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{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Lonavala
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| other_name =
| settlement_type = Hill station
| image_skyline = Lonavalamh.jpg
| image_alt =
| image_caption = View of Western Ghats near Lonavala
| nickname =
| image_map =
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
| pushpin_map = India Maharashtra#India3
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption =
| coordinates = {{coord|18.74806|N|73.40722|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = India
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Maharashtra]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Pune district|Pune]]
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 = 38
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 624
| population_total = 57698
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = 1464
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 410401
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = 02114
| registration_plate = MH-12, MH-14
}}

'''Lonavala''' ([[ISO 15919|ISO]]: '''Loṇāvaḷā''') ({{Lang-mr|लोणावळा}}) is a [[hill station]] town and a [[Municipal Council]] in the [[Pune district]] in the Indian [[States and territories of India|State]] of [[Maharashtra]]. It is about {{Convert|64|km|mi|abbr=in}} west of modern-day [[Pune|Pune city]] and {{Convert|96|km|mi|abbr=in}} to the east of [[Mumbai]]. It is known for its production of the hard candy ''[[chikki]]'' and is also a major stop on the railway line connecting Mumbai and Pune. From the Pune suburbs, local trains are available from [[Pune Junction]]. Both the [[Mumbai-Pune Expressway]] as well as the [[National Highway 48 (India)|Mumbai-Bengaluru highway]] pass through Lonavala.

Lonavala is also home to INS ''Shivaji'' (formerly HMIS ''Shivaji'') which is the [[Indian Navy|Indian Navy's]] Premier Technical Training Institute. On 16 Feb 1945, the Establishment was commissioned as HMIS Shivaji and since then, the premier Technical Training Establishment of the Indian Navy trains officers<ref>https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/insshivaji/node/391</ref>

The President of Lonavala Municipal Council is Smt Surekha Nandkumar Jadhav and the Vice president is Shri. Shridhar Somappa Pujari.

==Etymology==

The name ''Lonavala'' derives from ''Leni'' ([[Prakrit]], A resting place carved from stone) and ''Avali'' (Prakrit, series). ''Lonavali'' in Prakrit is a place which has a series of such ''Lenis'' around it.

==History==

Present day Lonavala was a part of the [[Yadava dynasty]]. Later, the [[Mughals]] realized the strategic importance of the region and kept the region for an extended time. The forts in the region and the "''Mavala''" warriors played an important role in the history of the [[Maratha Empire]] and that of the [[Peshwa]]s.
In 1811, the Lonavala and [[Khandala]] hill stations were discovered by [[Sir John Elphinstone|Lord Elphinstone]], who was the Governor of [[Bombay Presidency]] at the time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mumbai.org.uk/excursions/lonavala.html|title=Lonavla, India|publisher=Mumbai.org.uk|access-date=2010-01-31}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{As of|2011}} India [[census]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/data/town/802810-lonavala.html|title=Lonavala Population Census 2011|last=Govt. of India|publisher=Census of India|work=Census of India|access-date=18 February 2017}}</ref> Lonavala had a population of 57,698. Males constituted 53.47% of the population and females 46.53%. The sex ratio in Lonavala is 870, lower than the state average of 929. Lonavala has a literacy rate of 89.33%, which is higher than the state average of 82.34%. The Male literacy rate is 93.4%, and the female literacy rate is 84.57%. 10.37% of the total population in Lonavala is of children under 6 years of age.

