Lonavala Travel Guide - Everything You Need to Know
Close to megacities like Pune and Mumbai, Lonavala is situated in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats and is one of Maharashtra's most visited hill stations. With a plethora of waterfalls, pristine lakes, and hills surrounding the place, Lonavala is a monsoon destination popular for camping, trekking, and other fun activities.
If you are a nature enthusiast, then Lonavala is the place for you. It is surrounded by lush green forests, waterfalls, and lakes. It is made up of two hill stations, Lonavala and Khandala, which are 634 metres above sea level. Some of the major attractions of Lonavala are Bushi Dam, Bhaja Caves, Rajmachi Fort, Karla Caves, Ryewood Lake, and others. Lonavala is home to many famous treks, like the Andharban Trek, which starts from Pimpri village and ends in Bhira village. Keep reading to know more information about Lonavala in this article.
If you have a sweet tooth, then you will definitely love Lonavala. It is also popular for producing a hard candy made of jaggery and nuts called Chikki. Lonavala is a major halt on the railway line connecting Pune and Mumbai.
History of Lonavala
Initially, Lonavala was part of the Yadava Dynasty. Later, the Mughal emperors understood the area's strategic importance and included the region in their territory. According to Lonavala’s history, this place has many forts that played an important role in the history of the Maratha Empire and the Peshwa Empire. After the downfall of the Mughals, in 1871, the Governor of the Bombay Presidency, Lord Elphinstone, discovered the Lonavala and Khandala hill stations.
Major Attractions Of Lonavala
1. Tiger’s Leap
Just 8 kilometres outside of Lonavala, Tiger’s Leap is a must-visit tourist location, perfect for Lonavala sightseeing. The 650-metre tall cliff offers a comprehensive view of the Western Ghats and the hills. The most exciting spot at Tiger’s Leap is the echo point.
2. Rajmachi Fort
Located between the two hill stations, Khandala and Lonavala, Rajmachi Fort is a famous spot overlooking breathtakingly beautiful views of the region.
3. Imagicaa
A world-class amusement park by Adlabs, Imagicaa is a unique picnic spot with loads of entertainment options. Situated on Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Imagicaa is the latest attraction added to the list of Lonavala’s entertainment hubs.
4. Aamby Valley
Amby Valley is a unique place famous for its irreplaceable grandeur and plush signature features. Sahyadri peaks and the Koyarigarh Fort offer a mind-blowing view of the Aamby Valley.
5. Lonavala Lake
Located on the outskirts of Lonavala, by the Indrayani River, Lonavala Lake fills up during the monsoons and dries up during winters. Here, activities like bird watching, swimming and angling are prevalent.
6. Karla Caves
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Lonavala, Karla Caves, is an ancient Buddhist rock-cut cave and one of the oldest cave shrines in India. These caves are home to one of India's largest Chaityas or prayer halls with a stupa. Ekvira Temple, built inside the caves, is a sight to behold.
7. Bushi Dam
The Bushi Dam is again one of the most fantastic travel getaways to visit in Maharashtra. Many people look forward to visiting this place over the weekends and enjoying the scenic vibe. The times to visit this dam are 9 AM - 5 PM.
Things to Do in Lonavala
- Trekking: Popular trekking trails include Rajmachi Fort, Lohagad Fort, and Duke’s Nose.
- Camping: Pawna Lake and Tungarli Lake offer beautiful campsites with bonfire and adventure activities.
- Waterfall Chasing: Visit Kune Falls, Bhivpuri Waterfalls, and Reverse Waterfall in monsoon.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience breathtaking aerial views of Lonavala’s hills and valleys.
- Cave Exploration: Explore ancient Buddhist caves at Karla and Bhaja.
- Enjoy Local Delicacies: Try famous Lonavala chikki (a sweet made of jaggery and nuts) and vada pav.
Best Time to Visit Lonavala
The best time to visit Lonavala depends on the experience you're looking for:
- Monsoon (June to September): This is the most beautiful time to visit, as the entire region is covered in lush greenery, with waterfalls in full flow and misty landscapes. However, roads can be slippery.
- Winter (October to February): The most comfortable time for sightseeing, trekking, and outdoor activities, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C.
- Summer (March to May): While summers can be warm (25°C to 35°C), mornings and evenings remain pleasant. It’s a good time to visit for those who prefer fewer crowds.
How To Reach Lonavala
Lonavla is about 100 kilometres from Mumbai airport and offers a lovely roundtrip in Maharashtra. As it lies on the connecting railway line of Mumbai and Pune, the train is a vital mode of transportation to reach Lonavala. Several trains stop at Lonavala. However, the best mode of transport to reach Lonavala is via road from Mumbai or Pune.
- Nearest Metropolitan City. Mumbai
- Distance From Pune. 64 Kms
- Distance From Mumbai. 83 Kms
- Distance From Pune International Airport. 64 Kms
- Distance From Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport. 104 Kms
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By Air
Lonavala doesn’t have a dedicated airport, but one can easily deboard at the Pune International Airport (PNQ), which is about 64 kilometres away. Visitors can spend a little extra and enjoy a seaplane ride from Pune or Mumbai.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Lonavala
By Train
Lonavala Railway Station is a significant Mumbai - Pune railway line stop. The local trains from Pune leave in 2 hours. For other trains from Mumbai, Khopoli is the station where they deboard. From Khopoli, the remaining distance can be covered by local buses. From Pune, it takes around one hour to reach Lonavala.
By Road
Lonavala is located on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, just 64 kilometres away from Pune and 96 kilometres from Mumbai. Lonavala is easily accessible from both cities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lonavala
Q. Where is Lonavala located?
A. Lonavala is a hill station in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India.
Q. What are some of the tourist attractions in Lonavala?
A. Lonavala has several tourist attractions, including the Bhushi Dam, the Karla Caves, the Lohagad Fort, the Tung Fort, the Valvan Dam, and the Rajmachi Wildlife Sanctuary.
Q. Is Lonavala closer to Mumbai or Pune?
A. Lonavala is a hill station in the Pune district. It is approximately 40 miles towards the west of Pune.
Q. Is Lonavala better than Mahabbaleshwar?
A. Lonavala is a beautiful hill station offering various adventure activities and other explorations. Mahabaleshwar is intended to offer a stunning romantic setting for the couples and lovers alike.
Travel Tip
Bring an umbrella and a raincoat because it rains heavily in Lonavala. The right pair of shoes can help you walk on slippery trails and difficult terrain.
