One of my favorite travel destination is Lonar lake in India. It is the only place probably in the world which is of significance to Geologist, Naturalist, Archaeologist, Ecologists, Astronomers. The crater was created by impact of meteor around 50,000 years ago. The crater is almost a perfect circle with the rim diameter of 1.8 km and the lake diameter of 1.2 km.
The place has great archaeological significance, as it is surrounded by Temples built around 1000 - 1500 years ago. There a dense forest cover around the rim of crater with variety of birds.
Around the lake there are magnificent temples. One of the large temple is the Daitya Sudan temple and was built between 6th and 12th centuries. It was built in honor of Lord Vishnu's victory over demon - Lonasur and local folk lore and mythology.
The impact of the meteor created a 12-inch sweet water stream, which keeps flowing into the lake. Quite amazing, this stream of water has been flowing ever since, for hundreds of years. Although the lake itself is saline, almost as sea water.
There are other temples around the rim, which are mostly in ruins, but gives a spiritual feel, while the meteoric event that created this crater gives cosmic energy to the place. A walk around crater rim, which is covered by forest area and greenery is a very pleasant experience.
Hope this place is maintained well by the authorities and take steps to prevent deforestation around the lake and pollutants flowing into the lake. Some of the local festivals with large pilgrims entering the crater is a threat to lake. Authorities needs to educate locals and provide them with alternatives for their festivals.
Lonar lake is one of its kind on Earth and is a Geological and Archaeological landmark.
The place has great archaeological significance, as it is surrounded by Temples built around 1000 - 1500 years ago. There a dense forest cover around the rim of crater with variety of birds.
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| Lonar meteor impact crater Lake |
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| Magnificent carvings on the temple. |
There are other temples around the rim, which are mostly in ruins, but gives a spiritual feel, while the meteoric event that created this crater gives cosmic energy to the place. A walk around crater rim, which is covered by forest area and greenery is a very pleasant experience.
Hope this place is maintained well by the authorities and take steps to prevent deforestation around the lake and pollutants flowing into the lake. Some of the local festivals with large pilgrims entering the crater is a threat to lake. Authorities needs to educate locals and provide them with alternatives for their festivals.
Lonar lake is one of its kind on Earth and is a Geological and Archaeological landmark.
