Lonavala - tourist spots and places of interest
Lonavala is an important hill resort and one of the most visited tourism attractions near Pune city. In this article I will give some details about the main picnic spots and places of tourism interest around this place.
Tourist Spots and Places of Interest
The Hill resort provides a great view of the lush green surrounds of the Sahyadri ranges. The peaceful environment of this town provides a great escape from the noisy city atmosphere of Mumbai city which attracts lot of tourists to this place. The tourists can take a walk along the water falls, hills . The mountain terrains are ideal for trekking and hiking. 
Lakes and Dams
Lonavala Lake:
This Lake is located on the outskirts of the town and is at a distance of 2.4 Km. It is also knows as 'Monsoon lake' because it dries up during the winters and gets filled with water during monsoons.It was built in the year 1876 is a great picnic spot . This lake is a perfect place to relax after the day's hard work. A number of birds also visit this lake making it a bird watcher's delight. The location around the lake is filled with natural beauty and scenic surroundings. The source of the Lake is the famous river Indrayani. We can see many varieties of birds near this lake.
Bushi Dam:
Bushy Dam is one of the majestic picnic spots and major tourist attractions around the town which is around 4 Kms. from the city. Bushi Dam is filled with water during the monsoons with water gushing out through the dam as great water falls. We can see a great scenic hilly terrain behind the dam and the lush green environments.
This Dam is a much sought week end and vacation destination. The calm environment and the cool atmosphere add to the beauty of this place. Swimming is not allowed inside the dam. Pavna Dam and Lake
Pawna Lake (Pavna Lake) is an artificial lake formed by the Pawna Dam built across the Pawna river near the town. This lake is located at a distance of 32 Kms. from city This lake is attracted by many tourists because of its natural ambience and cool climate. The lake is gaining popularity among the tourists who are looking for a quiet weekend with friends and families. This lake and dam is a popular picnic spot . We can see lot of people with their families around the lake and the dam enjoying the view. We can see the forts of Lohgad, Tikona and Tungi from this place. Most of the tourists from other parts of the country visit this lake during the months of Monsoon.
Also Read: Location and routes to reach Lonavala, Maharashtra
Tungarli Dam and Lake
The Tungali Dam is at a distance of around 3 Kms from the city. This lake is an artificial reservoir . This lake is the major source of water supply to the city. During monsoons the lake fills with water and during summer the scarcity of water is a common problem. The lake is a very popular picnic spots for the residents of this place, Khandala and the neighbouring places. The children especially loke to come to this lake and play around. The lake is located at a scenic surroundings. The garden located near the Dam is a nice location for evening walks and hang outs. The dam was constructed in the 1930's and helps in the irrigation of Rajmachi region. We can see some new resorts available at the Dam site for the tourists. 
Valvan Dam and Lake
Valvan dam is hardly 2 Kms. away from the town. Valavan Lake is one of the most beautiful picnic spots in this place. The Valvan Lake is an artificial lake created by the Valvan Dam built across the Kundali River. We can see a beautiful garden at the foot of Valvan dam with a variety of flowers and plants. This garden is a popular evening relaxing spot. This dam is a source of water to the Khopali power station.Caves and Forts around Lonavala
Bhaja Caves:
These caves are located at a distance of 14 Kms from the city . These are a group of rock-cut caves which date back to 200 BC which are located at Karli. Caves are the second century old buddhist caves are the rare Buddhist tourism destination near this place These caves enclose 18 rock cut caves constructed by Buddhist nuns and enshrines many sculptures like a prince in a chariot, a prince seated on an elephant, three armed warriors and a dancing couple etc. The first cave is believed to be the residence of the master of the caves. The next ten caves are the Buddhist Viharas ( prayer halls). The next seven caves are adorned with inscriptions including the details of the donor. We can also see a water fall located near the last cave. The water at this water fall falls into a small pool at the bottom during the monsoon season. Check out: Lonavala - Best time to visit
Karla Caves:
The Karla caves are located at a distance of 12 Kms. The Karla Caves are another important place of tourism attractions. Karla Caves are the largest cave temples in India. These caves were built around 100 AD by the Buddhist nuns. These marvellous ancient caves are the popular tourist destinations now. We can see inscriptions and stupas here. Karla caves encloses Buddha viharas, where by the monks were stayed during their meditation period in the caves. The cave encloses sculptures of elephants adorned with metal jewellery and ivory tusks.
