It has a history that goes back more than 50,000 years, carved out when a meteor struck it. Lonar Lake, near Lonar village in the Buldhana District of Maharashtra, is a source of excitement not only for tourists but also for the scientist community.

Lonar is the third natural salt-water lake in the world, with a diameter of 1800 meter. It ranks third amongst the world’s five largest craters.
The Lonar Crater is the only meteorite crater in basaltic rock, very much like the craters on the moon. It is a scientific phenomenon and a

national treasure that must be preserved. The crater has not only been attracting numerous foreigners to study the impact of a meteorite that occurred 50,000 years ago, but also tourists from around the country to enjoy the beauty and visit the temples, some of which date around the 11th century. A road moves around the upper edge of the crater with lookout areas. Unfortunately the path inside the crater, along the lake runs only part of the way. Though there are others that one can stroll along, admiring the beauty and tranquility of the place. Peacocks and monkeys are sighted in abundance as are numerous ducks and partridges. Winter, brings migratory flamingoes.

The soil where the meteor hit and created the crater is extremely fertile. The area in and around became lush green and has led to the growth of an incredible ecology, supporting numerous species of birds and animals. The animals and birds visible here are migratory Flamingoes, Indian Moorhen, Coot, Dabchick, Langoors, Chinkaras, Peacocks and Gazelles.