If you ask the residents of Maharashtra what their favorite weekend gateaway is, chances are that at least seven out of ten would say Lonavala.

Lonavala is cradled in the Western Ghats and truly, Lonavala, with its idyllic beauty, spells heaven for travel-thirsty people. It shouldn’t be thought that the waves of tourists it experiences is only from Maharashtra.

Tourists to West India often make it a point to include Lonavala referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains’, in their itinerary. Trekkers, campers, hikers throng the hill station while leisure travelers account for the majority of the footfall. It is also fast emerging as a preferred choice of honeymooners. Most part of the year is good to visit Lonavala as it sports pleasant climate. It’s wise to avoid it during the monsoons, as the incessant rains can prove to be a wet blanket! What attracts tourists to Lonavala is the profound greenery enveloping the entire hill station, soothing the senses. The solitude, the peace, tranquility and the slow pace of life feels heavenly to the worn out traveler.

This little hill station has its own array of treasures to boast of.  It is truly a lake town. The pristine Tugauli, Lonavala and Bhushi lakes can charm a tourist enough for them to sit by these lakes, simply enjoying their beauty. Also, the Walyan Dam, Valvan Dam and Bhushi Dam also cut a pretty picture. They are perfect to enjoy a fun day out, complete with a picnic lunch, with loved ones. If you want to see green wherever you look, make way for the Ryewood Park and Shivaji Udyan.

As the very theme of Lonavala is relaxation and rejuvenation, quite appropriately, it has a renowned Yoga center which promises to ease away the accumulated fatigue and recharge the senses of the tourists.  The Karla and Bhaja caves are the most prominent landmarks of Lonavala. These ancient caves and Buddhist shrines carved out of hillocks have awed tourists for many a century. Also, if you are tired of relaxing and if adventure sports give you pleasant adrenaline rushes, try rock climbing here. Speaking of rock climbing, Duke’s Nose, a massive upland, is also a thrilling challenge for rock climbers. While you are there, don’t miss out the most popular viewpoints – Shooting Point, Lion’s Point, Rajmachi Point, Lohagad Fort and Tiger’s Leap, offering breathtaking views.