Tiger’s Leap is a prime tourist attraction that sits in the lap of nature at a height of 650 metres above sea level. Interestingly, this vantage point has been named so because of its shape that resembles a tiger taking a leap into the valley. It is frequented by adventure seekers who indulge in trekking and hiking here. This beautiful site with an echo point and a stream flowing nearby offers stunning views of the valley below that attract vacationers in large numbers. You can always pack a picnic lunch and head to this place to spend some quality time with your loved ones.

Bhaja Caves is a set of spectacular rock-cut caves, which has been classified as a national monument. It is believed to be one of the oldest caves in India, belonging to 2nd to 1st century BCE, and the fine Buddhist excavations in these caves date back to the Hinayana phase of Buddhism. Along with exploring these caves that primarily include Chaityas and Viharas, you may take a refreshing dip in the nearby waterfall as well as take a tour of the lush surroundings. You need to take a zig-zag trail to reach the caves from its base at Bhaja Village.

Karla Caves that houses the largest and most well preserved Hinayana Buddhist Chaitya in the country. Associated with Mahasamghika sect of Buddhism, these are one of the oldest rock-cut caves in India with the oldest one dating back to the 1st century BCE. You will be amazed to see fine motifs, sculptures, inscriptions, stupas, pillars and 37-pillar aisle at Karla Caves that boasts of over 2000-year-old beams, amongst which some of them are still alive. You will also come across a temple at the entrance that has been recently built using pillars from the Buddhist period.

If you are looking for places to visit near me for picnicking with friends and family, then head straight to Bhushi Dam, which forms the popular Bhushi Lake. There are steps to access this masonry dam on the Indrayani River, where you can sit and soak the warm sunshine as well as enjoy the stunning views of the surroundings. This popular tourist attraction tends to get overcrowded during weekends, especially in the monsoon season, when you may face difficulty in finding a decent spot to sit on the steps. You must note that swimming is prohibited here because of the inconsistent water flow.

Tikona Fort, a popular historical site of the Maratha empire, acquires its name because of its triangular shape and is perched at a height of 1066 metres above sea level. Once captured by the Mughals, Shivaji Maharaj regained its control in the 1670s and continued to remain a prime fort of the Marathas (who called it Vitandgad) till the reign of Sambhaji. The fort entrance is through a small cave, which leads you through a guard tower and a cluster of five caves. Within the fort, you can see a broken temple and a massive stone wheel, and at the top of the fort, you will come across a few water tanks and a Buddhist cave.

Pawna Lake, surrounded by spectacular landscape, is a popular picnic and camping spot in Lonavala. This artificial lake is formed by the impounded water of Pawna Dam that provides a perfect escape into nature’s arm. The natural beauty of this place, along with the distant view of Lohagad Fort, Tikona Fort and Tunga Fort, makes for a great backdrop for memorable pictures. While picnicking here, you can avail the facility of motor and row boating that adds to its overall appeal. While monsoon is the best time to visit this place that abounds with incredible sights, you come here during the winter season as well to enjoy barbeques by the lake.

Another architectural marvel of the Marathas is the Lohagad Fort (Iron Fort) that commands a visit while you are in Lonavala. The hill fort acquired its name because it was considered as an impregnable edifice due to its strategic location at a height of 1050 metres above sea level. This historical site has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties over the centuries, including Nizams, Marathas and Mughals. Not only is it popular among history buffs and nature enthusiasts, but also adventure seekers because of trekking that has to be done to reach the fort, where you can spot the Vinchu Kata – a series of hills resembling Capricorn.

Rajmachi Fort, also known as Manoranjan Balekilla, undoubtedly tops the list of inescapable Lonavala places to visit. Built by the popular Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, the historical site actually comprises two fortresses – Shrivardhan and Manaranjan – that were built at a height of about 3000 feet on a rugged hill in the Sahyadri Range to keep an eye on the surroundings. The fort boasts of many ancient caves and temples, such as Kal Bhairava Mandir, with few of them existing even before the fort was built. This place offers breath-taking views of the verdant surroundings and is extremely popular among vacationers, especially nature lovers and trekkers.

Located at a vantage point between Bhushi Dam and Aamby Valley, this is another popular viewpoint in Lonavala. All contrary to popular belief, the point was not named because lots of lions used to roam around, but because the hill looks like a lion sitting in a sphinx position Lions Point is 15 km from Lonavala at an altitude 0f 760 meters.

Tungarli Dam was constructed during the British era around the 1930s. The dam helps in the irrigation of the Rajmachi region. Tungarli Dam is a backpacker's haven. The camping facilities for backpackers and tourists are available at the lake site. The Bhushi Dam is a masonry dam on the Indrayani River in Lonavala, Maharashtra, India. In 2014, the Indian Railways announced plans to develop Bhushi Dam as a tourist resort with participation from the private sector. Tourists gather around the dam.

Khandala is a hill station in the Western Ghat mountains of Maharashtra, western India. It's home to vantage spots including Sunset Point and Rajmachi Point, with views of Rajmachi Fort. Kune Falls is a 3-tiered waterfall set in a dramatic valley. Waterfalls surround the Tamhini Ghat mountain pass. East of town, the Bhaja and Karla caves are ancient, Buddhist rock-cut shrines featuring intricate carvings and pillars