==Climate==

{{Weather box
|location = Lonavla
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes

|Jan high C = 27.9
|Feb high C = 30.3
|Mar high C = 33.6
|Apr high C = 37.8
|May high C = 35.9
|Jun high C = 31.6
|Jul high C = 26.7
|Aug high C = 24.5
|Sep high C = 28.6
|Oct high C = 31.4
|Nov high C = 30.1
|Dec high C = 26.8
|Jan low C = 9.9
|Feb low C = 11.4
|Mar low C = 14.6
|Apr low C = 19.6
|May low C = 23.4
|Jun low C = 23.0
|Jul low C = 22.1
|Aug low C = 21.3
|Sep low C = 19.9
|Oct low C = 18.2
|Nov low C = 14.4
|Dec low C = 11.5
|Jan precipitation mm = 4
|Feb precipitation mm = 2
|Mar precipitation mm = 3
|Apr precipitation mm = 18
|May precipitation mm = 67
|Jun precipitation mm = 666
|Jul precipitation mm = 1733
|Aug precipitation mm = 1147
|Sep precipitation mm = 495
|Oct precipitation mm = 111
|Nov precipitation mm = 16
|Dec precipitation mm = 3

|source = weather2stay
|date = February 2021
}}

==Tourism==
Lonavala and the adjacent [[Khandala]] are twin hill stations {{convert|622|m|ft}} 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 {{convert|38|km2|mi2}}. Tourism peaks during the monsoon season. The name Lonavala is derived from the words '''leni''<nowiki/>' which means caves and '<nowiki/>''avali''<nowiki/>' which means series. i.e. 'a series of Caves' which is a reference 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 fort|Visapur]]. Another place of interest is the Tungi fort, one of the forts captured by Malik Ahmad near the village of [[Karjat]] and was known for its natural strength.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://raigad.nic.in/DG/1964/places_Tungi%20Fort.html|title=Tungi fort|publisher=NIC Raigad-Alibaug}}</ref> The Andharban trek begins from village Pimpri, passes through dense forests, valleys and waterfalls and ends in [[Bhira Kheri|Bhira]].

==Transport==
[[File:NH 6 - Mumbai - Lonavala Turn.jpg|thumb|[[Mumbai-Pune Expressway]]]]

===By road===
Lonavala is on the [[Mumbai-Pune Expressway]] and is well-connected to several towns of [[Khopoli]], [[Karjat]], [[Talegaon Dabhade]], etc.

===By train===
{{Further|Lonavla railway station}}
Lonavala is well-connected by train. Local trains run from Pune at 2-hour intervals. Those originating from Mumbai along the [[Central line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|central line]] have [[Khopoli]] as their last station. Buses are available at regular intervals to complete the remaining 15 km of the journey to Lonavla from Khopoli bus station.
It takes 2.5 hours by train from Mumbai and 1 to 1.5 hour from Pune. All trains, travelling between Mumbai and Pune, halt at Lonavala. Before the push-pull technology, trains from Mumbai used to halt at Karjat in [[Raigad district|Raigad District]] to attach [[bank engines|banker locomotives]] before the train started the journey up the [[western ghats]] to reach Lonavala.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/karjat-commuters-oppose-new-technology-on-intercity-express/article27892659.ece|title=Karjat commuters oppose new technology on Intercity Express|last=Mahale|first=Ajeet|date=2019-06-13|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-10-21|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

===By air===
Lonavla does not have an airport, though the Indian Air Force station is situated on the way to [[Aamby Valley City]]. The city of Aamby Valley has its own private airport. The nearest commercial airports are [[Pune International Airport]] at 64 km and [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport]] at 104 km.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maharashtratourism.net/hill-stations/lonavla-and-khandala.html|title=Lonavla and Khandala|publisher=Maharashtra Tourism|access-date=2010-01-31}}</ref> A [[seaplane]] service is also available between [[Juhu]] and Pawana Dam, which is 14 km away from Lonavala.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/First-seaplane-service-from-Mumbai-takes-off-for-Lonavala/articleshow/40868277.cms | title=First seaplane service from Mumbai takes off for Lonavala | first=Nergish | last=Sunavala | date=25 August 2014 | newspaper=The Times of India | access-date=1 December 2018 }}</ref>

== Places of interest around Lonavala and Khandala ==

=== Rajmachi Point ===
[[Rajmachi|Rajmachi Point]] is located about 6.5 km from Lonavala. This point commands a view of Shivaji Maharaj's fort, Rajmachi (Royal terrakouioce), and the surrounding valley. Regular State Transport buses ply between Rajmachi Point and Lonavala from the State Transport Bus Stand. The Vaghjai Dari is also located here.

