Lonavala – Top 7 Best Tourist Places, Hills & Resorts | Best Time to Visit

Lonavala

Lonavala, located between Pune and Mumbai in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, is Maharashtra’s most popular hill station and the place to go during the monsoon season. Numerous lakes, hills, and waterfalls surround it, making it a well-liked location for adventure activities like hiking, camping, and trekking.

A must-see for those who appreciate the natural world, it is surrounded by thick woods, waterfalls, and dams next to lakes. At 624 meters above sea level, Lonavala is one of the twin hill stations (Lonavala and Khandala may be visited together with ease). Among the well-liked tourist destinations in Lonavala are Ryewood Lake, Rajmachi Fort, Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves, and Bushi Dam. In addition, Lonavala is well-known for treks such as the Andharban walk, which begins in the town of Pimpri and finishes in Bhira.

Lonavala is well-known for its production of chikki, a sweet confection made of jaggery and various nuts. It is also a major stop on the train that runs between Pune and Mumbai.

Best time to Visit Lonavala

December through February is the ideal time of year to visit Lonavala. This period has ideal weather for touring, with typical temperatures between 12 and 29 degrees Celsius.

In Lonavala, the monsoon months of June through September bring intense (almost twenty-four-hour) rainfall. This is regarded as a fantastic time to visit if you don’t mind getting wet because Lonavala is gorgeous with vegetation all around.

How to Reach Lonavala

Pune and Mumbai are the two largest cities close to Lonavala. With local trains departing every two hours, it has excellent train connections to Mumbai and Pune. From Mumbai and Pune, one may go to Lonavala via bus or cab. From Mumbai, Thane, Pune, or other surrounding towns, one may easily travel straight by bus or cab, and even the road journey is lovely and well-kept.

Best Places Visit In Lonavala

i) Tiger’s Leap, Lonavala

• Tiger’s Leap viewpoint is one of Lonavala’s main tourist destinations; it’s around 8 kilometers distant. Situated atop a cliff that plunges over 650 meters, it provides an expansive vista of the Western Ghats and the highlands. It’s well-known for its breathtaking views of the dawn and sunset, particularly on clear days.

• This location earned the peculiar name “Tiger’s Leap” due to its resemblance to a tiger jumping into a valley. You can enjoy a captivating view of the valley below from this spot, which is near INS Shivaji. However, it is best to appreciate the breathtaking views from a secure location rather than the unstable top of the cliff. Another noteworthy feature of Tiger’s Leap is the echo point.

ii) Rajmachi

• Rajmachi, a small village in Maharashtra’s Konkan region near the Sahyadri mountain range, is famous for its medieval fortification. The fort is located in proximity to the renowned hills of Khandala and Lonavala and boasts two fortified peaks: Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts.

• Rajmachi, also known as Udhewadi, is the settlement at the foot of the fort. Shivaji Maharaj, Emperor Aurangzeb, Shahu Maharaj, and finally the British rule have all had several rulers in Rajmachi. The Rajmachi Fort is well-known among hikers and adventure seekers. You may drive directly up to Udhewadi village (from the Lonavala side) and then hike for roughly 20-30 minutes to the top of the fort if you want to enjoy a full-fledged trip. Starting from the Kondhane caves side would need 3–4 hours of hiking. Rajmachi is a well-liked walk for novices due to its easy and well-marked trails.

iii) Aamby Valley

• Aamby Valley is a stunning township in the Pune region of Maharashtra, India, located around 24 km from Lonavala. The developer of it is Sahara India Parivar. Developers created the township on a 10,000-acre steep terrain that was previously undeveloped. They shaped its magnificent scenery with environmentally conscious designs and established an urban infrastructure that complies with international standards.

• Many people visit the municipality for a weekend retreat or a daylong picnic. People from around the world come to this unique place for its luxurious metropolitan infrastructure, tranquil atmosphere, and exclusive privileges. The stunning natural surroundings and top-notch infrastructure will leave you amazed. Experience Aamby Valley, Lonavala at least once in your lifetime.

iv) Visapur Fort

A well-known hill fort next to Visapur hamlet, which is near Lonavala, is the Visapur Fort. It is also known as Visapoor Fort and is a well-liked weekend escape from Mumbai and Pune. The magnificent fort is a well-liked trekking location. Although rough, the ascent to Visapur Fort is hospitable. It begins in Bhaje village, takes two to three hours each way, and ends at 3556 feet in elevation.

v) Duke’s Nose

• A well-known overlook called Duke’s Nose is situated around 7 miles from Lonavala. It is incredibly well-known for both its gorgeous setting and trekking. A panoramic view of the stunning Sahyadri Ranges, magnificent valleys, and deep woods that encircle the Sahyadris is one of the main draws for tourists visiting this site. The site is sometimes the perfect place for people to have a picnic when visiting Lonavala.

• The Duke of Wellington, whose nose mirrored the form of the cliff, gave rise to the moniker Duke’s Nose. Because of the cliff’s form, the locals refer to it as Naagphani or the Cobra’s Hood. Duke’s Nose may be seen in its entirety from Khandala’s Sunset Point.

vi) Lonavala Lake

The Indrayani River supplies water to Lonavala Lake, located outside the town. People commonly refer to the lake as the monsoon lake because it fills up during the monsoons and dries off during the winter. It’s a well-liked picnic location with fishing, swimming, and bird viewing available.

vii) Karla Caves

• Karla Caves, a well-known tourist destination close to Lonavala, are historic Buddhist rock-cut caves. Known by several names such as Karli Caves, Karle Caves, or Karla Cells, this Buddhist cave temple is among the oldest in India. One of India’s biggest Chaityas, or prayer halls containing stupas, is located in these caverns. Karla Caves are most famous for the Ekvira Temple that is housed there.

