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Previous blog- Ajanta Ellora caves tour
I assure you one thing, getting to Lonar is the only challenge! Everything else is Izzy lizzy. A train journey could've been a better choice. The nearest train station is Jalna. So using Pune as a base, board~
Pune to Jalna- night train 17629 Pune-Hazur Sahib Nanded express 21:35 hrs, will reach Jalna 06.10 am, Jalna to Lonar by road 80 km/ 2 hr. Return Jalna & train to Pune
Avoid Ajanta to Lonar by MSRTC bus
It showed approx 3 hrs on google maps, so I didn't make much of it. But MSRTC buses are unpredictable and disorganised. Even the regular locals looked confused about when and where the bus would halt. And finally when the bus arrived we had to run and catch a seat for the 3 hour journey. Then I had to break the journey at Buldhana and yet another stop midway. A 3 hour road trip seemed like a whole day's work.
The Maharashtra state run bus on a bad road, is nothing more than a rickety tin can. (see in the video below)
Tip- If you plan on making a road trip, do it from Aurangabad > Jalna > Lonar.
At the end of this arduous journey the greatest reward is to witness (1 out of 4) Hypervelocity Meteoritic Impact Crater* on Basalt Rock called~ LONAR
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*Impact meteorite crater is formed when a high-velocity meteor collides with the surface of earth or any other astronomical body (eg. moon, mars etc.)
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Lonar meteorite crater trek
The previous day's road trip had extolled my human capabilities to the utmost that I slept like a log. After breakfast, the hotel staff directed me to the MTDC resort where I would meet my guide~ Ramesh Rathod ph# 91589250481. Ramesh Rathod guide is a simple human being. He stated "if you just want to view the crater from a distance, there is no need of a guide. But a 7.5 km (to & fro) trek around the periphery of lonar lake is an interesting way to understand the science of a meteor attack."
Tip- In case Ramesh Rathod is not available, then try Shailesh Dadar ph# 9763545169 Lonar guide (MTDC). The trek costs approx 1000 to 1200 rs.
Trek distance- 7½ kms to and fro
Duration- min 5 hrs (incl. visit to nearby temples)
Level- leisure and informative
The initial trail: nature and wildlife
Starting from the Lonar lake viewpoint and after scrambling over boulders, we climbed down into the forest with a well-beaten trail that went for about 1½ km. The forest runs parallel to the left side of the lake.
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| mildly forested trail |
Peacocks and langurs can be seen aplenty on this trail. The forest reportedly also consists of leopards and wild boars. "But they usually lurk at night," said Ramesh, pointing to some animal skulls. I also spotted a bunch of porcupine spikes.
Ancient temples of Lonar
As we walked along, the sight of ancient temples in ruins caught my eye. So Lonar also has a touch of history to it. "These temples are from the Chalukyan era," said Ramesh. "oh really" I wondered how people of the Chalukyan era lived beside this crater. Interestingly there is a mention about the crater in the Hindu puranas (scriptures).
Tip- there are no shops throughout the trail, so please carry water and snacks along with you.
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| Wagh Mahadeo temple, Lonar |
On reaching Wagh Mahadeo temple,
we took our 1st break, while Ramesh explained the architecture and engineering styles unique to temples of that time like the interlocking techniques in the ceiling and pillars, etc.
Lonar: A geological phenomenon
As the trek progressed, a distinct odour of rotten eggs filled the air. "This is the smell of sulphuric acid," said my guide. And suddenly I realised we were walking along the banks of the lake. My joy knew no bounds on seeing the still emerald green Lonar lake in front of me.
The crater has a diameter of 2 km and a depth of 700 m and is believed to be about 50,000 years old. The meteorite itself is believed to be buried in the southeast ridge of the crater. Being saline and alkaline in nature, the lake does not support any form of life. "Beware! don't go ahead! warned Ramesh, pointing towards the treacherous looking quick mire.
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| dangerous quick mire, Lonar |
The Lonar crater bank was my open classroom for the day. I learnt about the magneticity of the surroundings and iron-rich rocks and soil.
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| Assorted volcanic rocks. The lake bank is rich in iron quartz and other deposits. |
pH level of water demo
The unique feature about the crater lake is the saline deposits, the source of which is unknown. There are 2 streams that flow into it, but the lake itself does not drain anywhere else. Other than evaporation there is no loss.
Further down was a small shrine with a magnetic devi moorthy. We took our 2nd break here, and there I was taking a lesson in chemistry.
As the midday heat seeped our energy, we departed from the exposed lake area and began an uphill climb (maybe 10 mins) amidst some green foliage to reach the Gomukh temple. Go- cow, mukh- mouth; is the the spout from which flows a spring of fresh water. This is (1 of 2) springs that feeds the Lonar lake. The devout come here from far and wide to bathe in its purifying waters.
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Gomukh mandir, Lonar
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Our onward uphill climb along the paved stairway, which although tiring passed through some greenery until we reached the unique pyramid-shaped Kumateshwar temple.
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| Kumateshwar temple, Lonar |
The temple was closed at the time, but we stopped for lunch. There is a freshwater spring here too and I watched as guide Ramesh drank from it like it was milk and nectar. I realised he hadn't carried any water nor did he sip when I offered. The peaceful temple surroundings and it's cool fresh water was quite literally heaven during the hot afternoon hours.
It was another 15 mins walk, through a village until we reached our last destination for the day. Lonar is named after a demon named Lonasura. Legend has it that the demon was defeated and killed by Vishnu bhagwan at this very spot where the temple of Daitya sudan is located.
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| Daitya sudan/ Vishnu/ Sun temple, Lonar |
The temple is also known by the name of Vishnu or Sun temple and is a replica of the Chariot shaped Konark temple in Odisha.
But what I found most interesting are the carvings, especially 'erotic sculptures' on par with the Khajuraho group of temples. Sadly this temple too was closed during afternoon hours so I feasted my eyes on the abundant outer wall carvings.
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| Daitya sudan/ Vishnu/ Sun temple, Lonar |
Return Pune via Shirdi
My long road trip comes to an end. Hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. Do comment if you have any other questions. Bye for now!
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