Adventures in Maharashtra!

Dear Friends, I will be featuring leading places in and around Maharashtra for Major Adventure Activities like Rock climbing and Trekking, Water Sports, Exploring the Wild life , Paragliding and other activities incase you would like to add your articles, require information about a destination , like to feature your recent trip pictures do mail me on trekpedia@aol.in 

Lonavla and Khandala

Lonavla 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. People prefer visiting Lonavla and Khandala in the rainy season.

Places of interest around Lonavla and Khandala

Rajmachi Point is located about 6.5 km from Lonavla. 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 Lonavla 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 Lonavla. 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 Lonavla town. There are no buses to the site, but taxis and autorickshaws are available from Lonavla Station (3 km).

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.

Lonavla Lake Lonavla Lake is surrounded by natural scenery, about 1.6 km from the town. The lake dries up during the winter months.

Duke's Nose stands 12 km from Lonavla, 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 Wellington , 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 Lonavla, 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 Lonavla 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.