Lonavala is a hill station and town in Maharashtra, India, located in the Pune district. It is one of the most famous and well-known vacation spots near Mumbai and Pune. The most popular weekend activity for eager is a trip to Lonavala. It provides visitors with a great deal of enjoyment during the monsoon season.
It provides visitors with a great deal of enjoyment during the monsoon season. The identity of Lonavala hill station is a drive over twisty roads, trekking to the mountains, relaxing at resorts, and vegetation scattered across the surface. The forts here, which are surrounded by hills, are evidence of the Maratha Empire’s “prestige.” It is an ideal place for those who want to see a magical mountain, the beauty of the lake, beautiful caves, and daring activities. It’s also known for making chikki, a type of hard candy.
Best time to visit Lonavala:
Lonavala is best visited between December and February. The typical temperature ranges from 12 to 29 degrees Celsius throughout this time, making the weather ideal for touring.
Lonavala experiences substantial (almost 24-hour) rains during the monsoon months of June to September. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, this is a terrific time to visit because Lonavala transforms into a lush green paradise. Lonavala’s summers are hot and humid.
The greatest time to visit is between October and January, when the temperatures are mildest and there are occasional showers, making the experience even more magical.
How to Reach Lonavala
As one of the most well-known tourist attractions, there are a plethora of convenient and cost-effective ways to get there.
By Air
Lonavala does not have an airport. The nearest airports are Mumbai International Airport, which is 100 kilometres away, and Pune Airport, which is 65 kilometres away. Self-drive vehicles, as well as standard buses and sharing cabs, are available from here.
By Road
The most direct route to Lonavala is by car. On the Mumbai-Pune expressway, Lonavala is located. This expressway connects all Maharashtra cities as well as important cities such as Bangalore and Chennai. Lonavala may be reached by state buses, private buses, and taxis on a regular basis. On the approach to Lonavala from the express highway, there are numerous magnificent waterfalls to behold.
By Railway
The town of Lonavala has its own train station. There are numerous express trains that run between Mumbai and Pune. A few trains that run between Bangalore and Chennai stop at Lonavala railway station. Train frequency is not an issue here.
Places To Stay
Lonavala is known for its Pawna Lake and Rajmchi camping, so living in a tent is undoubtedly an additional next-level adventure for guests. Della Adventure Park offers excellent accommodations in their own hotels as well as camping on a hillside road. At Lonavala, you may choose from a variety of hand-picked hotels.
Bookings can also be made online through a variety of major booking sites. The cost of a hotel room varies from luxurious to budget. In resorts with swimming pools and other indoor activities, one may unwind. There are numerous resorts to choose from in this area. The Duke’s Retreat, Kumar Resort, and Sterling Resort are just a few among them.
Things to Know Before Travelling Lonavala:
- Call your hotel a few days before your vacation to confirm your reservation.
- Because it is a hill station, the temperature will be cooler, so bring woollen clothing.
- Spend at least three days in Lonavala if you want to get your spine tingling.
- In Lonavala, travelling by car is always the preferable alternative because it is both cost-effective and time-consuming.
- Do not pollute the surrounding region.
What to Eat?
Lonavala is noted for producing hard candy chikki. Lonavala’s chikki should not be overlooked. The combo of hot masala tea with Golden Wada Wav is a must-try. The flavour of this combo is enhanced by the monsoon climate. Sweet corn is sold at a number of roadside Dhabas. Many hotels in Lonavala serve delectable cuisine from all over the world, ranging from South Indian to North Indian. Different hotels offer a wide range of options, from the most affordable to the most luxurious.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Lonavala –
1. Tiger’s Leap
Tiger’s Leap sits at a height of 650 meters above sea level. Interestingly, this vantage point has been named so because of its shape that resembles a tiger taking a leap into the valley. It is frequented by adventure seekers who indulge in trekking and hiking here. This beautiful site with an echo point and a stream flowing nearby offer stunning views of the valley below that attract vacationers in large numbers.
2. Karla Caves
Karla Caves has the largest and most well preserved Hinayana Buddhist Chaitya in the country. Associated with the Mahasamghika sect of Buddhism, these are one of the oldest rock-cut caves in India with the oldest one dating back to the 1st century BCE. Sculptures, inscriptions, stupas, pillars, and a 37-pillar aisle at Karla Caves that boasts of over 2000-year-old beams, amongst which some of them are still alive. Its entrance has been recently built using pillars from the Buddhist period.
3. Duke’s Nose
Duke’s Nose is an amazing viewpoint that has been named after the Duke of Wellington because of the resemblance in shape. This place is also called Nagphani as its shape looks like a snake’s hood, and at the top, there is Mahadev Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Along with impressing nature lovers with its picturesque location, this place with long trails and rocky outcrops also attracts adventure seekers for trekking, rock climbing, rappelling, hiking, etc.
4. Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake is surrounded by a spectacular landscape, and it’s popular for picnic and camping spots. This artificial lake is formed by the impounded water of Pawna Dam that provides a perfect escape. The natural beauty of this place, along with the distant view of Lohagad Fort, Tikona Fort, and Tunga Fort, makes for a great backdrop for memorable pictures.
5. Rajmachi Fort
Rajmachi Fort, also known as Manoranjan Balekilla, undoubtedly tops the list of inescapable places to visit in Lonavala. Built by the popular Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, the historical site actually comprises two fortresses – Shrivardhan and Manaranjan – that were built at a height of about 3000 feet on a rugged hill in the Sahyadri Range to keep an eye on the surroundings. The fort boasts of many ancient caves and temples, such as Kal Bhairava Mandir, with few of them existing even before the fort was built. This place offers breath-taking views of the surroundings.