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Not
your run of the mill destination, Lonar Crater is both an
intriguing and mesmerising place. The first glimpse of the
crater from the top against the backdrop of the setting sun
is sure to take your breath away and only a fisheye (28 mm
wide angle lens) can attempt to do justice in capturing the
beautiful vista.
The third largest salt water lake in the world, Lonar Crater
is a huge bowl (roughly 7 kms in circumference and 1.6 kms
in diameter) carved out due to the impact of a huge meteor
50,000 years ago. Oldest meteoric crater in the world, ante-dating
its nearest rival, the Canyon-Diabolo of Arizona in the United
States by a clear 230 centuries, it was first discovered in
1823 by British officer, C J E Alexander. Lonar Crater also
finds mention in ancient scripts like the Skanda Puran and
Padma Puran and the Aaina-i-Akbari. During the days of emperor
Akbar, Lonar also housed a salt factory.
The small Vishnu temple and most others in the vicinity are
constructed in the Hemadpanthi style ie without use of cementing
agents. While most temples are now permanent abodes of bats
and mice, only ones that attract pilgrims have some resemblance
to their original selves. Gomukh Temple, along the rim of
the crater with a perennial stream is another interesting
site.
The crater has potential as a bird sanctuary and also one
can sight langoors, snakes, monitor lizards, mongoose, fox
and deers. To promote tourism in this area, Maharashtra Tourism
Development Corporation (MTDC) has constructed Crater View
Tourist Complex. Along with Ajanta, Ellora, Daulatabad Fort
and Jaikwadi Dam, Lonar Crater is an important and exciting
tourist getaway from Aurangabad.
- Air:
The nearest airport is at Aurangabad, 170 km away.
- Rail:
The nearest railway station is Jalna 90 km away.
- Road:
It is well connected by regular bus service from Malkapur,
Khamgaon, Aurangabad, Ajanta, Buldhana, Jalgaon and Mumbai.
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