Lonavala is one of the most beautiful destinations in India to spend a weekend or take a short trip. It is a small hill station in Maharashtra, which is full of picturesque green hills, cold air, and peaceful views. For someone tired of city noise and wanting a break, this is the best place to visit. Moreover, it is also suitable for spending time with families, couples, and close friends. One should surely seek a short vacation here to relax their mind and body in the best way possible. Through this comprehensive travel guide, let’s explore Lonavala in detail and help you plan your trip there. We will also talk about the best time to visit, how to get there, places to visit, and much more. So, pack your bags and get ready to enjoy all the things to do in Lonavala for a fun-filled trip.
About Lonavala
Lonavala is a very small village situated in the Indian state of Maharashtra. This place lies close to crowded cities like Mumbai and Pune. It is popular for its cool weather, green hills, and peaceful nature views. Therefore, visitors come here with their friends, family, or even solo, to relax and take a break from their daily routine. Lonavala is also known for its waterfalls, caves, lakes, and yummy chikki. Thus, one can surely consider visiting here when seeking a trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Best Time to Visit Lonavala, Maharashtra
The best time to visit Lonavala is from July to February. In the monsoon months, which are July to September, the hills turn green, and waterfalls come alive. It’s the most beautiful time for nature lovers. October to February is also a suitable time for sightseeing. Summers (March to June) can be hot, but it is still okay if you want a quick trip. If you are planning a relaxing holiday or a short weekend break, try visiting during the rainy or winter season. You will enjoy the weather and views the most at that time.
How to Reach Lonavala
Reaching Lonavala is extremely simple. You can get there by air, road, or train, depending on where you are coming from. Here’s how you can get there:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Lonavala is Pune International Airport, around 70 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Lonavala. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Mumbai Airport is also an option if you are coming from far.
- By Road: You can drive to Lonavala from Mumbai or Pune. It’s about 2 to 3 hours by car. The drive is extremely peaceful and scenic. Many people prefer a road trip because of the lovely views. Buses also run often from both cities to Lonavala.
- By Train: Lonavala has its own railway station. Trains from Mumbai and Pune stop here. It’s one of the easiest and cheapest ways to reach. The train ride through the hills is also very beautiful and delightful to watch. Upon reaching, you can look for the best places to visit in Lonavala for couples, families, or even solo.
Things to Do in Lonavala, Maharashtra
One can indulge in a range of experiences in Lonavala. When looking for things to do in Lonavala, consider the given list below for a memorable and remarkable experience.
1. Watch the Beautiful Sunset at Lion’s Point
If you are visiting Lonavala, then you should not miss out on the Lion’s Point. It is situated at a high altitude from where you can witness huge mountains and deep valleys of the Sahyadri Hills. It is situated just 12 kilometers away from the central town of Lonavala. After reaching the top, you can also have a sight of famous places like Tungarli Lake, Bhushi Dam, and green hills all around. The view during the sunset is truly magical, with the sky turning orange and pink. This is one of the best places to visit in Lonavala for couples because the sunset provides a romantic atmosphere to spend time with your loved ones.
- Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
- Entry Fee: Free
2. Seek Blessings at Narayani Dham Temple
Narayani Dham Temple is one of the most peaceful and clean places in Lonavala. It is located in the middle of the city and is made of white marble. The temple is giant and has four floors. This temple is mainly for Ma Narayani, who is another name for Goddess Durga, but you can also see other Hindu gods here. During festivals, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and many people come to pray. This temple is one of the best places to visit in Lonavala with family, especially for those who like calm and quiet places.
- Timings: Weekdays: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:15 PM to 7:30 PM; Weekends: 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:15 PM to 7:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
3. Play Games at Della Adventure Park
Della Adventure Park is one of the best places where you can enjoy many fun rides and games. One of the most popular activities to indulge in is bungee jumping, where you jump from a high altitude with a safety rope and instructions from experts. You can also try ziplining, water slides, and other rides.
- Timings: 11 am to 7 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 9 pm on weekends
- Entry Fee: Day Pass for kids and older people is INR 1500, adults INR 2000, Jumbo Pass INR 5500
4. Enjoy the Water and Nature at Bhushi Dam
Bhushi Dam is a very famous place in Lonavala, especially when it rains a lot during the monsoon season. The water from the dam flows over huge stone steps, and people love to sit there and play with the water. But the rocks can be slippery, so you should be careful. If you want to avoid large crowds or hustle and bustle, you should visit between December and May. So, when looking for Lonavala places to visit in December, consider this prestigious site.
5. Ancient Stories at Karla Caves
Karla Caves are very old and full of history. These caves were made inside hills more than 2000 years ago by Buddhist monks. People who like history, architecture, or old buildings will love this place. The carvings on the walls tell stories from long ago. It is very quiet and peaceful inside, and you can imagine what life was like many years ago. This is one of the most unique places to visit in Lonavala because it is different from parks and lakes and has deep historical value.
- Timings: 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 250
6. Visit the Lonavala Lake
Lonavala Lake is a huge lake surrounded by trees and hills. The best time to come here is during the rainy season because everything around becomes green and fresh. Many people come here for walks, fishing, and birdwatching. This lake is one of the best Lonavala places to visit in one day free of cost, and is very relaxing.
7. Paragliding in Kamshet
Kamshet is a small village near Lonavala that is known for paragliding. Paragliding means flying in the sky with a parachute while a guide is with you for safety. You will fly above green hills and feel the cool air. It is safe and exciting at the same time. This is the best place for people who want to try something new and adventurous. Paragliding in Kamshet is one of the most exciting things to do in Lonavala for adventure lovers.
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM in winter and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM in summer
- Entry Fee: Starts from INR 2,999
8. Seek Blessings at Bhairavnath Temple
Bhairavnath Temple is a small and beautiful temple near a village in Lonavala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is visited by many people during the Mahashivratri festival. It is built in the Konkan style and looks very colorful. This temple is one of the peaceful and best places to visit in Lonavala with family.
9. Family Time at Tungarli Lake & Dam
Tungarli Lake and Dam is another nice place in Lonavala that is great for walking, relaxing, and having a picnic. The dam was built during British rule and is used for water and electricity. It becomes very beautiful during and after the rainy season, which further makes it one of the best Lonavala places to visit in December.
10. Camping at Aundholo
Aundholi is a small village near Lonavala where people go for camping. It is best for those who like staying in tents and doing fun outdoor activities. Many groups offer camping trips here where you can try horse riding, trekking, and even mountain climbing. At night, you can sit near a campfire, sing songs, and enjoy the stars above.
Conclusion
Lonavala is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy nature. It gives a peaceful break from the daily routine and busy life. One can surely take a short trip to this destination to relax and make the most of the things to do in Lonavala. Some of the top places to visit in Lonavala with family include parks, lakes, and famous viewpoints. Just plan your trip, carry your camera, and enjoy every moment.
Moreover, planning your trip to Lonavala can be easy with Noble House Tours Pvt. Ltd. As one of the leading travel service providers, we help you book hotels, rides, and entertaining activities. Even if you want to see the scenic places, explore nature spots, or go on a romantic getaway, our professional travel experts can plan everything for you. We also know about sites to visit in Lonavala for couples and secret hidden spots. So if you want a simple and happy trip without any stress, get in touch with us now.
