A pilgrimage festival centered on the Kamalja (Kamala) Devi Temple near Lonar Crater Lake. The crater's sacred temples, dating back to the 6th century, draw devotees throughout the year. Large numbers of pilgrims visit during the festival, believing the lake to be sacred and that Lord Vishnu created it to preserve the universe. The Daitya Sudan Temple (built in Hemadpanti style) and Gomukh Temple (with a perennial stream flowing from a cow-shaped rock carving) are also active pilgrimage sites.
Why it mattersReligious—goddess worship and sacred lake pilgrimage; geological—unique 52,000-year-old meteorite crater surrounded by temples
Getting there
Nearest airport
Aurangabad Airport (IXU) — 150km
Nearest railway
Jalna Railway Station — 80km
Where to stay in Lonar Crater
MTDC Resort Lonar
₹₹government-hotel · Lonar Crater rim
Maharashtra Tourism's resort on the rim of India's only meteor-impact saline crater lake — basic A/C cottages, in-house restaurant, the closest formal accommodation to the lake rim walk. The default and effectively only choice for Lonar overnight.
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Where to eat
MTDC Tarangan Restaurant
LegendaryMTDC Resort Lonar, crater rim · ₹₹
SignatureMaharashtrian thali with crater-view dining
Dinner 7-9pm catches the post-sunset lake reflection; book a window seat ahead +91-7260-221602. Cards + UPI.
Vikrant Hotel & Restaurant
Dhar Road, Lonar town · ₹
SignatureMaharashtrian non-veg thali
Lunch 12.30-2pm fills with the day-trip rush; book +91-94234-04567 ahead. Cash + UPI; cards above ₹500. Mutton curry takes 30 min — order ahead.
Krushnai Family Restaurant Lonar
Lonar crater approach road · ₹
SignatureMaharashtrian thali + tandoori
Crater-walk visitors typically eat 1.30-3pm; pre-crater breakfast 9-11am is quieter. Cash + UPI.
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What else to see in Lonar Crater
Lonar Crater Lake
Crater lake formed by meteorite impact 50,000 years ago, diameter 1.8km, depth 150m. Only known hypervelocity impact crater in basaltic rock. Lake is simultaneously saline and alk…
Daitya Sudan Temple
Ancient temple on the crater rim dedicated to Hanuman. The name means 'slayer of demons'. Built with large stone blocks and architectural details reflecting regional styles.
Kamalja Devi Temple
Ancient temple located inside the crater. Dedicated to the goddess Kamalja. Accessible via descent path from crater rim. Unique location within the crater basin.
Gomukh Temple
Temple on the crater rim with the name 'Gomukh' (cow's mouth). Ancient structure with historical significance. Offers views of the crater and surrounding landscape.
MTDC Interpretation Centre
Information center managed by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. Displays geological history of the crater, meteorite impact science, and local ecology. Educational reso…
