Crater lake, basin and rim from midway up east rim
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Lonar Lake (Lonar Crater)

4.5
·4k reviews·, India

A mysterious saline soda lake formed by a meteorite impact, surrounded by ancient temples and lush forests.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

October to March

Pleasant weather for trekking

CrowdMedium
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Crater lake, basin and rim from midway up east rim

Lonar Lake (Lonar Crater)

Best Time

October to March

Pleasant weather for trekking

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A mysterious saline soda lake formed by a meteorite impact, surrounded by ancient temples and lush forests.

4.5
(4k reviews)

"A natural miracle and a neglected spot in Maharashtra, best for a day tour."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Trekking down to the lake involves steep stairs and uneven trails. Good footwear is essential.

💧 Carry Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated, especially during the trek. Limited facilities are available on the trail.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lonar Crater Lake

Lonar Crater Lake

Lonar, Buldhana District, Maharashtra

A unique, saline soda lake formed by a meteorite impact over 50,000 years ago. Its dual-layered water system continues to mystify scientists.

Instagram+1
Gomukh Temple

Gomukh Temple

Near Lonar Lake

An ancient temple with intricate carvings, dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring a cow-shaped spout from which water flows.

Reddit
Guided Crater Walk

Guided Crater Walk

Lonar Crater

Explore the crater's rim and descend to the lake with a local guide, learning about its geological and historical significance.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Crater Trek

Prepare for a trek down to the Lonar Lake shore, involving steep stairs and a jungle trail. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water. Consider hiring a local guide for insights into the crater's geology and history. TikTokReddit

Best Time for Clear Views

Visit during the cooler months, typically October to March, for pleasant weather. Avoid the monsoon season as trails can become slippery. Early mornings offer the best light for photography and fewer crowds. Reddit

Best Times

When
October to March
Why
Pleasant weather for trekking
Crowd
Medium
When
Early mornings
Why
Best light & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🌊✨ Lonar Lake – India’s Mysterious Crater Lake! 🌍 Maharashtra me located ye lake ek meteor strike se 52,000 years pehle bana tha 😱 Aur aaj bhi scientists iske salty + alkaline water ka secret study karte hain. 🔬 👉 Aur aise Indian wonders ke liye Follow @seekhoapp 🚀 📲 Seekho App abhi download karo — link in bio! #seekho #seekhoapp #seekhoshorts #seekhoindia #lonarlake #maharashtra #indianwonders ...
seekhoapp
1.2K likes • 121.5K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Trekking down to the lake involves steep stairs and uneven trails. Good footwear is essential. TikTokReddit

💧 Carry Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated, especially during the trek. Limited facilities are available on the trail. Reddit

The Most Mysterious Lake of India 🇮🇳 Lonar Lake is a notified National Geo-heritage Monument saline lake located at Lonar in Buldhana district, Maharashtra, which was created by a meteor impact during the Pleistocene Epoch, and it is the only known hyper-velocity impact crater in basaltic rock anywhere on Earth. Some Interesting facts about the lake ⬇️ 1️⃣ Dual Water Layers: Lonar Lake has two ...
indiahiddengems
1.1K likes • 42.8K views
Welcome to Lonar, a place where science and history meet! Explore the mesmerizing Lonar Crater Lake, formed by a meteorite impact over 50,000 years ago. Visit the sacred Gomukh Temple, steeped in legends, and stroll through the Lonar Sanctuary, home to vibrant wildlife and migratory birds. Don’t miss the Guided Crater Walk, where every step tells a story. From cosmic wonders to ancient tradition...
maharashtratourismofficial
10.4K likes • 248.8K views

🗺️ Hire a Local Guide

Enhance your visit with a guide who can share geological and historical insights. TikTokReddit

📸 Great for Photography

The unique landscape and ancient temples offer fantastic photo opportunities. Reddit

Alien? Volcanic? Magnetic? Theories have come and gone, but Lonar Crater Lake still guards its secrets. A 52,000-year-old mystery, hidden in Maharashtra. 🛰️ Want more stories like this? Download the Curiospot app and uncover the strange, the forgotten, and the unbelievable.
thecuriospot
3.4K likes • 121.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Trekking down to the lake involves steep stairs and uneven trails. Good footwear is essential. TikTokReddit

