Rich in natural beauty, Lonavala is a great destination to spend a weekend.
This place is close to Pune and Mumbai, which accommodate greenery. Lonavala is the best place for a honeymoon family vacation and fun with friends, Lonavala has beautiful hill stations and historical places to attract tourists. Rajmachi Point, Bhaja Caves, Lohagad Fort, Pawna Lake, etc. are places that make the tourists feel natural.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lonavala is situated in the Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India. |
| Best Time to Visit | October to February for pleasant weather and optimal sightseeing conditions. |
| Weather | Tropical climate with a distinct monsoon season from June to September, which showcases lush greenery and waterfalls but can be challenging for travel. |
| How to Reach | – By Train: Frequent local and express trains from Mumbai and Pune.
– By Road: Approximately 82 km via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. – By Taxi/Rideshare: Flexible and comfortable, with options available from major cities nearby. – By Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai International Airport, followed by a road or train journey to Lonavala. |
| Major Attractions | Bhushi Dam, Lonavala Lake, Tiger’s Leap, Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi Point, and many more. |
| Activities | Trekking, sightseeing, visiting historical forts, exploring caves, and enjoying local cuisine. |
| Accommodation Options | Wide range from luxury resorts to budget hotels and homestays. |
| Travel Tips | Carry rain gear if visiting during monsoon; book accommodation in advance during peak travel months. |
Here is the list of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Lonavala:
1. Lohagarh Fort
Lohagad fort (fort) is situated at an altitude of more than 1050 meters. It is situated at a distance of 20 km from Lonavala.
It was extensively used by Chhatrapati Shivaji and is historically significant to house several dynasties of the Vidarbha and Maratha kingdoms. Lohagad fort is situated on a huge rock in the Sahyadri hills.
- Location: Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
2. Rajmachi Point
Rajmachi Point located in Lonavala is a very beautiful place for tourism. This place is located about 6 kilometers from Lonavla. The greenery spread all around makes the waterfalls and valleys more beautiful.
Tourists come here and feel relaxed. This place is very good for photography. The beautiful parks and temples situated at this place attract tourists. This place is very beautiful for the shooting of the film.
- Location: Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Read Also: November Adventure Trips Near Mumbai
3. Lions Point
The distance from the Bushi dam to Lions Point is located about 4.5 kilometers. Lion Point lies between the Bushi dam and Aamby Valley. The distance from Lonavla to Lion Point is about 12 kilometers.
After being a Lion Point, you can go to the Aamby Valley. You can see the beautiful mountains of the valley from Lion Point and Tiger Point, from here you get a wonderful view of the green waterfalls Fog.
- Location: Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Timings: 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
4. Bhaja Caves
Bhaja caves are located in the entire district of Maharashtra near Lonavala. This cave is a group of 22 caves. It is built by cutting stones in the second century BC. Statues of Suryanarayana and Indra Dev are installed inside this cave.
Bhaja’s caves are located at a distance of 12 km from Lonavala. These caves are located 400 feet above Bhaja village.
- Location: Near Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
5. Pavana Lake
Pavana Lake located in Lonavala is a romantic place for tourists. This lake is located 15 km from Lonavala and Lohagad Fort. There are very good greenery and a beautiful environment all around this lake.
The most important thing about this lake is that you will not see too much crowd here, you can spend your holidays in peace and enjoy yourself with your family. Most tourists from Mumbai and Pune come here to celebrate.
- Location: Near Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Timings: No specific timings
6. Bhushi Dam
Bushi Dam is a famous picnic spot in Lonavla. Tourists get delighted by seeing this dam. With the water falling from the dam, sitting on the stairs, and enjoying the water, tourists remember Yugo Yugo. And the true nature of the springs can only be seen during the rainy season.
- Location: Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
7. Karla Cave
The distance of Karla Cave is about 11 kilometers from Lonavala. This cave is one of the major tourist destinations of Khandala. This cave is made of cutting stones like the caves of Ajanta Ellora.
Statues of Buddha are engraved on pillars in the Karla cave and the article is written in Brahmi script. It takes 2 to 3 hours to roam this cave well.
- Location: Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
8. Sri Narayani Dham Temple
Sri Narayani Dham Temple is the most famous in Lonavala. The distance between Lonavala and the temple is only 2 kilometers. This temple was built in 2002. All tourists visiting Lonavala must visit this temple. Well, you can visit this temple at any time, but you will visit this temple in the evening to have a darshan, then you will get to see a wonderful darshan, the decoration here will free you the mantra.
The capacity of this temple is 10000 devotees simultaneously. There are water fountains in this temple. Cows are also grown inside, which you can buy and feed the grass according to your reverence.
- Location: Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Timings: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
9. Imagica Theme Park
The distance from Lonavla to Imagica is 27 km. Imagica Theme Park has been opened in April 2013. This park is one of the most popular amusement theme parks in Lonavala and Maharashtra which is also known as an amusement center.
This park is divided into three recreation areas which are as follows -Water Park, Snow Park, and Theme Park. Here you can have full entertainment with your children.
- Location: Khopoli, near Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Timings: 10:30 am to 8:00 pm
10. Lonavala Lake
Lonavala Lake falls on the way to Bushi Dam. There is a beautiful lake. You guys must enjoy it by stopping here. Lonavala to Lonavala Lake
It is about 3 kilometers. The distance from Lonavala Lake to the husk dam is about 4 kilometres.
- Location: Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Timings: No specific timings
Conclusion
If you want to see the greenery and waterfalls and the waterfall of the dam, then Lonavala place situated in Maharashtra presents very beautiful natural beauty. Tourists forget their fatigue and take a long breath and feel relaxed.
How to Reach Lonavala from Mumbai
Reaching Lonavala from Mumbai is quite straightforward and convenient, with multiple transportation options available:
By Train
Trains are a popular choice for traveling to Lonavala from Mumbai due to their frequency and affordability. Lonavala has its own railway station that is well-connected to Mumbai. Numerous local and express trains run daily between Mumbai and Lonavala, taking approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the service chosen. The journey offers scenic views, especially during the monsoon season.
By Road
Driving to Lonavala from Mumbai by car is another excellent option. The distance is about 82 kilometers via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, which is one of the best-maintained highways in India. The drive typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Buses, both private and public, also ply this route regularly. State transport buses offer multiple trips throughout the day from various points in Mumbai like Dadar, Sion, and Vashi.
By Taxi or Rideshare
For those looking for a more comfortable journey, hiring a taxi or booking a rideshare from Mumbai to Lonavala is a convenient alternative. This option provides the flexibility of traveling at your own pace and making stops along the way. The cost will be higher than public transport but can be reasonable if split among a group.
By Air
For those traveling from distant places, flying into Mumbai airport and then taking a road or train journey to Lonavala is advisable, as Lonavala does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.
These options make Lonavala a very accessible destination from Mumbai, catering to different preferences and budgets
Best Time to Visit Lonavala
The best time to visit Lonavala is generally considered to be from October to February. During these months, the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the scenic landscapes and lush greenery of the region. While the monsoon season, typically from June to September, showcases Lonavala in its full natural splendour with misty hills and waterfalls, it can also present challenges for tourists due to heavy rainfall and possible disruptions in travel. Therefore, for a more comfortable and accessible experience, planning a visit between October and February is recommended, when the climate is cooler and drier, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
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Very good location