When it comes to witnessing the most unique sights in India, the Lonar Crater Lake should make it to the top of your bucket list. This mysterious geological phenomenon came to birth about 50,000 years ago when a meteor crashed into our planet and created this massive crater that eventually became a lake. But what’s fascinating is that you’ll come across a bunch of legends and magnificent sights on your visit to this lake. Here’s all that you need to know to make the most of your visit to Lonar Lake:
How Was Lonar Lake Created?
Over 50,000 years ago, a meteor that weighed about 2 million tons crashed into this little town in Maharashtra, at a speed of close to 90,000 kmph. The impact created a crater that is 1.8 km wide and 150 m deep. Over the years, water from rains and streams collected in it, and that’s how Lonar Lake came to be.
Where Is Lonar Lake Located?
The Lake is situated in the little town, Lonar, which falls under the Buldhana district of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region.
How Do You Get There?
Getting To Lonar Lake By Air
The closest airport to Lonar Lake is the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport in Aurangabad, which is about 136 km away.
Getting To Lonar Lake By Train
Lonar Lake isn’t well connected by train, so you’ll have to either take a train to Aurangabad (143 km away) or Shegaon (121 km away). We recommend going via Aurangabad as it’s better connected.
Getting To Lonar Lake By Road
The best way to reach Lonar Lake is from Aurangabad. You can easily drive down to the town from Aurangabad as it only takes about 4 hours. Getting a bus to the place is also just as easy from Aurangabad’s CIDCO bus stand. Buses can take up to 9 hours, so plan your travels accordingly. In this scenario, we would advise taking an overnight bus. Cabs are also available, but would be relatively expensive. In any case, getting to Lonar by road is the best option available.
What Makes It Special?
It’s unique in every sense of the word. This crater is the only one on the entire planet that is formed in basaltic rocks. Known to be the largest on earth, Lonar Lake is both saline and alkaline in nature and has been a thing of wonder to NASA scientists for this and many other reasons. Questions like why a compass does not work in certain parts of the lake or why rare microorganisms are supported by the lake still boggle their minds.
If that’s not enough for you, the path that takes you to Lonar Lake is quite exciting too. You’ll have to trek a forest trail where you get to witness a variety of birds like blue jays and baya weavers. You’ll also come across a bunch of really old abandoned temples and houses. The area surrounding the lake is considered a national park that is home to many migratory birds and creatures such as chinkaras, gazelles, and the monitor lizard.
Many temples around the lake have interesting stories of their own. One of the more interesting ones is the Daitya Sudan temple that’s dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Local legend has it that the temple was built in honor of Lord Vishnu for defeating the demon Lonasura, who had made the Lonar Crater his lair. Is this why some people believe the place seems gloomy?
No way to tell. But there’s no denying that the Lonar Crater Lake is a fascinating spectacle that definitely has a lot of stories to tell and many minds to stimulate. The place is definitely a bonus for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. One thing is for sure, regardless of the kind of traveler you are, this one-of-a-kind place is something you should experience.
FAQs
What Happened Lonar Lake?
Lonar Lake is basically a crater that was formed when an asteroid crashed into the Deccan Plateau about 50,000 years ago. As water collected into the crater over centuries, it became a lake.
Why Lonar Lake Water pink?
Scientists were baffled when the usually greenish Lonar Lake suddenly turned pink around June 2020. The change was so significant that it could be seen through satellite imagery. The reason behind it is the large presence of the microorganism Haloarchaea, which produces a pink pigment.
Why Lonar Lake Water salty?
The streams that flow into Lonar Lake also deposit salts and minerals. But as the Lonar Crater Lake doesn’t drain away the water, the salts get collected and simply stay there. This high salinity and alkalinity are the reasons why there are no fish in Lonar Lake.
Where Is The Lonar Lake Located In India?
Lonar Lake is located in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra, but the best way to reach it is via Aurangabad.
What Does Lonar Mean?
The name Lonar appears to have its roots in Lonasura, a demon who is said to have lived in the Lonar Crater.
What Is Lonar Famous For?
Lonar is best known for the Lonar Crater Lake, which is among the largest saltwater lakes in India. The area around the lake is also popular for hiking and for observing different species of birds and animals.
How Far Is Lonar Lake From Mumbai?
Lonar Lake is about 500 km away from Mumbai. A road trip would take you about 10-11 hours.
How Many Crater Lakes Are There In India?
There are three crater lakes in India:
- Lonar Lake, Maharashtra
- Ramgarh Crater, Rajasthan
- Dhala Crater, Madhya Pradesh
What Is The Depth Of Lonar Lake?
Lonar Lake has an average depth of 137 meters, and its deepest point is 170 meters.
Where Is The Largest Salt Water Lake In India?
Sambhar Salt Lake in Rajasthan is the largest salt lake in India. The lake covers an area of about 230 sq km.
