Lonar Crater Lake Near Shegaon: Day Trip Travel Guide & Route

Situated roughly 110 km south of Shegaon within the same district of Buldhana lies one of the planet's most extraordinary natural and geological wonders: Lonar Crater Lake.

Created between 50,000 and 500,000 years ago when a two-million-ton hypervelocity meteorite slammed into the Deccan basalt plateau at an estimated speed of 90,000 km/h, Lonar is the world's only known impact crater formed in basaltic rock. Today, the 1.8-km-wide, 137-meter-deep crater encloses an emerald-green saline and alkaline lake encircled by dense forests, ancient Hemadpanthi stone temples, and vibrant wildlife.

For pilgrims staying at Shegaon Bhakta Niwas who have an extra day to spare, Lonar Lake offers an awe-inspiring day trip that seamlessly blends scientific wonder with 11th-century spiritual heritage.

This travel guide details the road driving route from Shegaon, crater trekking advice, the must-see Daitya Sudan Temple, timings, and day-trip tips.

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1. Quick Trip Overview: Shegaon to Lonar Crater

Parameter	Details
Road Distance	Approximately 110 km to 115 km
Typical Driving Time	2.5 to 3 hours (Each way)
Recommended Vehicle	Private car, SUV, or outstation hired taxi
Crater Diameter & Depth	1.8 km diameter; 137 meters (449 feet) deep
Key Attractions	Lonar Salt Lake, Gomukh Temple, Daitya Sudan Temple, crater trek
Ideal Season	October to March (Cool, pleasant trekking weather)
Base Accommodation	Anand Vihar Bhakta Niwas (Convenient highway start)

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2. Driving Route & Directions from Shegaon

Driving by car or private taxi is the fastest and most practical way to reach Lonar:

The Recommended Highway Route via Mehkar

Shegaon -> Khamgaon -> Mehkar -> Sultanpur -> Lonar Town

1. Shegaon to Khamgaon (~18 km): Head south along State Highway SH-173 (approx. 25 minutes).
2. Khamgaon to Mehkar (~60 km): Well-paved 2-lane to 4-lane state highway through agricultural Vidarbha farmland (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes).
3. Mehkar to Sultanpur & Lonar (~35 km): Straight state road leading directly into the historic town of Lonar (approx. 45 minutes).

Public Transport Option (MSRTC Bus)

Devotees without private vehicles can take an MSRTC bus from Shegaon Bus Stand to Mehkar Depot, then transfer to a local connecting bus or share-jeep heading directly to Lonar (total journey time approx. 3.5 to 4 hours).

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3. What to See and Do at Lonar Crater

Lonar offers a captivating blend of ecological mystery and medieval temple architecture:

1. View from the Crater Rim

The first view of the crater from the government rest house or MTDC viewpoint is breathtaking. A colossal circular depression opens up beneath you, filled with shimmering turquoise water and surrounded by steep jungle slopes.

2. The Gomukh Temple (Dhar Temple)

Perched near the crater rim, a perennial freshwater spring flows continuously through a carved stone cow's head (Gomukh). Pilgrims take a refreshing holy bath here before starting the descent into the crater.

3. Trekking Down to the Crater Lake

• A stone staircase and earthen footpath lead down from the Gomukh Temple through dense forest to the lake shore (a 20- to 30-minute walk down; 40 minutes back up).
• The forest is home to peacocks, langur monkeys, gazelles (chinkara), and over 150 species of resident and migratory birds (including flamingos and shelducks in winter).
• The Unique Water Chemistry: The lake water is both saline and alkaline, hosting rare micro-organisms that scientists believe mirror conditions on Mars. Touching the water feels unusually soapy due to the high mineral concentration.

4. Daitya Sudan Temple (The Khajuraho of Vidarbha)

Located inside Lonar town approximately 1 km from the crater rim, the Daitya Sudan Temple is an architectural masterpiece not to be missed:

• Built in the 11th century by the Chalukya dynasty in the Hemadpanthi style.
• Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who took the form of Daitya Sudan to slay the demon Lavanasura (who according to local legend inhabited the subterranean crater).
• The exterior stone walls feature extraordinarily intricate sculptures of deities, celestial dancers (apsaras), and mythological battles reminiscent of Khajuraho and Konark.

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4. Suggested One-Day Itinerary from Shegaon

• 06:30 AM: Early wake-up; attend Kakad Aarti at Shri Gajanan Maharaj Temple or have quick breakfast at Bhakta Niwas.
• 07:30 AM: Depart Shegaon by car/taxi via Khamgaon and Mehkar.
• 10:15 AM: Arrive at Lonar. Enjoy the crater rim panoramic viewpoint.
• 10:45 AM: Visit the Gomukh Temple; descend the forest trail to the lake basin. Explore ancient shoreline ruins including Kamalja Devi Temple.
• 01:15 PM: Ascend back to the rim. Enjoy local Maharashtrian lunch at MTDC restaurant or town eateries.
• 02:30 PM: Visit the magnificent Daitya Sudan Temple in Lonar town for 45 minutes of architectural photography.
• 03:30 PM: Begin return drive toward Shegaon.
• 06:30 PM: Arrive back in Shegaon. Partake in hot Satvik Mahaprasad at the Sansthan Bhojan Kaksha. Attend evening Shej Aarti.

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5. Practical Trekking & Safety Advice

• Footwear: Wear sturdy sports shoes or trekking shoes with good grip. The descent path can be slippery, especially during or immediately after the monsoon.
• Hydration: Carry 1–2 litres of drinking water per person. There are no vendors selling water at the bottom of the crater.
• Monkeys: Guard food packets, spectacles, and cameras, as playful langurs inhabit the Gomukh Temple trees.
• Timing: Avoid descending into the crater in the middle of summer afternoons (April/May), as heat radiates intensely off the rocky basin.

For regional excursions closer to Shegaon, see our Places to Visit Within 50 km Guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a taxi cost for a round trip from Shegaon to Lonar?

A private round-trip taxi (sedan or hatchback) from Shegaon to Lonar typically charges between ₹2,800 and ₹3,800 including driver allowances and waiting charges.

Is a guide required to visit Lonar Lake?

While not mandatory, hiring an authorized local MTDC youth guide at the Gomukh entrance (₹300–₹500) is highly recommended. Local guides provide fascinating explanations of the meteorite impact physics, geological formations, and temple legends.

Is Lonar Lake safe for senior citizens?

Viewing the crater from the top rim viewpoint and visiting the Daitya Sudan Temple is completely flat and senior-friendly. However, trekking down the 137-meter steep staircase into the crater basin requires good knee health and is not recommended for elderly pilgrims with arthritis.

Can we swim in Lonar Lake?

No. Swimming in the lake is strictly prohibited due to steep, muddy sink-holes, extreme alkaline water chemistry, and the protected status of the Ramsar wetland wildlife sanctuary.

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Plan Your Sacred Vidarbha Yatra

Combine divine darshan with planetary wonder:

• Check prayer timings on the Shegaon Darshan & Aarti Schedule
• Explore accommodation options at Shegaon Bhakta Niwas Overview
• Check seasonal occupancy trends on the Room Availability Guide
• Request booking guidance via our Devotee Assistance Desk