=== Sunil wax museum ===
Sunil wax museum is a wax statue museum. which contains a statue of celebrities and politicians. this museum is 600 meters from lonavala railway station. the time of the museum is from 9 am to 9:30 pm and the entry fee is 200 for adults and for children it's free. For the children they created gaming zone which have 100 RS fee for 30 mins.<ref>https://forindians.in/best-places-in-lonavala-2/</ref>

=== Rajmachi Fort ===
[[Rajmachi|Rajmachi Fort]] is a historic fort close to Lonavala and attracts a lot of trekkers during the monsoon season. The fort also comprises two other forts - Shrivardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort. Besides, the fort is known for the fireflies that lit up the surroundings in night

=== Ryewood Park & Shivaji Udyan ===
This is an extensive garden situated in Lonavla. The garden has a number of tall trees - some of which are very old.{{citation needed|date=April 2018}} There is an old Shiva temple in the park.

=== Valvan Dam ===
Valvan Dam is a Britisher-built garden and is more than a century old. This dam has a garden at the foot of its wall and is 2 km from the town.{{citation needed|date=April 2018}} 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.

=== Della Adventure Park ===
Della Adventure Park is India's largest adventure park situated in Lonavala hill station. It is a big theme park/resort. It also serves as a corporate training destination for companies in Mumbai & Pune. The park has spread over an area of 36 acres. It is located at about 3000 feet height above MSL (mean sea level). Della Adventure Park offers close to 52 adventure activities.

=== Lonavala Lake ===
Lonavala Lake is surrounded by natural scenery, about 1.6  km from the town. The lake dries up during the winter and summer months offering an expanse of green grass that is used by walkers and joggers.<ref>{{cite web| title= Google Maps|url=https://goo.gl/maps/pECiHMpzSSkdDxVp7}}</ref> This place attracts tourists for its street food,{{citation needed|date=April 2018}} including [[convenience food]] items like smoked corn on the cob, shaved ice (gola), vada pav, chaat, and hot ginger tea.

=== Duke's Nose ===
Duke's Nose stands 12 km from Lonavla, clearly visible from the highway while driving towards Mumbai. This landmark in Khandala is visited by hikers.{{citation needed|date=April 2018}} Also known locally as ''Naagphani'' (Cobra's Hood), the cliff owes its name to the Duke of Wellington, whose ample nose it resembles.<ref>https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g1156430-d1203670-Reviews-Nagphani_Duke_s_Nose-Khandala_Lonavala_Pune_District_Maharashtra.html</ref>

=== Tiger's Leap ===
[[File: Lonavala near tiger point.jpg|thumb|A place near Tiger Point]]

Tiger's Leap also known as '''Tiger's Point''' is a cliff-top with a sheer drop of over 650 m, giving an extensive view. Buses are available up to [[INS Shivaji]] and the remaining distance of about 1.6  km has to be covered on foot. Legend has it that while being chased by a tiger once, the [[Maratha Empire]] king [[Shivaji]] jumped into a ditch on the hill and the tiger leaped off it into the valley giving it the name of tiger's leap.

Just around the tiger's leap, there is a small waterfall active only during the monsoon. It serves the purpose of relaxing in the water better than Bushi dam, as the force of the fall is higher. Also, after the brief steep descent, the fall becomes a stream with a fair amount of force to go all the way down to the base of the Tiger's Leap. Adventurers can trek down the stream whilst intermittently stepping back on land where the water current is too strong and the fall is steep.

=== Karla Caves ===
[[Karla Caves]], located near Lonavala, is a complex of cave shrines built by Buddhist monks around 3rd to 2nd century B.C. A temple of Goddess Ekvira Devi is also present here.<ref>{{cite web| title=Ekveera Aai Tu Dongaravari Najar Hai Tuji Kolyavari|url=http://mandarmala.blogspot.in/2012/01/ekveera-aai-tu-dongaravari-najar-hai.html}}</ref>

=== [[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.

