Lonavala Sightseeing Guide Numbered Amongst the Many Local
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Lonavala Sightseeing Guide by newsdesk Numbered amongst the many local attractions are forts, caves and lakes. The rock escarpments in the hills provided vantage positions for fortresses and fortifications of the powerful Maratha kingdom established by Shivaji. The imposing Rajmachi Fort can be approached only on foot as it sits surrounded by deep valleys on three sides and a thick forest on the fourth. Other equally impressive forts are the Manoranjan Fort, Shrivardhan fort, Visapur Fort, Lohagad Fort and the Tunga Fort with arsenals and guardhouses. The three ancient caves found in this region date back to the early years of the first millennium. Karla Caves: were made in or around 160 BC and are the biggest ‘Chaitya Caves’ (prayer halls) here. The caves with viharas (monasteries) were excavated for the Buddhist monks who came here during the monsoons. The caves interiors have lion pillars, huge elephant forms, carved representations of Gautam Buddha and dancing couples. The entrance gate is in the shape of a "Peepul" leaf through which one enters the huge Chaitya griha or hall. This large hall is full of smooth stone pillars, which are carved with elephant and human forms. The roof is high and semicircular. The Bhaja Caves are similar to Karla Caves albeit on a smaller scale. These Buddhist caves also follow the Chaitya style. The speciality of these caves is that the rays of the setting sun gilds the dark interiors where one can see carved figures of gods and goddesses. The Bedsa Caves are close to the Mumbai Pune Road near Kamshet between the towns of Kadde and Bedsa. Huge pillars, lions and humans forms and a large Chaitya hall with resting rooms is a speciality of these caves. A vaulted roof supported by 2,000-year-old woodwork and a big skylight provides lighting for the entire cave with the sun's rays falling straight on the inner sanctum. Placid water bodies and silver cascades add their own charm to Lonavala-Khandala; the main lakes are the Pavna Lake, Lonavala Lake, Tungarli Lake, Valvan Lake on the Valvan Dam and Bushi Lake and the prettiest falls are the Kune Falls where the water descends down 100m to a pool below. The majestic cascade is visible from the Khandala Ghat and is particularly magnificent during the monsoons. Tiger's Leap is special, as it seems a tiger is leaping into the valley with a fascinating view of the valley. Lonavala Sightseeing Guide by newsdesk.