Buldhana · 1D/0N · Easy

Lonar Crater Exploration

Overview

Lonar Crater is one of the planet's only known hyper-velocity meteorite impact craters formed in basalt rock — a 50,000-year-old bowl in the Buldhana district holding a lake that is both saline and alkaline at the same time. The crater rim is lined with centuries-old temples (Daitya Sudan, Gomukh, and a partially submerged Shiva temple), and the shoreline draws flamingos and other migratory birds in winter. This is a geologist's, birder's, and photographer's dream rolled into one. We run it as a comfortable overnight-drive circuit from Mumbai: arrive fresh, walk the forested crater wall down to the shoreline, circle the lake, and climb back up the rim before the heat peaks.

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

Pricing

Starting from ₹3,499 per person. Prices vary by departure city.

Departure City

Departure Dates

Starting from

₹3,499 / person

Departure Date: 25 Sept 2026

Departure City: Mumbai

Travelers

Total₹3,499

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Cancellation policy: Cancellation & Refund Policy

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Day-wise Itinerary

Board the evening bus or car from Mumbai for an overnight drive across the sugarcane belt of Maharashtra to Buldhana. Arrive at Lonar in the early morning. Trek down the crater's forested walls to the lake shore, circle past the ancient temples, then climb back up the rim before the heat of the day. After lunch, begin the return drive to Mumbai with a sunset stop along the way, reaching home by late night.

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)
✓Winter flamingos and migratory birds
✓Geological formation visible in the crater wall strata

Gallery

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

✓Round-trip transport from Mumbai (shared AC vehicle)
✓Experienced local guide with geological interpretation
✓Breakfast and one major meal
✓Forest/temple entry fees

Exclusions

✕Personal expenses and snacks
✕Camera/photography charges (if any)
✕Anything not mentioned in inclusions

Things to Carry

Water bottle (2L)Comfortable walking shoesCap, sunglasses and sunscreenCamera or binoculars for birds

FAQs

What makes Lonar Crater Lake scientifically significant?

Lonar is one of only a handful of hyper-velocity meteorite impact craters formed in basalt rock on Earth, created about 50,000 years ago when a meteorite travelling at approximately 90,000 km/h hit the Deccan Plateau. The lake inside is both saline and alkaline (pH ~10.5), which gives it a unique blue-green colour and supports only certain hardy microbial life.

How difficult is the trek down to the lake?

The descent is easy-to-moderate — about 1.5 km on a well-defined dirt trail with some loose gravel sections. The climb back up in the heat is the challenging part. You should be reasonably fit and carry at least 2 litres of water. We pace the walk with breaks.

Are the ancient temples around the crater still active?

Some are: the Daitya Sudan temple (dedicated to Vishnu) is periodically active, while the Gomukh temple and the partially submerged Shiva temple are more archaeological sites than working shrines. A local guide explains the history and mythology at each stop.

What is included in the trip price?

The ₹3,499 covers round-trip transport from Mumbai in a shared AC vehicle, an experienced guide, breakfast and one major meal, and all forest and temple entry fees. Accommodation is not included as this is an overnight-drive circuit (you arrive fresh in the morning and return the same night).

Will I see flamingos at Lonar?

Flamingos are regular winter visitors (November to February), along with several species of migratory ducks and waders. Sightings depend on the season and current water levels — the lake's unique ecology attracts birds, but no specific species is guaranteed on any given visit.

Starting from

₹3,499 / person

Departure Date: 25 Sept 2026

Departure City: Mumbai

Travelers

Total₹3,499

Secure payment powered by Stripe. You'll be redirected to complete payment.

Cancellation policy: Cancellation & Refund Policy

By booking this trip you agree to our Terms & Conditions

Moderate

Maharashtra · 1D/0N

Canyon Valley Waterfall Rappelling

A canyoning adventure through a narrow gorge in the Sahyadris — rappel down seasonal waterfalls, slide through rock chutes, and wade through plunge pools.

Starting from

₹1,999

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