=== Visapur Fort ===
Adjacent to the Lohagad fort lies the visapur fort which is part of the Lohagad-Visapur fortification. Visapur Fort is larger and at a higher elevation than its twin- Lohagad. It was built during 1713-1720 CE by Balaji Vishwanath.

=== [[Bhushi Dam]] ===
A waterfall near the dam is located between Lonavala and I.N.S. Shivaji. Buses running on the I.N.S. Shivaji Road stop here.<ref>http://www.amazingmaharashtra.com/2012/09/bhushi-dam-lonavala.html</ref>

=== Lion Point ===
This is a viewpoint midway between Bhushi Dam and Aamby Valley which overlooks a deep valley and mountains known for its roasted corn and onion fritters. This point does not have any lions but is named so because it is associated with the Lions Club of Lonavala.

=== Narayani Dham ===
Narayani Dham is a temple constructed in 2002 in honor of the Hindu Goddess [[Narayani Mata|Narayani]]. It is at a distance of 2 km from the Lonavla railway station. The temple has idols of Durga Mata, Salasar Balaji (Hanuman) and Ganapati housed in a marble structure.

=== Tungarli Dam ===
This lake and Dam comes to life during the Monsoon season, where some people climb the mountain top to the Dam. This dam was built during the British era and features a serene surrounding of trees and hillocks.

=== Shooting Point ===
Another viewpoint in the town of Khandala (Bazaar peth), provides views of the Rajmachi Fort and the valley. Also the home for the St. Mary's villa.

== Education ==
{{directory|section|date=August 2020}}

Some major educational institutes in Lonavala are:
* Sinhgad Institute of technology Lonavala
* The Cathedral Vidya School, Lonavala
* Ryewood International School, Lonavala
* Gurukul High School (boarding school)
* Auxilium Convent School
* Don Bosco School and Junior college, Lonavala
* Adv. Bapusaheb Bhonde High School, Lonavala
* Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS)
* Kohinoor Business School-Kohinoor Global Campus
* DC High School and Jr. College
* Dr. B.N. Purandare Vidyalay High School
* Institute For Future Education Entrepreneurship And Leadership
* V.P.S. HighSchool
* D.P. Mehata Jr College
* [[Kaivalyadhama Health and Yoga Research Center]]
* Kendriya Vidyalaya, INS Shivaji, Lonavala
* Sadhana Institute, Old Khandala Road, Lonavala
* Kaivalya Vidya Niketan, Kaivalyadhama Lonavala. CBSE Board
* The Great Eastern Institute Of Maritime Studies, Lonavala
* [[Shanti Sadan School|Society of Saint Mary Virgin in India, Shanti Sadan School Lonavala]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.csmvonline.org.uk/overseas.htm/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-01-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317170150/http://www.csmvonline.org.uk/overseas.htm |archive-date=2015-03-17 }}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:A waterfall on the way to Lonavala, Maharashtra.jpg|A waterfall on the way to Lonavala.
File:View of Western ghats, from Rajmachi point Khandala, on the Mumbai-Pune expressway.jpg|View of Western ghats, from Rajmachi
File:Tiger point-Lonavla.JPG|Tiger point during the rainy season
File:Bhushi Dam - Lonavala.jpg|Bhushi Dam - Lonavala
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}'''To know more about Lonavala and Stays''' '''Go through the following Links'''{{Wikisource1911Enc|Lonauli}}
*{{wikivoyage-inline|Lonavla}}

{{Pune district topics}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2001]]
[[Category:All articles containing potentially dated statements]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Pune district]]
[[Category:Hill stations in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Tourism in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Lonavala-Khandala]]

Lonavala - Revision history

Igornqa: cleanup lead as per guidelines as per guidelines

imported>MB: cleanup