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Lonar

Lonar

India

India's own meteorite crater – a surreal, salty lake surrounded by ancient temples and raw nature.

1 Group Tours·1 Operators·from ₹3,499

Lonar is a small town in Maharashtra's Buldhana district, famous for the Lonar Lake, a saline soda lake formed by a meteorite impact around 50,000 years ago. It's the only hypervel...

Best forOffbeat travelersGeology enthusiastsBirdwatchersBudget travelersPhotographers
Easy to Moderate
|Basic fitness is needed for the staircase descent and walking around the crater rim. No special training required.
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Top Operators

Mumbai Weekenders
Mumbai Weekenders
1 trips · ✓

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September

Upcoming (1)

offbeat

Lonar Crater Meteorite Lake Trek & Exploration

Mumbai Weekenders
Lonar•Mumbai
1 days•Next: 25 Sept
₹3,499 / person
See all 1 trips in Lonar

When to Go

Sep
1 trips
₹3.5K

Trips by Departure City

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From Mumbai
1 trip available

What to Expect

Expect a laid-back, offbeat trip centered on the crater lake. You'll walk down a steep staircase to the lake's edge, spot migratory birds, and explore ancient temples like the Daitya Sudan Temple (dedicated to Vishnu) and the Kamalja Devi Temple. The lake's water is highly alkaline and salty, with a distinct greenish hue. The area is quiet, with limited commercial tourism. You'll find basic guesthouses, local eateries, and a few guides offering boat rides (when water levels allow). The atmosphere is peaceful, almost eerie, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Things to Do

Lonar Lake walk and boat ride
2-3 hours·₹50-200 per person for boat
Group
Temple circuit (Daitya Sudan, Kamalja Devi, etc.)
2-3 hours·Free (donations)
Group
Birdwatching at the lake
1-2 hours·Free
Group
Visit to Lonar crater rim viewpoint (sunset)
1 hour·Free
Group
Explore the forest around the crater (guided trek)
2-4 hours·₹500-1000 per group
Group
Visit to the Lonar wildlife sanctuary (if open)
1-2 hours·Entry fee ~₹50
Group
Photography tour at sunrise
1-2 hours·Free
Group

Plan Your Trip

How to Reach

Lonar is well-connected by road. Nearest major city is Aurangabad (150 km) – fly to Aurangabad Airport (Chikkalthana) and then take a taxi or bus. Nearest railway station is at Malkapur (about 90 km) on the Bhusawal-Khandwa line. From Mumbai, it's about 550 km via NH6. Regular state transport buses run from Aurangabad, Nashik, and Nagpur.

Local Guide

Food & DiningVeg Friendly

For a good meal, head to the MTDC resort restaurant or local eateries near the bus stand. Carry your own snacks for the lake area.

FAQs

Is Lonar Lake really formed by a meteorite?
Yes, it's a confirmed impact crater, about 50,000 years old, with a diameter of 1.8 km. It's the only one in basalt rock.
Can we swim in Lonar Lake?
No, the water is highly alkaline (pH ~10.5) and saline. It can cause skin irritation and is not safe for swimming.
How many steps are there to go down to the lake?
There are around 200 steps, but the count varies. It's a steep descent and can be tiring, especially in heat.
Are there any guides available at Lonar?
Yes, local guides are available at the lake viewpoint. They can explain the geology and history. Rates are negotiable, around ₹200-500 for a group.
Is Lonar safe for solo female travelers?
It's relatively safe, but the area is remote and has limited facilities. It's better to visit with a group or at least during daylight hours. Avoid isolated spots after dark.
What is the best time to visit Lonar?
October to March is ideal, with pleasant weather and good bird activity. Avoid April to June due to extreme heat.
Are there any accommodation options in Lonar?
Yes, there are budget guesthouses (MTDC resort, private lodges) and a few homestays. Book in advance during weekends and holidays.
Can we see flamingos at Lonar?
Yes, during winter (November to February), flamingos and other migratory birds can be spotted at the lake. It's a birdwatcher's delight.
Is there an entry fee for Lonar Lake?
There is a nominal entry fee for the lake area (around ₹20 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners). Additional charges for camera/video may apply.
How far is Lonar from Aurangabad?
It's about 150 km, roughly a 3-hour drive. Buses and taxis are available.

Group Trips to Lonar

Lonar is a hidden gem in Maharashtra that offers an unforgettable group tour experience. Known for its meteorite-created lake, Lonar is a paradise for geology buffs and nature lovers. Group travel to Lonar is budget-friendly, making it a popular weekend escape from cities like Aurangabad, Nagpur, and even Mumbai. The best time to visit Lonar is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and migratory birds flock to the lake. A typical Lonar group tour includes a guided walk down to the lake, a boat ride (seasonal), and visits to ancient temples. The Lonar crater is a protected archaeological site, and the surrounding forest is a wildlife sanctuary. For those seeking an offbeat adventure, Lonar offers a unique blend of science, spirituality, and natural beauty. Whether you're a photographer, a birder, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Lonar group packages from TripzSearch provide great value with comfortable stays and expert guides. Don't miss the chance to witness India's own crater lake – book your Lonar group tour today.

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