Destination Guide
Lonar Crater Lake Tour from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar — Complete Guide 2025
Lonar Lake is one of India's most extraordinary geological sites — a 52,000-year-old meteor impact crater that created the world's second-largest saline and alkaline lake. At 140 km from Sambhajinagar, it's a perfect day trip.
Lonar Lake — Key Facts
🌊 Age: 52,000+ years
📏 Diameter: 1.8 km
🔬 Type: Saline + Alkaline
🌿 Sanctuary: Lonar Wildlife
🏛️ Temples: 12+ ancient
📍 Distance: 140 km from Sambhajinagar
What to See at Lonar
- Lonar Lake viewpoint — The main crater rim view; ideal at sunrise
- Daitya Sudan Temple — 12th-century Hemadpanthi temple inside the crater
- Kamalja Devi Temple — Ancient temple on the lake shore
- Wakatal viewpoint — Best photography point overlooking the lake
- Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary — Flamingos, migratory birds, and langurs
Best Time to Visit Lonar
October to March (post-monsoon and winter) is ideal. The lake turns a vivid pink/green from algae after monsoon rains — the pink flamingo season (November–January) is especially spectacular. Summer (April–June) is very hot and not recommended.
Route & Vehicle
Route: Sambhajinagar → Aurangabad Bypass → Buldana → Lonar (140 km, 2.5 hours). Best vehicle for small groups: Innova Crysta or Maharaja 10-seater. For larger groups: Maharaja 13-seater (₹30/km) or Force Urbania (₹31/km). Round trip cost (13-seater): ~₹8,400.