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When you think about Lonavala, caves and forts are probably the first things to come to your mind. As one of the culturally rich places in India, Lonavala has plenty of things to offer. If you look beyond the concrete city life, you might notice that Lonavala temples are one of a kind. Some of these temples have been there for ages and are worth every bit of your attention. If you are ready to take on a spiritual journey in Maharashtra, you should start with Lonavala.
8 Lonavala Temples You Must Visit
Visiting and exploring Lonavala temples is like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to explore the famous temples in Lonavala, you should go for it!
1. Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple
Photo: Acred99 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Starting the list with Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple, one of the best temples in Lonavala that draws devotees from all across the state. Everything about this temple demands attention from the architecture to the main idol. Due to the white marble construction, the temple shines like a diamond under the sun. The South Indian style architecture further adds to the temple’s beauty. People come here to worship and offer their prayers to Goddess Durga, the main deity who is known to empower women. The best time to visit this temple is during Navratri and other festivals.
Location: Parijnanashram marg, Madras Bombay Trunk Rd, karlapatha, Maharashtra 410405
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM, 3:30 PM – 8 PM
2. Ekvira Devi Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are on your way to Karla Caves, make sure to squeeze in some time for Ekvira Devi Temple, the oldest temple in Lonavala. As the name suggests, this shrine is home to Goddess Ekvira, also known as Renuka. Based on the story, the temple was constructed by the Pandavas after being blessed by the goddess. As you enter the temple complex, you will notice three similar-looking shrines built in a row. The unique thing about these shrines is that they are all facing west. Since the temple is nestled on top of a hill, you can enjoy a stunning view. So, make sure to carry your camera and capture some beautiful pictures while you are there.
Location: Ekvira Devi Rd, Karla, Maharashtra 410405
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
3. Shri Shantinath Jain Temple
Photo: Pratyk321 / Wikimedia Commons
Jainism has always been an important religion in the state which has given birth to many popular temples in Lonavala. One of the must-visit Jain temples is Shri Shantinath, which is located near Shivaji Chowk. Not just the Jain community, but people from other religions also come here. Besides partaking in the rituals, you have a beautiful temple to explore. The peaceful atmosphere inside the shrine is perfect for meditation and self-reflection. Anybody who wants to experience Jain spirituality should pay a visit to this place.
Location: Priyadarshini Sankul, Near Gaothan, Lonavala, Maharashtra 410401
Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
4. Bhairavnath Temple
Photo: Tanweer Morshed / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
From the name itself, you can understand that this temple is home to Lord Bhairav, an avatar of Lord Shiva. The most eye-catching thing is the Konkan architecture that adorns the temple walls. To reach this temple and witness its beauty, you will have to travel in the middle of a forest. There’s a narrow path, which leads to the shrine, which is surrounded by other Hindu deities. Since the temple is located in a deep forest, you can expect to see beautiful scenery. It’s a perfect place for devotees, who seek a bit of an adventure. For a better experience, you should visit the shrine during the festive season.
Location: Kusgaon, Lonavala, Maharashtra 410401
Timings: 24*7
5. Shri Saibaba Temple
Photo: Sailee5 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you have plans to visit the biggest temple in Lonavala, Shri Saibaba Temple needs to be on your list. It’s not clear when the temple was constructed, but it has always been a popular religious site for devotees. It’s not just tourists, but locals also visit the temple regularly to pay homage to the saint. While you are at the shrine, you can explore the surrounding areas and drown yourself in the peaceful environment. The decoration of the temple is simple but worth paying attention to. Many worshippers spend hours at the temple to reflect upon their lives and meditate.
Location: Rao Colony, Lonavala, Maharashtra 410401
Timings: 24*7
6. Shri Narayani Dham Temple
Photo: Rajib Ghosh / Wikimedia Commons
Constructed in 2002, Shri Narayani Dham Temple is one of the famous temples in Lonavala. The shrine belongs to Ma Narayani and is located in Dhankawadi. For those unversed, Ma Narayani is an avatar of three main Hindu goddesses, including Ma Durga, Ma Saraswati, and Ma Laxmi. The idol of Ma Narayani sits in the centre of the shrine and symbolises goodness, peace, and righteousness. What’s impressive about this temple is that it is entirely made of white marble, giving it a palatial look. Make sure you have enough time in hand to explore the beautiful design work on the temple walls.
Location: Plot No 28, 199, Tungarli Rd, near Kaivalyadhama, behind Kailash Parvath Hotel, Tungarli, Lonavala, Maharashtra 410401
Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM, 3:15 PM – 9:30 PM (Monday to Friday) and 7 AM – 1 PM, 3:15 PM – 9:30 PM (Saturday to Sunday)
7. Datta Temple
Photo: Mohnish Landge / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
One of the significant temples in Lonavala for devotees is Datta Temple. Located in Olkaiwadi, this temple belongs to Lord Ganesha and features simple architecture. People from different places come here to seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings, which are believed to remove obstructions from your way. While the temple remains crowded throughout the year, it exudes a different aura on Ganesh Chaturthi. During this time, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers to create a festive ambience. You can have a different kind of experience if you manage to visit the temple during Ganesh Chaturthi.
Location: Olkaiwadi
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
8. Waghjai Devi Temple
Photo: Ranjeet Chauhan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are many temples in Lonavala, but only a few of them have a beautiful location like Waghjai Devi Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Waghjai, this shrine is nestled in Tiger Valley and offers a stunning view of the surrounding areas. The unique thing about this temple is the idol, which is quite different from other idols you have ever seen. It is believed that the goddess protects those who pray to her. This place is the most crowded during Navratri when people from different corners of the city come here to partake in the celebration. As for the rest of the year, visitors enjoy a peaceful environment.
Location: Tiger Valley, Khandala, Lonavala, Maharashtra 410302
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Exploring Lonavala temples alone or with your family is nothing short of a unique experience. It lets you know so much about the city’s religious roots and heritage. Plus, you get to seek blessings from different deities. So, if you are ready for a spiritual journey through the streets of Lonavala, plan your trip with TripXL for a seamless experience.
Cover Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
