Things To Do
in Lonār
Lonar, a small town in Maharashtra, sits on the Deccan Plateau amid basalt cliffs and grassy plains. It is famous for Lonar Lake, a saline meteor crater formed thousands of years ago. The surrounding crater rim and nearby villages offer a blend of natural beauty and rural culture.
Visitors come for wildlife watching, photography, and a peaceful escape from more touristy destinations.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the awe-inspiring Lonār Crater, one of the largest impact craters in the world. After a hearty breakfast, embark on a guided trek around the crater to soak in the stunning geological formations and unique biodiversity. The cool morning air will invigorate your senses as you capture breathtaking photos of the landscape.
Post-lunch, delve into the fascinating history of the crater at the nearby Lonār Museum, which showcases ancient artifacts and exhibits related to the impact event. Spend some time enjoying a packed lunch by the crater's edge, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature. As the sun climbs higher, consider taking a leisurely walk along the crater’s rim to fully appreciate its immense size and beauty.
As dusk approaches, return to the crater for a spectacular sunset view, when the sky transforms into a palette of colors reflecting off the water. Afterward, head to a local eatery to savor traditional Maharashtrian cuisine, including dishes like puran poli and waran bhaat. End your day with a stroll around the village to experience the vibrant evening atmosphere and perhaps interact with friendly locals.
Start your morning with a visit to the ancient Daitya Sudan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and known for its intricate carvings and historical significance. Wander through the temple grounds, absorbing the serene ambiance and marveling at the architecture that dates back to the 6th century. Don't forget to participate in the morning aarti ceremony to experience the spiritual vibrancy of the place.
In the afternoon, head over to the nearby Ghrushneshwar Temple, another marvel of ancient architecture, and indulge in a delicious local lunch at a nearby restaurant. After lunch, visit the nearby Jain Caves to explore their fascinating rock-cut architecture and learn about the historical significance of Jainism in the region. Spend some time reflecting in the peaceful surroundings, allowing the tranquility to wash over you.
As night falls, make your way to the Lonār Lake, where you can enjoy a peaceful evening stroll along the banks, listening to the sounds of nature. Find a cozy spot to sit and enjoy the cool breeze while watching the stars twinkle above. Wrap up your day with a dinner at a local dhaba, sampling the flavors of authentic Indian street food.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-7 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $0.5-2 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel or guesthouse (per night) | $15-40 |
| 🚗Auto-rickshaw ride (short trip) | $1-3 |
| 🥗Street snacks | $0.5-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning crater scenery and peaceful surroundings
- Affordable and offbeat destination
- Rich birdlife and geological interest
- Low crowds outside peak travel season
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options
- Remote location with fewer transport links
- Seasonal accessibility issues during monsoon
- "Namaskar" - Hello
- "Krupaya" - Please
- "Dhanyavaad" - Thank you
- "Ho" - Yes
- "Nahi" - No
- "Mala madat hava" - I need help
- "Mala Marathi shikayla avadato" - I enjoy learning Marathi
Places to Visit in Lonār
Visit one of these nice places.
Edge of the crater with dramatic basalt columns and wide views of the saline lake.
Calm water reflections and pink skies make for water-angled compositions.
Geological columns and sculpted rocks offering texture-rich foregrounds.
Traditional rural scenes, shrines and rural life beneath the crater’s backdrop.
Food in Lonār
Lonār Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spicy curry of sprouted moth beans served with pav bread.
Must-Try!
Besan-based curry served with bhakri (millet or rice flatbread).
Flattened rice stir-fried with peas, peanuts and curry leaves.
Tapioca pearls cooked with peanuts and mild spices, popular for breakfast or fasting days.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market in Lonar town offering fresh produce, snacks and local items; try bhajiyas, chai and misal.
Casual stalls around the market serving dosas, bhajis, chai and farsan.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use Namaskar or hello; a respectful tone goes a long way.
Dress modestly; remove shoes before entering temples; ask for permission before taking photos.
Keep voices low on sacred sites and avoid loud demonstrations in villages.
Safety
Tipping in Lonār
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping around 5-10% for good service in hotels and eateries; smaller tips in rural stalls are appreciated but not required.
Cash is widely used; some shops accept cards or mobile wallets; carry small denominations for rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days with temperatures often above 35°C; carry water, hat, sunscreen and light clothing.
Occasional rain and slick paths; enjoy lush greenery but watch footing on crater edges.
Cool, pleasant days and chilly mornings; layers recommended; best for sunrise photography.
Lonār at Night
Hiking in Lonār
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A 3-4 km loop around the crater’s edge with panoramic views and basalt columns.
Short trail among the basalt columns near the crater for macro photography.
Easy hike through surrounding farmland with chances to spot birds and local life.
Airports
How to reach Lonār by plane.
Nearest major airport with domestic connections; drive to Lonar is typically several hours by road.
A smaller domestic airport serving limited flights; farther from Lonar but an alternative access point.
A larger international/national hub in central India, reachable by road/train from Lonar with longer transfer times.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily agrarian communities with deep local traditions.
Small-scale craftspeople and shopkeepers supporting the town.
Tourists staying in guesthouses and exploring the crater.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across India; commonly played on village fields and streets.
Traditional Indian sport widely played in rural areas and schools.
Casual games in open spaces and local grounds.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lonār.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most food in Lonar is vegetarian; inform cooks about dairy or ghee if needed; request Jain-friendly options if preferred.