Lonavala,
a hill station located 64 KM from Pune and 96 KM from Mumbai, is the perfect
weekend getaway for people residing both in Pune and Mumbai. A drive on the
Mumbai Pune expressway to reach Lonavala, is a pure rejuvenating one which also
offers some great views of the Western Ghats. The same journey becomes ten times more beautiful during the monsoons, when it’s lush green everywhere.
The best part is that, Lonavala is well connected via road and via rail line as well, with trains plying from Mumbai and Pune on a daily basis. One can opt to travel in a Shivneri Bus (MSRTC Super Deluxe A/C buses) or any other private run bus as well.
One can
enjoy a plethora of activities at the adventure theme parks at Della Adventures
and Adlabs Imagica, OR trek to the top of forts like the Lohagad fort and
Rajmachi Fort to enjoy a panaromic view of the Western Ghats, OR enjoy the
beauty of Bhushi Dam and Pavana Dam. In a nutshell, there’s a lot to do for all
kind of age groups and for all kind of travelers.
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Lohagad Fort
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lohagad
Lohagad (Marathi: लोहगड, iron fort) is one
of the many hill forts of Maharashtra state in India.
Situated close to the hill station Lonavala and 52 km
(32 mi) northwest of Pune, Lohagad rises to an elevation of 1,033 m
(3,389 ft) above sea level. The fort is connected to the
neighboring Visapur fort by a small range. The fort was under
the Maratha Empire for the majority of time, with a short period of 5
years under the Mughal Empire.
Source: Wikipedia
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Rajmachi Fort
Source:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d5/Rajmachi.jpg
Rajmachi
(Udhewadi) is a small village in the rugged mountains of Sahyadri in India. The
fortification at Rajmachi consists of two forts, namely Shrivardhan fort and
Manaranjan Fort. Rajmachi Fort is a popular trekking destination. It is a very
famous fort located near two famous hills of Maharashtra, Lonavala and
Khanadala.
Historically,
Rajmachi fort was a strategic fort to control Borghat(ghat between Khopoli and
Khandala on Mumbai-Pune route) which was a historical trade route. Rajmachi
peak has two fortified structures - the Shrivardhan fort and Manaranjan fort.
Rajmachi can be reached by 2 ways, the tough route is from Kondivade or
Salpe-Kharmare village near Karjat and it involves climb-up of about 2000 feet.
The other route is from Lonavala, which is almost a plain walk of about 15 km.
In rainy season this region all the more beautiful with silvery water falls,
streams and lush green forests and meadows.
Source: Wikipedia
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Della Adventures
Source:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xCbngxPyg7y72Y9Rk1vMgEvCGQOE3DEPN4s3me4G3D3NFI_XCOZIAKmh505WdNF4O6W4eVu-Eo1GdUCQzihvLRXhwi84EnbLd-sospc4a0bXTIdXNPD-FnOfvD7v3pF8CPzVHcheHA8/s1600/Della_Park.jpg
Located
between Mumbai and Pune and spread across 36 acres, Della Adventure is India’s
largest adventure park and corporate outbound training destination. Brainchild
of Mr. Jimmy Mistry, Chief Architect and Managing Director, Della Tecnica
Group, Della Adventure has over 86 adrenalin-pumping adventure activities,
including the country's longest ‘Flying Fox’ zip line at 1,250 feet; India’s
highest Rocket Ejector at 4.5 floors high; India’s first permanent public track
for dirt-bike racing – with bikes ranging from 110cc to 250cc; ATV rides which
includes the world’s largest 800cc 4X4 Polaris Ranger; the most professional
hard ball bowling machine on an astro turf cricket pitch, and India’s first
four-lane night Rappelling.
To ensure safety of the highest possible
international standards, it also houses PETZL equipment and safety gear, which
is used for Rappelling, Flying Fox and the Ropes Challenge Course set-up: built
with more than 100 tons of steel and which covers 27 team-building activities.
Also introducing, India's First and only swoop swing conducted by New Zealand
certified Bungee Masters and India's first permanent Bungy station 45 meters
high giving you one of the best experiences of your life.
Source: TripAdvisor
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Adlabs Imagica
A world
class entertainment park, Imagica Adlabs is a one of its kind destination
picnic spot with a plethora of entertainment options. Located on Mumbai-Pune
Expressway, this theme park is one of the latest additions to the list of
Mumbai's entrainment hubs.
Imagica
Adlabs, opened in April 2013, is one of the popular entertainment theme parks
that is often referred to as a one-stop recreation center. It is a product of a
renowned media firm Adlabs Entertainment Limited, owned by the entrepreneur and
film producer Manmohan Shetty.
The
place is packed with a plethora of amusements and leisure activities suitable
for all age groups. Apart from luxurious accommodation, dining and shopping
option, this theme park also offers some self-made fascinating characters, live
performances of acrobats, hip-hop dancing, magic show and several other
enthralling activities.
Source:
https://www.holidify.com/places/lonavala/sightseeing-and-things-to-do.html
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Pavana Dam
Source: Google
Built
on the Pawana River near Lonavala, the Pawana Dam attracts several tourists.
The cool climate and fresh air of the area make it a destination worth
visiting. Still unexplored widely, the dam and the lake area offer some amazing
views of nature. From the Pawana Dam visitors can get explicit views of the
Logagarh, Tungi and Tikona forts. The Pawana Dam is located about 7 Km from
Lonavala and about 19 Km in the interior of Kamshet. The route to Pawana
Dam is quite scenic and the area is best visited during the monsoon months when
the region is lush green. The area is nestled among the Sahyadri ranges.
Source: http://www.aroundpune.com/details/pavana/
As
Lonavala sees a lot of footfall, one can find a variety of food options to try
all over the city, and many of the eatries are just a phone call away - for you to enjoy the delicious food in the
comfort of your room in Lonavala.
While
you are in Lonavala, don’t forget to check out the variety of Chikki’s at the
famous Maganlal Chikki which can be found at every nook and corner.
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| Get spoilt with choice |
Even
though there are a lot of hotels and luxury resort chains which have properties
in Lonavala, it is recommended to check out any of the various homestays spread
all over the city and Manasi Bungalow also known as House of Bliss is definitely a good bet.
Located
a stone throw distance from Hotel Neeta Inn, this property is pet friendly and the doors of this bungalow open into a spacious lounge with
comfortable sofas and an open backyard. The main door faces a vast manicured lawn of around
28,000sqft with adequate lighting facilities for an open lawn party or event.
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| The Front Lawn |
Two large suites, with a spacious verandah connected to the hall, stocked with board games, an entertainment system and an in house library make up the main bungalow. Ideal for large groups interested in hosting parties and events, as well as for families looking for a relaxing time with their pets.
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| A panoramic shot of the room |
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| Verandah with a View |
