Lonar

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Lonar | type = city | latd = 19.58 | longd = 76.30
locator_position = right | state_name = Maharashtra
district = Buldana
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altitude = 563
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 20,082| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone =
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Lonar is a city and a municipal council in Buldana district of the division of Amravati of the region of Vidarbha in the Indian state of Maharashtra.Lonar is a taluka of the district of Buldhana and is located near Mehkar.It is an important place in Buldhana district and is famous for Lonar crater and Lonar Lake, which is located at Lat: 19°58'N Long: 76°30'E.

Lonar is situated around 550 km from Mumbai, around 160 km from Aurangabad and around 140 km via Buldhana with about 4 1/2 hours drive southeast of the famous Ajanta Caves.

Geography

Lonar is located at coord|19|59|06|N|76|31|23|E|scale:20000|region:IN_type:city|name=Lonar. [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/16/Lonar.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Lonar] ] It has an average elevation of 563 metres (1847 feet).

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] Lonar had a population of 20,082. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Lonar has an average literacy rate of 66%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 74%, and female literacy is 58%. In Lonar, 16% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Getting there

The nearest railway station is Malkapur near Bhusawal railway-junction, on the Mumbai - Bhusawal - Nagpur route of Central Railway of Indian Rail and is around 100 km from Lonar.Alternative is Jalna near Aurangabad and is around 100 km from Lonar.

Regular buses are available from Malkapur and Jalna to Lonar. An alternative option is to take buses going towards Mehkar / Washim / Risod which you can take up to Sultanpur. There are share a cab options from Sultanpur which is around 12 km from Lonar.

What to see

*Lonar Crater The world's only salt water lake in basaltic rock is in Lonar. Lonar crater is believed to have been caused by a meteorite hitting Earth around 50,000 years ago. It has a jungle around the crater and is a good place for bird lovers. Peacocks, Owls and other birds are in abundant here. On the lake and around it you'll find Red-wattled_Lapwing, Ducks and lots of other species. There are around 13 temples around the lake out of which only 3-4 are maintained but the ruins are worth a visit to check the carvings.

*Gaumukh

*Sita Nani

*Motha Maruti

*Daitya Sudan Temple This temple has beautiful carving similar to what can be seen at Khajurao temples. The idol of this temple is made of an ore with high metal content and looks like stone (know the idol to know what this means). Area out-side the gods enclosure is dark and the ceiling is not visible but a bright torch will reveal beautiful carving.

References