• The Karla Caves, formerly known as Veluraka, houses a large 15-meter pillar and a temple dedicated to the goddess Ekveera. Additionally, there is a Buddhist monastery nearby that dates back to the second century BC. You can observe a significant historic trade route that extends from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan near the caves.

Best Resorts In Lonavala

i) Green Velvet Resort-Near Pawna Lake

• Green Velvet Resort-Near Pawna Lake is a Lonavala property with a garden. This motel has free WiFi, a restaurant, room service, and a front desk open around the clock. Mountain views are available to guests.

• The resort’s rooms provide a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, a closet, air conditioning, and towels in addition to a view of the city. Refrigerators are available in guest rooms.

• At the three-star resort, table tennis and darts are available.

• Green Velvet Resort-Near Pawna Lake is located 66 kilometers from Pune International Airport, the closest airport.

ii) Resort and Spa Lonavala

• The Radisson Resort and Spa Lonavala is located in Lonavala, 6 km from Bhushi Dam and 8 km from Lion’s Point. It has a fitness facility and a bar. This facility has free WiFi, a restaurant, and a front desk open around the clock in addition to room service. The resort has a kids’ club and a hot tub.

• The amenities in the guest rooms include desks, kettles, bidets, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs with satellite programming. All of the rooms include a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a shower; some also have a kitchenette with a minibar. All of the resort’s accommodations come with towels and bed linens.

• There’s a buffet or à la carte breakfast options at Radisson Resort and Spa Lonavala.

• Tiger Point is about 8 miles away from the lodging. The Radisson Resort and Spa Lonavala is located 59 kilometers from Pune International Airport, which is the closest airport.

iii) Rhythm Lonavala

• Lonavala lodging is provided by RHYTHM, Lonavala. The resort has a restaurant that serves food, as well as an outdoor pool and fitness facility that are open all year round. On-site private parking is free.

• This resort features flat-screen TVs and air conditioning in each room. After a long day, guests can unwind in the sitting areas in some of the rooms. There’s a kettle in the space. Every room has a separate shower-only bathroom. Bathrobes, complimentary amenities, and a hair dryer are provided for your comfort. On-site private parking is free.

• At the resort, table tennis and pool are available games. Pune International Airport, which is located 57 kilometers from the property, is the closest.

iv) Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa

• Within the 320-acre Shillim Estate, nestled in the Sahyadri mountain range, Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa boasts opulent villas, four tranquil terraces, and a yoga pavilion. Its vast spa offers more than 150 treatments, and there are 7 dining and drinking alternatives.

• From Shillim, Lonavla is 45 minutes distant by car, while Pune is 1.5 hours away. The resort is about a three-hour drive from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

• There is a separate spa treatment facility and large outdoor spaces in every air-conditioned villa. They have a daybed included. A separate bathtub and shower are among the opulent bathroom facilities of a private bathroom. There is an espresso coffee machine, a 42-inch HD TV, and a safe in each room.
  

v) Zostel Plus Lonavala

• Zostel Plus Lonavala is your holiday indulgence situated by Pawna Lake, bringing luxury to the lively Zostel atmosphere. Our hostel has a swimming pool, lakeside gazebos, an infinity hammock, several lively common rooms, extensive gardens, swings, sofas, and a workstation area to pamper you with mini pockets of leisure. There are lots of options for a comfortable stay, including stylish dormitories, magnificent cottages with a balcony and jacuzzi, tranquil villas, and sumptuous rooms. Outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, island excursions, and fishing provide a wonderful experience with loved ones.

• Zostel Plus, like our hostels and homestays, arose from our desire to reimagine social travel. Our Zostel Plus hotels are built from the bottom up to pamper you with spectacular settings, first-rate services, and one-of-a-kind stay experiences. Come live it up with us.

Best Hotels Visit In Lonavala

i) Jumbo Paradise

• Jumbo Paradise, Pawna Lake, Lonavala, has a garden. Free WiFi and free private parking are available to visitors, and there is an outdoor pool that is open all year round.

• Every accommodation at the resort has a flat-screen TV and a sofa space. Each accommodation at Jumbo Paradise, Pawna Lake, has a private bathroom and air conditioning.

• The lodging offers a vegetarian breakfast to its patrons.

• Jumbo Paradise at Pawna Lake is 65 km from Pune International Airport, the closest airport.

ii) Nostravila

• In Lonavala, Nostravila offers air-conditioned lodging. Tiger Point and Lion’s Point are two well-liked locations of interest around the property—a distance: of 2.4 kilometres to Bhushi Dam.

• Every accommodation at the resort has a terrace and a personal swimming pool. Nostravila’s rooms include a garden view and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.

• Breakfast in Asian style is served every morning at the resort. The property is located 57 kilometers from Pune International Airport.

iii) Hotel Om Inn

Hotel Om Inn – Talegaon Dabhade is located in Talegaon Dābhāde, 29 kilometers from the University of Pune. It provides accommodations with a restaurant, a garden, a patio, and private parking. This three-star hotel has a place to store bags. The air-conditioned rooms provide free WiFi, a wardrobe, and a view of the city.

• The hotel’s accommodations have a seating area, a private bathroom with free amenities a shower, and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.

• At the reception, staff members who speak Hindi, Marathi, and English would be pleased to give visitors useful information about the region.

• Bund Garden is 33 kilometers distant from Hotel Om Inn – Talegaon Dabhade, and Pataleshwar Cave Temple is 33 km away. Pune International Airport, which is 40 km from the lodging, is the closest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)