Lonar
Top Places to Visit in Lonar
Popular attractions and places to visit in Lonar
Daityasudan Temple
Chalukya-era Vishnu temple on the crater rim, celebrated for detailed carvings in the Hemadpanthi style.
Gomukh Temple
Rim-side temple with a sacred spring flowing from a carved cow''s mouth, marking the start of the crater trek.
Kamalja Devi Temple
Secluded island shrine to Goddess Kamalja Devi on the crater lake, occasionally reached by wading through shallow water.
Kumareshwar Temple
Chalukya-period ruined temple near the crater known for its basaltic stonework and historical carvings.
Lonar Crater Lake
Meteorite-formed saline crater lake and India''s only impact crater in basaltic rock, ringed by a trekking trail.
Motha Maruti Temple
Shrine near Ambar Lake with a naturally formed, reputedly magnetic reclining idol of Lord Hanuman.
Papahareshwar Temple
Shiva shrine near the crater featuring a stepped tank and an ornately carved Nandi mandapa.
Shankar Ganesh Temple
Partially submerged crater-lake temple noted for its rare rectangular Shiva statue.
Best Time to Visit Lonar
Plan your trip around the right season
Why visit
Best weather for the Lonar crater lake walk and temple circuit. Cool, clear days are ideal for the 2km walk down to the lake rim and around the saline crater.
Keep in mind
Long weekends from Aurangabad and Nashik bring more visitors to the crater.
Why visit
Crater looks lush green and the lake level rises. Very few tourists.
Keep in mind
Rain makes the sloped crater paths slippery. The lake access trail requires care.
Why visit
Almost no tourists. Good for quiet exploration.
Keep in mind
Marathwada heat is intense. The unshaded crater walk is impractical in afternoon heat.
How to Reach Lonar
Intercity connectivity and travel options
Aurangabad airport (~150 km) is the nearest major airport. Shegaon railway station (~110 km) on the Mumbai-Howrah Central line is a practical railhead. NH753 connects Buldhana to Lonar.
Getting Around Lonar
Local transport and practical tips
Local transport
Private taxis from Aurangabad (~150 km) or Buldhana (~90 km). MSRTC buses from Aurangabad to Lonar town. No transport inside the crater reserve.