Lonar Crater…. The extraOrdinary Lake

I needed a weekend plan…. So I started searching for destination near Aurangabad. There were several as Aurangabad itself is a tourist destination. I needed a quiet and beautiful place to relax. So Google threw these results at me.

·         Khuldabad

·         Lonar

·         Shani Shignapur

·         Pariyon ka Talab

·         Paithan

·         Pithalkora

I researched a little more and finalized Lonar. The distance was not much.

And what attacked me its geographical importance and yet its ‘not so popular’ image. Lonar Lake is not just an ordinary lake. It is the result of a meteor impact (the mystery of space and Earth)!!

So the crater was formed fifty-two thousand years ago, when a meteor crashed into the earth at an estimated speed of 90,000 kmph, weighing 2 million tonnes. It gouged a hole that was 1.8 km wide and 150 m deep. It is one of Earth’s largest (third largest) and only hyper-velocity impact crater in basaltic rock.

As I am an impatient reader and an instant planner, I was already on my way to Loanar before I could gather other facts!

It was a 3 hrs smooth drive through MH SH 183. The weather was cool and Sun seem to be gentle and worm making our trip wonderful.

When I reached my destination, it didn't give me a chance to complain. In fact I was impressed by the scenic beauty instead. It was more than I bargained for.

The MTDC resort near the Crater Lake will promise you a wonderful stay and an awesome view of the Lake.

Why isn't it so popular?? this is all I could ask myself. 

And this place is a HEAVEN for the nature lovers. The forest surrounding the lake which grew over time, is a repository of medicinal herbs and plants like custard apples, eucalyptus, lemon grass, bamboos, and teak. It’s a theater for birdwatchers, with several species of migratory and local birds such as Shelduck, Black-winged stilts, Brahminy ducks, Red-wattle Lapwings, Blue jays, Bay weavers, Hoopoes, Barn owls, Golden oriole, Larks, Tailor birds, Parakeet and Peafowl.  

Among the inhabitant are gazelle, langur, bats, mongoose, barking deer and chinkara, snakes, scorpions, monitor lizards and different insects and amphibians.

Even though, I was not lucky enough to see any of these animals except langurs.

The water is saline and highly alkaline (pH reported as 11) at the same time and has a green hue due to presence of different algae.  It has fourteen types of ‘Shaival’ (algae). And no fish!! There is a fresh water spring which feeds the lake it is called Sita Kund. 

Lonar Lake has triggered NASA scientists and officials from the Geological Survey of India to attempt answers to questions like: Why is the lake alkaline and saline at the same time? Why does it support micro-organisms rarely found elsewhere on Earth? Why do compasses fail to work in certain parts of the crater? And what lurks at the bottom?

Yet it attacks so little tourists??? 

There are several abundant temples as you walk through the jungle around the circumference of the lake. Vishnumandir, Wagh Mahadev, Mora Mahadev, Munglyacha Mandir and Goddess Kamalaja Devi are the other temples found inside the crater.

The legends say that a demon named Lonasur triumphed over the place. Because of which even the place has got its name. The crater was his den. Where Lord Vishnu in form of Daityasudan  destroyed the demon. Since the demons murky blood and flesh got mixed in the water, made it alkaline and salty.

The Daitya Sudan temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, slayer of the demon Lonasura which is located in the middle of the town. The temple itself is reminiscent of Khajuraho, with erotic sculptures of copulating couples and ravaging beasts.

Lonar is where a small piece of space has created heaven on the earth. It’s here that your astronomical adventure blends with myth and legends. And the beauty of nature tickle your senses.