💧 Carry Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated, especially during the trek. Limited facilities are available on the trail. Reddit

🗺️ Hire a Local Guide

Enhance your visit with a guide who can share geological and historical insights. TikTokReddit

📸 Great for Photography

The unique landscape and ancient temples offer fantastic photo opportunities. Reddit

💰 Forest Entry Ticket

A small fee is required per person for the trail to the Devi temple and lake point. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Lonar Lake is lauded as a unique geological wonder and a must-visit for its historical temples and natural beauty. Visitors appreciate the trekking experience and the scientific intrigue of the crater. However, some find the surrounding areas neglected and dining options limited, suggesting it's best suited for a day trip or a short stay. Reddit+1

"The near perfectly circular Lonar Lake is a saline lake formed out of a crater made by a meteorite impact in the area over 50,000 years ago. The lake is a part of the Lonar wildlife sanctuary established to preserve its unique ecosystem. The lake's water is blue green due to the colour of the algae thriving in its waters.
It is surrounded by ancient temples, including the Gomukh Temple which showcases intricate carvings and sculptures.
The lake is home to both endemic birds like peacock, migratory species like the flamingo as well as reptiles like monitor lizards.
Trekking around the crater is a very popular sport."

Adrian Corera

"The lake is natural miracle but surroundings are not kept well. You will not found any good restaurant around here.
The area of lake and temple is well kept. Washrooms are available inside."

Mehboob Mulla

"LONAR lake..
What to write..
I must say its a Neglected spot in Maharashtra.
Best for one day tour.
There are many hotels and MTDC resort for stay. Its booking is online. Very nice property.
Pl visit LONAR lake, 13 mandir complex, motha maruti temple, Vishnu temple.
Book a forest car at 300 Rs for 4 people and have a round of lake. Its a High Impact createrformedi 5 lakh years ago. Water is having pH of 11.
Very senic, beautiful and leasure spot.
You can use services of Guide Mr Amol and Mr shailesh. Their Utubes videos are Very Good.
Do visit friends."

amol. rajhans.

What People Like

Unique meteorite crater
Ancient temple ruins
Trekking and nature walks

What People Dislike

Limited dining options
Surroundings need upkeep

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lonar Lake is accessible by road. It's approximately a 2-hour drive from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) Reddit and about an 8-hour drive from Mumbai.TikTok You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Buldhana district and then to Lonar.

To reach the lake shore, you'll need to descend steep stairs and then hike a few kilometers through the jungle. TikTokReddit Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

While direct public transport to Lonar might be limited, you can find buses to Buldhana district, from where you can arrange local transport to Lonar town and the lake. TikTok

You can drive to the vicinity of Lonar Lake, but the final descent to the lake shore involves a trek. Parking is available near the entry points. TikTok

The nearest major city is Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), which is about a 2-hour drive away. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is a nominal entry fee per person for the trail leading to the Devi temple and lake viewpoints. Reddit

Lonar Lake is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit between sunrise and sunset for safety and the best experience. Reddit

While the lake and temple area are generally well-maintained, it's advisable to respect the natural environment and historical sites. Avoid littering. Reddit

Tickets are typically purchased on-site at the entry points for the trails. Advance booking is usually not required for general entry. Reddit

There is no specific fee mentioned for general photography, but it's always good to check on-site for any specific regulations. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can trek around the crater, visit ancient temples like Gomukh Temple and Kamalja Devi Temple, and admire the unique geological formation of the lake. InstagramReddit+1

A day trip is usually sufficient to explore the lake and its surrounding temples. If you plan to trek extensively, you might want to allocate more time. Reddit

Yes, local guides are available and highly recommended to understand the geological and historical significance of the crater. TikTokReddit

The Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to various bird species, including peacocks and migratory birds like flamingos, as well as reptiles. InstagramReddit

Yes, families can enjoy the natural beauty and historical sites. However, the trek can be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dining options are limited around Lonar Lake. It's advisable to carry your own snacks and water, or check for basic eateries in Lonar town. Reddit

You can find local Maharashtrian cuisine in Lonar town. Options might be basic, so managing expectations is key. Reddit

