Lonar Travel Guide

Lonar is a beautiful town located in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip to Lonar.


Introduction to Lonar

Lonar is a beautiful town located in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. It is known for its ancient Lonar crater, which is the third-largest crater in the world. Apart from this, Lonar is also known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The town is surrounded by lush green forests and is a perfect destination for nature lovers. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip to Lonar.

List of Places to Visit in Lonar

Lonar has a lot of places to visit. From historical sites to natural landscapes, Lonar has something for everyone. Here’s a list of places to visit in Lonar:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Daitya Sudan Temple: This is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It was built in the 6th century and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lonar.
  • Lonar Fort: The fort was built in the 12th century and has a lot of historical importance. The fort is built on a hill and provides a stunning view of the town.
  • Vishnu Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built in the 18th century. It is known for its beautiful carvings and architecture.

Natural Attractions of Lonar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lonar Crater: The crater is the most popular tourist attraction in Lonar. It was formed due to a meteorite impact and is the third-largest crater in the world. The crater is a must-visit for nature lovers.
  • Gomukh Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at the origin of the Lonar Lake. It is a beautiful place to visit and is surrounded by lush green forests.
  • Lonar Lake: The lake is a saline water lake and is home to a lot of aquatic animals. It is a perfect place for nature lovers and bird watchers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lonar

Lonar has a few hiking and biking routes that are perfect for adventure enthusiasts. Here’s a list of hiking/biking routes in Lonar:

  • Lonar to Daitya Sudan Temple: The route starts from Lonar and goes through the forests to reach the Daitya Sudan Temple. The route is perfect for hiking and biking.
  • Lonar to Vishnu Temple: This route starts from Lonar and goes through the hills to reach the Vishnu Temple. The route is perfect for hiking and provides a stunning view of the town.

Best Things to Do in Lonar: Activities and Tours

Apart from sightseeing, Lonar has a few activities and tours that are perfect for tourists. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Lonar:

  • Lonar Crater Tour: This tour takes you to the Lonar Crater and provides a lot of information about the formation of the crater.
  • Jungle Safari: Lonar is home to a lot of wildlife. A jungle safari is the perfect way to explore the forests and spot some animals.
  • Bird Watching: Lonar is a paradise for bird watchers. The Lonar Lake attracts a lot of migratory birds during the winter season.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lonar

If you’re planning to visit Lonar, here’s a week-long itinerary that will help you explore the town:

Day Activity
1 Visit Daitya Sudan Temple and Lonar Fort
2 Trek to Gomukh Temple and explore the Lonar Lake
3 Jungle Safari and Bird Watching
4 Visit Vishnu Temple and go on a hiking/biking tour
5 Visit Lonar Crater and explore the forests
6 Relax and enjoy the local cuisine
7 Visit nearby tourist destinations like Aurangabad and Ajanta Caves

Food and Drink Scene of Lonar

Lonar has a rich food and drink culture. From traditional Maharashtrian food to local delicacies, Lonar has something for everyone. Here’s a list of must-try dishes and local beverages in Lonar:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Varan Bhaat: This is a traditional Maharashtrian dish made with lentil and rice. It is a staple food in Lonar.
  • Sabudana Khichdi: This is another popular dish in Lonar. It is made with tapioca pearls and is usually eaten for breakfast.
  • Lonar Bhel: This is a local snack that is made with puffed rice, sev, and chutneys.

Local Beverages

  • Solkadhi: This is a refreshing drink made with coconut milk and kokum. It is perfect for hot summer days.
  • Masala Chaas: This is a buttermilk-based drink that is flavored with spices like cumin and coriander. It is a perfect drink to beat the heat.

Where to Stay in Lonar: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lonar has a few accommodation options that cater to different budgets. Here’s a list of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Lonar:

  • MTDC Maharashtra: This is a government-run hotel and is located near the Lonar Crater.
  • Hotel Noor Palace: This is a budget hotel located in the town center.
  • Lonar Guesthouse: This is a cozy guesthouse located near the Lonar Lake.

What to Buy in Lonar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Lonar is known for its handloom products and traditional handicrafts. Here’s a list of souvenirs and local products that you can buy in Lonar:

  • Paithani Sarees: These are traditional handloom sarees made in Maharashtra. They are a perfect souvenir to bring back home.
  • Pottery: Lonar is known for its unique pottery products. You can buy various pottery items like cups, plates, and bowls.
  • Handicrafts: Lonar has a rich handicraft culture. You can buy various handicraft items like wooden toys, bamboo baskets, and leather goods.

Local Culture and Customs of Lonar

Lonar has a rich cultural heritage. The town is known for its traditional Maharashtrian culture and customs. Here are a few things that you should know about the local culture and customs:

  • Dress Code: It is advisable to dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees while visiting temples and other religious places.
  • Language: Marathi is the primary language spoken in Lonar. However, Hindi and English are also widely spoken.
  • Festivals: Lonar celebrates a lot of festivals throughout the year. Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali are the most popular festivals celebrated in Lonar.

Best Time to Visit Lonar

The best time to visit Lonar is from October to February. The weather is pleasant during this time, and it is perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summers in Lonar can be harsh, with temperatures ranging from 35-45 degrees Celsius.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lonar

Here are a few do’s and don’ts that you should keep in mind while visiting Lonar:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat while going outdoors.
  • Try the local cuisine.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothes while visiting religious places.
  • Litter in public places.
  • Damage or disturb the natural surroundings.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lonar

Lonar is a relatively safe town. However, petty thefts do happen in crowded places. It is advisable to keep your valuables safe and not carry too much cash on you.

Health in Lonar

Lonar has a few private clinics and hospitals that offer medical services. However, it is advisable to carry your own medicines and consult a doctor before traveling to Lonar.

Getting to Lonar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Lonar

The nearest airport to Lonar is Aurangabad Airport, which is located around 140 km away from Lonar. There are daily flights to Mumbai and Delhi from Aurangabad Airport.

Bus Stations Near Lonar

Lonar has a few bus stations that connect it to other cities in Maharashtra. The most popular bus station is the Lonar Bus Stand, which has frequent buses to Aurangabad, Nagpur, and Pune.

Other Options

Lonar is well-connected by road and can be reached by private cars and taxis.

How to Get Around in Lonar

Lonar is a small town, and most of the tourist attractions are located close to each other. Walking is the best way to explore the town. However, if you’re not inclined to walk, you can hire a bicycle or take a taxi.

Where to Go Next from Lonar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are a few nearby destinations and excursions that you can visit after Lonar:

  • Aurangabad: This is a popular tourist destination in Maharashtra and is famous for its historical sites like Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
  • Ajanta Caves: These are ancient Buddhist caves located near Aurangabad.
  • Nashik: This is a popular pilgrimage destination and is known for its vineyards and wine tasting tours.

Conclusion

Lonar is a beautiful town located in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. It is known for its ancient Lonar crater, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip to Lonar and explore the town to the fullest.