Lonar Crater & Lake
The impact crater itself, one of the few known hypervelocity impact craters in basalt rock worldwide.
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Lonar Crater Lake
Maharashtra, India· Last updated
- Best time
- October–February
- Getting there
- Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar) Airport, approx. 140–160 km; Nagpur, a further alternative for those approaching from the east.
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The main season, cool and comfortable for the crater walk and temple visits.
Nearest Airport
Lonar Crater Lake sits in Buldhana district in the Vidarbha region, formed an estimated 35,000 to 50,000 years ago when a meteorite struck the Deccan basalt plateau at hypervelocity — a geological rarity significant enough that Lonar ranks among only a small number of known impact craters worldwide formed in basalt rock, and remains a site of ongoing scientific study by researchers including NASA and ISRO. The circular crater, roughly 1.8 km in diameter, holds a saline-alkaline lake at its base, its unusual chemistry supporting distinct microbial life and turning the water a notable pink-tinged color under certain conditions. Lonar suits travelers drawn to genuine geological rarity and scientific curiosity, layered with an unexpected density of ancient temples — over a dozen, dating from various periods, are scattered along the crater's inner slopes and rim, some still active sites of worship despite centuries of exposure. A walking trail circles and descends into the crater, offering both close encounters with the temple ruins and a chance to appreciate the sheer, still-visible geometry of the impact site. Given its remoteness in Vidarbha and how little mainstream Maharashtra tourism promotes it, Lonar remains one of the most under-visited genuinely extraordinary natural sites in the entire country.
Nearby highlights
Daitya Sudan Temple
A significant ancient temple on the crater's rim.
Crater Rim Walking Trail
A path circling and descending into the crater, passing multiple temple ruins.
Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary
The forest surrounding the crater, home to modest wildlife and birdlife.
Buldhana District Countryside
The wider Vidarbha agricultural landscape surrounding the site.
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How to reach Lonar Crater Lake
Nearest Airport: Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar) Airport, approx. 140–160 km; Nagpur, a further alternative for those approaching from the east. Nearest Railway Station: Jalna Railway Station, approx. 90–100 km; Malkapur Railway Station, a closer regional option. By Road: From Aurangabad, drive to Lonar, roughly 140-150 km, taking approximately 3-3.5 hours; regular buses connect from Aurangabad, Jalna, and Buldhana.
Best time to visit
October–February: The main season, cool and comfortable for the crater walk and temple visits. March–June: Warmer, though still visitable with an early start. July–September: Monsoon season, the crater and surrounding countryside turn dramatically green.
Where it is
Frequently asked questions
How many days are enough for Lonar Crater Lake?
A day trip covers the rim walk, crater descent, and main temples comfortably.
Is Lonar suitable for families and couples?
Yes, the rim walk is easy; the descent into the crater involves more sustained walking on uneven terrain.
Why is the lake sometimes pink?
The lake's saline-alkaline chemistry supports specific microbial life, which under certain conditions produces a visible pink tinge in the water.
What are the must-visit places near Lonar Crater Lake?
Ajanta and Ellora Caves, both reachable within a few hours.
Packages that cover Lonar Crater Lake
Ready-made Maharashtra itineraries from TripDnD-verified local experts — customise dates, stays and pace.
Shirdi Sai Baba Darshan
2N Mumbai · 2N Shirdi · 2N Aurangabad
Maharashtra · 6 Nights / 7 Days
By Wheels And Wings
Pilgrimage
From
₹33,000
per person
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