 AM- 9 PM
5. Karla Caves: Visit one of India’s best preserved and biggest prayer halls, the Karla Caves which date back to the 2nd and 5th century BC. This rock-cut elaborate wonder is a cluster of 16 caves that were once a Buddhist monastery. Chaityagriha or the huge assembly hall is the main cave that has a magnificently carved teak wood roof, decorated with horses, elephants, women and men’s sculptures.
You will spot a massive sun window that deflects the light rays towards the stupa at the back. The rest of the 15 caves are called the viharas and are known to be smaller prayer and living spaces of the monastery. If you are a history buff then you must visit this enticing conglomeration that has special importance to Buddhism's Mahasamghika sect.
- Location: Karla, Ekveera Devi Road, Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Price: Indians (INR 15 per person), Foreign nationals (INR 200 per person)
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
6. Aamby Valley: The first planned city of India and Maharashtra’s Megalopolis, the Amby Valley is touted to be one of the leading destination cities spread across ten thousand acres. Embodying the cosmopolitan infrastructure of India and Maharashtra’s rustic charm this popular weekend getaway is decked with plush bungalows and swanky resorts.
If you are a tourist who seeks leisure, come over to the Aamby Valley as it offers an assortment of fun activities. You can indulge in everything from thrilling hikes, horseback riding, partying at a glitzy night club or enjoying a huge water park. That is because Aamby Valley has something for everyone.
7. Tiger’s Leap: With a shape that resembles as if a tiger is leaping onto a hill, the
Tiger’s Leap is one of the linkages to get stunning views of the forest, the gushing waterfall and greenery. The steep hill of the aspect collects the water from the falls, as a stream hence giving provision to enjoy the stream for river rafting. You must visit during the monsoon to capture the private waterfall of this point.
- Location: Khandala, Maharashtra
8. Pawna Lake: Having formed from the water of the Pavana Dam Reservoir, thus lake is an artificial lake that has now become one of the popular tourist camping sites. Encompassed by the carpeted hills, this weekend destination lets you seep in its lovely charm. You can engage in bird watching here, as different species of birds visit the lake besides spending a peaceful night with your loved one under a starlit sky.
Apart from bird watching, you can also rejuvenate yourself relishing the sweeping views of the serene lake around, while gorging on edible tid-bits being sold by the kiosks here. You can indulge in various adventure activities that the lake hosts which include ridge dancing, advanced kiting and paragliding
Book Now: Pawna Lake Camping9. Rajmachi Fort: Perched atop a rugged hill, the Rajmachi Fort is one of the most frequented places for tourists. Constructed by the Satavahanas this fort complex has a rather interesting history where Shivaji Maharaj captured it in 1657 and Aurangzeb in 1704. Then again Marathas regained their control over the fort in 1713, gave it over to Kanhoji Angre and later the British took control over the fort in 1818.
The Rajmachi Fort is a remarkable place for trekkers especially those visiting it during the monsoons. You witness the lush green meadows, lustrous streams and silvery waterfalls enlivening the landscape. A camping session here, not just promises panoramic views from the top but a lifetime of memories.
- Timings: 9 AM- 6 PM
Book Now: Rajmachi Fort Trek and Camping10. Celebrity Wax Museum: A one-of-a-kind intriguing tourist place has to be the ever-popular Celebrity Wax Museum of Lonavla that displays beautifully sculptured wax figurines of renowned celebrities from all across the globe.
You get to take selfies with the life-sized sculptures of your favourite celebrities like Albert Einstein, Michael Jackson, Kapil Dev, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is a must-visit place for every tourist who wishes to witness the fine works of reputed wax sculptor Sunil Kandaloor.
- Location: Lonavala Junction, Lonavala Square Mall, Takve Kurth, Pune, Maharashtra 410401
- Price: INR 200
- Timings: 9 AM- 9:30 PM
Also Check: Wet N Joy Water Park Lonavala Tickets