Basic food stalls might be available near the main entry points, especially during peak tourist times, but they are not guaranteed. Reddit

Picnicking is possible, but it's essential to carry all your supplies and ensure you clean up thoroughly afterward to preserve the environment. Reddit

The MTDC resort typically has an in-house restaurant offering meals, which is a reliable option for dining. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The rim of the crater offers panoramic views, the ancient temples provide architectural details, and the lake itself offers unique perspectives, especially during sunrise and sunset. Reddit

Absolutely! The unique circular shape of the crater and the surrounding natural beauty make it an excellent location for landscape photography. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a more dramatic effect. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed, but it's always wise to be respectful of religious sites and avoid intrusive photography of locals. Reddit

Drone usage might be restricted due to environmental regulations or proximity to sensitive areas. It's best to check local rules before flying a drone. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lonar Lake offers a unique educational experience for families. The story of a meteorite impact creating a lake is fascinating for children.Instagram+1 While the trek down to the lake involves steep stairs and a walk, it can be managed with younger children if they are supervised and have appropriate footwear.TikTokReddit The ancient temples provide a glimpse into history and culture, and the possibility of spotting local wildlife like peacocks can add to the excitement.InstagramReddit Consider hiring a guide to make the geological aspects more engaging for kids. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities can be limited. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Adventure & Trekking Enthusiasts

For those who love to explore on foot, Lonar Lake offers a rewarding trekking experience. The descent to the lake involves navigating steep staircases and a jungle trail, providing a moderate physical challenge.TikTokReddit The trek allows you to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings and appreciate the crater's scale from different vantage points. Experienced trekkers might enjoy exploring the less-trodden paths around the crater rim. Hiring a local guide can enhance the adventure by providing context about the geology and local flora and fauna. TikTokReddit

📸 Photography Buffs

Lonar Lake is a dream destination for photographers. The perfectly circular crater offers dramatic aerial and rim views.Instagram The ancient temples, with their intricate carvings and historical architecture, provide excellent subjects for architectural and cultural photography.Reddit The unique colors of the lake water, influenced by algae, can create stunning visual effects. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for capturing the best light, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the landscape's beauty.Reddit The juxtaposition of the natural wonder with historical ruins makes for compelling shots. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Geological Marvel: Lonar Crater

Lonar Lake is not just any lake; it's a geological marvel formed by a meteorite impact approximately 50,000 to 500,000 years ago.InstagramReddit This impact created a hyper-velocity impact crater in basaltic rock, making Lonar one of the few such formations on Earth.Instagram+2 The lake's unique characteristics, including its saline and alkaline water, continue to intrigue scientists.Instagram+2 The water's dual-layered system, with a neutral outer layer supporting life and a more alkaline inner layer, is a subject of ongoing research.Instagram The sheer scale of the crater, with a rim approximately 1.8 kilometers in diameter, is awe-inspiring.Instagram

Exploring the crater involves a trek down steep stairs and a walk through the surrounding jungle.TikTokReddit This journey offers a chance to appreciate the natural regeneration of the area post-impact. Local guides can provide fascinating insights into the geological processes and theories surrounding the crater's formation, making the experience both educational and adventurous.TikTokReddit The unique ecosystem that has developed within and around the crater is a testament to nature's resilience.

Ancient Temples and Historical Significance

Surrounding the Lonar Crater Lake are several ancient temples, adding a layer of historical and religious significance to the site. The most notable is the Gomukh Temple, known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, and a unique spout shaped like a cow's head from which water flows.Reddit Another important temple is the Kamalja Devi Temple, which is part of the trekking route to the lake.TikTokReddit These temples, some dating back to the Yadava dynasty, offer a glimpse into the region's rich past and architectural heritage. Many of these temples feature multiple Shivalingas, reflecting the area's spiritual importance.Reddit

The presence of these historical structures within the natural wonder of the crater creates a captivating juxtaposition. Visitors often find the blend of natural beauty and ancient architecture to be particularly compelling. The temples are not just religious sites but also archaeological treasures, with some being part of the Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary, established to protect the unique ecosystem.Reddit Exploring these temples provides a deeper understanding of the cultural landscape that has coexisted with the geological marvel for centuries.

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