Buldhana · 1D/0N · Easy

Lonar Crater Lake Trip

Name: Lonar Crater Lake Trip
Brand: Wild Rangers Pune
Price: 3499 INR
Availability: InStock

Overview

Lonar Crater is one of the planet's only known hyper-velocity meteorite impact craters formed in basalt — a 50,000-year-old bowl in the Buldhana district holding a lake that is both saline and alkaline at once. The crater rim hides centuries-old temples (Daitya Sudan, Gomukh, the submerged Shiv temple) and the shoreline draws flamingos and other migratory birds in winter, making it a geologist's, birder's and photographer's dream in a single frame. We run it as a comfortable overnight-drive circuit from Mumbai and Pune: arrive fresh, walk the forested crater wall down to the shoreline, circle the lake, and climb back up the rim before the heat peaks. With a guide handling the route, the history and the safety, you just soak in one of Maharashtra's most surreal natural wonders.

Based in Buldhana, this easy 1-day trek is best attempted during October, November, December, January, February, March — when the trail and surroundings are at their most rewarding.

1 Day

Duration

470m

Max Altitude

Easy

Difficulty

October

Best Season

Departure City

Departure Dates

Cancellation policy: Trek bookings are non-refundable by default. For date changes or special cases, contact us at ayurlove20@gmail.com.

Pickup / Meeting Points

Pickup Points in Mumbai

•Dadar (TT Circle) — 10:30 PM
•Andheri (Western Express Highway) — 10:00 PM
•Vile Parle (East) — 10:15 PM
•Mumbai Central Railway Station — 9:30 PM

Reporting 15 minutes before the listed time is recommended. The same points are used for the return drop.

Day-wise Itinerary

Board the evening bus/car from Mumbai or Pune and enjoy an overnight drive across the sugarcane belt of Maharashtra to Buldhana. Arrive at Lonar in the early morning, freshen up, and have breakfast before the crater exploration begins.

Trip Highlights

✓50,000-year-old meteorite impact crater — one of only a few on Earth
✓Saline + alkaline lake unlike any other in India
✓Ancient crater-rim temples (Daitya Sudan, Gomukh) & a submerged Shiva shrine
✓Winter flamingos & migratory birds around the shoreline

Gallery

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

✓Round-trip transport from Mumbai/Pune (shared AC vehicle)
✓Experienced local guide & crater interpretation
✓Breakfast and one major meal
✓Forest/temple entry fees
✓Basic first-aid and safety support

Exclusions

✕Personal expenses and snacks
✕Camera/photography charges (if any locally)
✕Anything not listed in Inclusions

Things to Carry

Water bottle (2L)Comfortable trekking/walking shoesCap, sunglasses & sunscreenCamera/binoculars for birdsExtra clothes & a light jacket

FAQs

What is special about Lonar Crater Lake?

Lonar Lake sits inside a 50,000-year-old meteorite impact crater — one of the very few hyper-velocity impact craters on Earth. Its water is both saline and alkaline (soda), and the rim is lined with ancient temples, making it a rare geological, ecological and historical site in one.

How difficult is the Lonar Crater descent?

The walk down to the lake and back is easy-to-moderate (around 1.5 km each way) on a well-defined trail, but the climb back up the crater wall in the heat can be tiring — carry water and start early. Good for fit beginners.

What is included in the ₹3499 INR package price?

The package covers round-trip transport from Mumbai/Pune, guide charges, breakfast and one major meal, forest/temple entry fees, and basic safety support. Accommodation is not included as this is an overnight-drive circuit trip.

Why is Lonar Lake saline and alkaline?

Lonar Lake is a meteorite impact crater, and its water is both saline and alkaline (soda) because the basalt bedrock leaches minerals and there is no outflow — evaporation concentrates salts over millennia. It's one of the few such lakes on Earth, which is why Lonar is a geological wonder as much as a pretty lake.

Cancellation policy: Trek bookings are non-refundable by default. For date changes or special cases, contact us at ayurlove20@gmail.com.

More Buldhana trips

Pair your Lonar Crater Lake Trip with these Buldhana companions.

Difficult

Nashik · 2D/1N

Salher Salota Range Trek

Climb North Maharashtra's two highest forts in one go — the Salher Salota range trek from Waghamba, with sweeping Sahyadri views.

(38)

Starting from

₹2,999

View →

Moderate

Ahmednagar District · 1D/0N

Ratangad Trek

A one-day trek to Ratangad — the 'Jewel of the Sahyadris' — a fort with a natural rock-carved needle (Nedhe) and huge Bhandardara views.

(32)

Starting from

₹1,499

View →

Difficult

Ahmednagar District · 2D/1N

Harishchandragad – Kedarnath Fort Trek

A two-day twin-fort trek to Harishchandragad and Kedarnath fort — Konkan Kada, the Kedareshwar cave and a quieter neighbouring peak.

(58)

Starting from

₹2,499

View →

ModerateSale

Matheran Range, Neral · 1D/0N

Vikatgad (Peb Fort) Trek

Climb Vikatgad / Peb Fort near Neral — a moderate forest trek with iron ladders, meditation caves and a Pebi Devi temple, plus views of Matheran, Chanderi and Morbe Dam. Easy day trip from Mumbai/Pune.

Starting from

₹1,099₹1,399

View →

Moderate

Lonavala · 1D/0N

Canyon Valley Waterfall Trek

A one-day monsoon trek down the Canyon Valley near Lonavala — a hidden gorge waterfall plunging into a green canyon, with transport from Mumbai & Pune.

(19)

Starting from

₹1,299

View →