The main cave has a magnificent Chaitya with 37 huge octagonal pillars. There are well carved sculptures of both males and females, as well as animals, including lions and elephants.
Korigad Fort
The Korigad Fort also called as Koraigad, Koarigad is located 20 Kms away from the city in Pune district in Maharashtra. This fort is also another important tourist attractions. Even though the exact date of construction is not known, the approximate date is around 1500 AD. This fort is around 929 meters above the sea level. The Korigad fort was incorporated into his kingdom by Shivaji in the year 1657. A lake has formed close to the base of the hill on which Korigad fort stands due to Mulshi dam. We can see two lakes on the top of the fort. We can also see temple dedicated to Goddess Korai devi along with small temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Shiva in this fort. The interesting part of the fort is that its wall is completely intact and one can walk along its entire perimeter(about 2 km). Its massive gate is also intact. It has six cannons - the largest of which called the Laxmi Toph is located near the Korai devi temple.
Lohgad Fort
Lohgad means "Iron Fort" in Marathi language. It is a height of 3,450 feet above the sea level. Lohgad Fort is another great tourist attraction. When it rains, the top of the fort is covered with mist and clouds and becomes particularly wet. It is advisable to carry protective gear during the rainy season (mid-June to mid-September). Further, food is not easily available on the route. Most of the food stalls sell water, poha, tea/coffee, snacks, and soft drinks. A panoramic view of the Pawna dam can be seen from the fort.
Rajmachi Fort
The Rajmachi fort is located in the north-west of the town hill station. The fort belongs to the Yadava period and is surrounded by deep valleys on the three sides and thick forest on the other side. This historic fort is also another important tourism destination. This fort has a treasure of monuments including ramparts, Gates, water reservoirs, idols of gods, and temples. Park and Garden places of tourism interest
Rajmachi Point or Rock Garden
This is about 6.5 km from Railway Station. Regular S.T. Buses run in between this place and bus stand.
Rajmachi Park:
On the way to Mumbai , we can see a beautiful garden before the begining of the Ghat. On the east side we can see two towers of Rajmachi fort. We can see a restaurant and a temple close to this place. There is a children park here .
Ryewood garden:
Ryewood Garden is another big and beautiful garden near this place. This garden is full of majestic trees. We can see the famous Mahadev temple in this park. There is a history behind the name "RyeWood". An English officer Mr. Rye stayed at this place for some time. Hence these woods are named after him. This place is transferred to the control of Maharashtra Forest department. in 1959. There is a plenty of place for children to play in this garden.Duke's Nose
This place is named after Duke Wellington whose pointed nose this cliff resembles. It also looks like a hood of a snake, which is why it is also called as "Nagfani" (Hood of Snake). This point can be approach from INS Shivaji and Kurwande Village. Watching the nature's beauty here is an unforgettable experience.
Shivaji Park:
This was a play ground and now converted as a Garden in 1956. There is a statue of Shivaji maharaj in this park. It is located very near to the town, many of the tourists come and visit this park.
Kune Falls:
This falls are the water falls,which is another attractive place of tourism interest. The water falls down from a height of more than 100 feet and flows into the valley. This water falls are between Lonavala and Khandala hill resorts. These water falls can be seen for many days long after the monsoon season.
Recommended: Accommodation choices available at Lonavala, MaharashtraTiger's Leap
This is a special spot in this area. If one looks at the valley carefully from this spot it appears as if a tiger is leaping into the valley, that is why this name. Tiger's leap is just a furlong away from INS Shivaji. We can see a fascinating view of the valley from this point. There is a provision to view the valley from the safe confines of a big hole.
