Situated near the Karla Caves in Lonavala, Ekvira Devi Temple or Ekvira Aai Temple is a Hindu temple especially revered by fisherfolk popularly called as Koli people. The shrine is located atop a tiny hill and can be reached by alighting about 200 steps. Legend has it that the temple was constructed by the                                                             Pandavas during their exile.

The Karla and Bhaja caves are among the oldest caves in India and date back all the way to 160 B.C. and are situated near Lonavala in Maharashtra. The Bhaja caves are a group of 22 rock-cut caves that are believed to have existed from the times of the Hinayana phase of Buddhism, which is from the 2nd to 1st century BC. Karla Cave is the largest Hinayana Buddhist chaitya (temple) in India Travel back in time on this trip to ancient Indian rock-cut caves with the best rock-cut architecture of all times. The ancient caves are protected as Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Bhaja caves are sited just 3 km away from the main road amidst green surroundings and there is also a spectacular waterfall near the cave where visitors can refresh themselves with a dip. Lohagad and Visapur forts are not far from these caves and can be visited if you have more time on your hands. Beyond this is a unique cluster of 14 stupas, five inside and nine outside a smaller cave. Karla Cave was built during Satavahana’s rule and is a perfect example of rock-cut architecture. For people wanting to explore and learn interesting architecture, Karla and Bhaja caves are the perfect places to visit.

Karla caves, carved from a rocky hillside, are among the oldest Buddhist cave shrines in India. It is located on the Pune-Mumbai highway at Karla, and if sources are to be believed, these are only a few among scores of other caves unearthed in Sahyadri Hills. Carved almost 2000 years ago around the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD, this place constitutes an extensive collection of beautiful Chaityas (halls) and Viharas (monasteries) reflecting upon a journey of the past, narrating some amusing stories. A temple made of pillars from the Buddhist period has also been built recently at the entrance of the caves.

The caves are also known as Karli Caves, Karle Caves, or Karla Cells. If ancient sources are to be believed, the caves were of great importance to the Mahasamghika sect of Buddhism before they became relevant to Hinduism. The caves house a Buddhist monastery which is believed to have been built there around the 2nd century BC. Also known as Veluraka in the olden times, the caves house a humongous 15 – meter pillar along with a temple dedicated to Goddess Ekveera. One can spot a major ancient trade route near the caves running towards east from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan. It is so because the early Buddhists used to settle the monasteries close to the major trading routes to provide shelter to the traveling traders. Owing to its historic significance, the cave complex is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

5 km
from city center

Located at the starting of Khandala Ghats, the Amrutanjan Point is an excellent viewpoint from where one can get a magnificent aerial view of the town Khopoli as well as the Duke’s Nose.

This is an enjoyable picnic spot owing to its pleasant weather, during most of the year and the beautiful surroundings.

4 km
from city center

This Wax Museum is founded by a 38-year-old wax artist from Kerala, Sunil Kandaloor. It houses sculptures of Rajiv Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, Michael Jackson, Kapil Dev Adolf Hitler, AR Rahman, and many more. The image of Chhatrapati Shivaji is the highlight of the museum.

9 km
from city center5 out of 43

Rajmachi Fort is a very famous attraction known for its ancient remains and strategic location. It lies at a distance of 15 kilometers from the hill stations of Khandala and Lonavala. It comprises of two fortresses namely Shrivardhan and Manaranjan and is surrounded by a vast plateau and can easily spot the Bor Ghat which was a significant trade route between Mumbai and Pune. The Rajmachi fort, also known as ‘Bale Killa’ is constructed on top of the Shrivardhan Peak at the height of about 3000 feet to keep an eye on the activities taking place in the Konkan Area and now gives an amazing view to the tourists in mid-air. Rajmachi is one of the many historical forts located amidst the Sahyadri mountains, and it is a popular destination amongst nature lovers and tourists for trekking.

Location-wise, this pathway between Khopoli and Khandala also known as ‘Borat’ was an important trade route in the past. Trekking which originates from Tungarli Lake is an exciting way to reach the fort. It lies on the Shrivardhan and Manaranjan Peaks on top of the Western Ghats. A small plateau that connects the Shrivardhan Peak and Manaranjan Peak lies between them. Rajmachi Fort is endowed with the amazing natural beauty of deep valleys and green forests.

1 km
from city center

Lonavala is a town and a hill station in the Pune district. It is about 64 km from Pune and 96 km from Mumbai.

It is famous for its production of the hard candy chikki which is a sweet eatable thing made from different nuts mixed with jaggery.

 It is a major stop on the railway line which connects Mumbai and Pune.

3 km
from city center2 out of 43

Bhushi Dam is a masonry dam on the Indrayani River. It is one place in Lonavala which is bound to cheer you up during the monsoons which is the ideal time to visit the attraction.

The overflowing water over the steps of Bhushi Dam and then through the rocky terrain make this place a hit among the people of nearby areas who throng in large numbers on weekends during monsoons. It tends to get so crowded that many individuals find it hard even to get a decent standing spot. Even though swimming is prohibited in the dam due to the inconsistent flow of the water, one can always enjoy the steps.

4 km
from city center

Tiger’s Leap is an unusual name given to this place due to the resemblance of the shape with that of a tiger leaping into the valley. Tiger’s Leap is around 8 km away from Lonavala and a major tourist attraction of this place. It is a clifftop with a sheer drop of over 650 m, offering a comprehensive view of the hills and the Western Ghats.

This point, which provides an interesting view of the valley below, is just a short distance away from INS Shivaji. The exhilarating views should, however, be enjoyed from a safe spot rather than from the top of the cliff which is precarious. The echo point on Tiger’s Leap is another major fascination.