Lonavla

Lonavla or Lonavala (Marathi: लोणावळा) is a hill station in Pune district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is about 64 km away from the city of Pune and 96 km away from the city Mumbai. It is famous throughout India for the hard candy sweet known as "chikki" and is also a major stop on the rail line connecting Mumbai and Pune.For Mumbai suburbs local trains are available from Karjat It is also an important town on the Mumbai-Pune road link. Both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway as well as the Mumbai-Pune highway pass through Lonavala. Lonavala comes to life during the monsoon season as the countryside turns lush green with waterfalls and ponds. The population of Lonavala is around 50,000.

Tourism

cleanup-rewrite|2=section Lonavala and the adjacent Khandala are twin hill stations, 622 m. above sea level, in the Sahyadri ranges that demarcate the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan coast. The hill stations sprawl over an approximate area of 38 km² and are popular holiday destinations during the monsoons. People prefer visiting Lonavala and Khandala in the rainy season. Lonavala and Khandala were discovered in 1871 by Sir Elphinstone, the Governor of the Bombay Presidency. The name Lonavala is derived from the Sanskrit "lonavli", which refers to the many caves like Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves and Bedsa that are close to Lonavala. A trip to Lonavala and Khandala can be combined with sight-seeing visits of Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa caves and also the two fortresses, Lohagad and Visapur.

Places of interest around Lonavala and Khandala

Rajmachi Point Rajmachi Point is located about 6.5 km from Lonavala. This point commands a view of Shivaji's famous fort, Rajmachi (Royal terrace) and the surrounding valley. Regular State Transport buses ply between Rajmachi Point and Lonavala from the State Transport Bus Stand. The famous Vaghjai Dari is also located here. Ryewood Park & Shivaji Udyan This is an extensive garden situated in Lonavala. The garden covers a lot of ground and it is full of tall trees. There is an old Shiva temple in the park. The garden has plenty of place for children to play. Tungarli Lake Tungarli Lake supplies water to Lonavala town. There are no buses to the site, but taxis and autorickshaws are available from Lonavala Station (3 km). Valvan Dam Valvan Dam has a garden at its foot, and is a popular evening spot 2 km from the town. The dam supplies water to the Khopoli power station at the foothills of the Sahyadris for generating electricity. The Kundali River feeds into the dam's reservoir. Lonavala Lake Lonavala Lake is surrounded by natural scenery, about 1.6 km from the town. The lake dries up during the winter months. Duke's Nose Duke's Nose stands 12 km from Lonavala, clearly visible from the highway while driving towards Mumbai. This landmark in Khandala is popular with hikers. The cliff owes its name to the Duke of Wellingtoncitation, whose ample nose it resembles. Tiger's Leap Tiger's Leap is a cliff-top with a sheer drop of over 650 m, giving an extensive view. Buses are available up to I.N.S. Shivaji and the remaining distance of about 1.6 km has to be covered on foot. Karla Caves Karla, located near Lonavala, is a complex of cave shrines built by Buddhist monks around 3rd to 2nd century B.C. I.N.S. Shivaji A Naval Engineering Training Base. Lohagad Fort 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. Bhushi Dam A waterfall near the dam is a popular spot between Lonavala and I.N.S. Shivaji. Buses running on the I.N.S. Shivaji Road stop here. Lion's Point Scenic point midway between Bhusi Dam and Amby Valley.

Education

Some major educational institutes in Lonavala are:
* Gurukul High School (bording school)
* Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS)
* Sinhgad Technical Education Society
* DC High School and Jr. College
* Auxilium Convent School
* Don Bosco School * Sans Fransco school
* Dr. B.N. Purandare Vidyalay High School
* V.P.S. HighSchool & D.P. Mehata Jr College Lonavala Lonavala is also home to INS Shivaji (formerly HMIS Shivaji) which is the Indian Navy's Premier Technical Training Institute.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Lonavala had a population of 55,650. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Lonavala has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81%, and female literacy is 69%. In Lonavala, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

References

External links

* [http://amitkulkarni.info/pics/lonavala/ Photographs of some places in and around Lonavala]