Lonavala Tourism: Everything About It

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Mumbai has always been the beating heart of the nation. It is the financial hub of the nation. It is the city of opportunity and dreams. However, at certain point in time you need to take your step off the pedal and unwind. You need to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and escape into the nature. Today, Lonavala tourism has become quite popular because most Mumbai residents prefer to visit Lonavala on weekends.

Lonavala, a tiny hill station close to Mumbai is a perfect weekend getaway spot for most Mumbai residents. It has become the ultimate spot for those who want to take a quick break and return to their routine.

Lonavala History

For many centuries, Mumbai and Pune have remained among the prominent cities in Maharashtra. Somewhere between these two ever-growing cities lies Lonavala. Back then, Lonavala was a tiny hill station with a strategic importance in the early historic times.

The word ‘Lonavala’ comes from a Prakrit language word ‘Leni-avali’, which means a resting place carved from stone.

Lonavala fell under the Yadava dynasty until 1317. Later Mughals captured it for their own growth in the region. The Marathas defeated Mughals and established their rule in the region. The forts near Lonavala became the stronghold of the Peshwa rulers.

After the fall of the Maratha Empire, the British took over the region. Lord Elphinstone discovered it in 1871, who was then the Governor of Bombay Presidency. British soldiers used Lonavala as a resting place while holidaying.

Since then Lonavala has become a perfect spot for people to unwind and relax. In the last decade, Lonavala tourism has seen plenty of growth in terms of popularity.

Where is Lonavala Located?

Nestled in the slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range, Lonavala is located on the western part of Maharashtra. It is approximately a little more than 100 kilometers south-east of Mumbai. With 622 metres above the sea level, it offers a great experience to urban population looking for a quick break.

How to Reach Lonavala?

While Lonavala doesn’t have an airport, you can easily reach this place through train, bus and taxis. Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune. Hence, all express trains halt here.

Similarly, all the buses plying between these two cities halt here. The nearest airport to Lonavala is the Pune Airport, which is 64 kilometers from Lonavala.

NOTE: The growing popularity of Lonavala tourism has led to more people visiting Lonavala on weekends. Hence, if you are planning a Lonavala trip on Saturday/Sunday make sure you book your train/bus tickets in advance. If you are taking your private vehicle, be prepared for some traffic jams and slow moving traffic.

Why Lonavala is Famous?

So, what really makes Lonavala so popular?

Chikki – If you’re in Lonavala, you’re in the Chikki Capital of India. The moment you reach Lonavala you will see chikki sign boards everywhere. There are multiple chikki companies and brands that sell different types of chikkis and fudges. However, it is the Maganlal Chikki and Cooper’s Walnut Chocolate Fudge that beats this cut-throat competition.

Landscape – The commercialization of Lonavala has robbed some of its natural charm thanks to the sudden spike in Lonavala tourism. However, the landscape of Lonavala is one of the reasons for why Lonavala is famous.

It has some great natural valleys, lakes and forts that help you unwind. You can enjoy some great scenic viewpoints with your loved ones. You can take pictures to add it to your social media profile and your memory.

Proximity – Lonavala lies between Mumbai and Pune and that makes it an extremely popular place. Tourists from both these cities come here for a momentary pause in their life. With the introduction of Mumbai-Pune Expressway, life has become easier as it reduces the commute time into half.

Also, there are more trains and buses that ply between Mumbai and Pune that offer more options to the tourists. Lonavala tourism today depends heavily on visitors coming from these two cities.

How Many Days are Enough for Lonavala Tourism?

Some might say a day, some say a weekend.

I would say – it depends on your pace and want.

Why?

I’ve been visiting Lonavala and Khandala since 1990 regularly, sometimes for a week, sometimes for 2 months at a stretch. I’ve seen this place transform and become what it is today. I’m not a local, but my regular visits make me sort of a local person.

True, if you just want to visit Lonavala and see the top attractions you can do it in 2 days. This is if you have your own vehicle to drive around the places. However, this doesn’t allow you to explore the natural landscape and beauty of this place in its entirety.

If you really want to deep dive and unwind you need at least a week or two to visit the local attractions and landscapes. You can take your time and explore the natural landscape and scenic views that it has to offer. Also, it depends on what time of the year you visit Lonavala.

When to Visit Lonavala?

Most of the Lonavala tourism sites would say October to May.

However, I would recommend July to February as the best time to visit Lonavala.

Why?

Summers in Lonavala are cruel. The temperature can reach 40 degree Celsius and above. The mountains and the entire landscape is parched and dry. There are no waterfalls either. Hence, it doesn’t offer much during the March-April-May season.

The month of June brings the monsoons and that is when the nature around comes alive. In a few weeks, the brown parched and dry landscape turns green. However, it takes a few weeks before the landscape turns green and waterfalls come alive.

The month of July might witness heavy rainfall hence you need to plan your trip accordingly. You can take a train which will be a safer option to travel from Mumbai and Pune as well.

Lonavala is completely safe during the monsoon season provided you know how to behave. Most accidents occur because people act stupid when they are on a cliff or near waterfalls. You must mind your steps and be careful and enjoy responsibly. That’s all.

You can visit Lonavala right after the rainy season if you don’t like the monsoons.

Wintry months of December, January and February can offer you a great experience. The climate is quite cold and misty offering a great experience to couples and families as well.

Places to Visit in Lonavala

Bhushi Dam: If you are visiting Lonavala during the monsoon season visiting Bhushi Dam in Lonavala is a must. The dam might have more people on weekends, so if you hate the crowds you can pick a weekday.

Bhaja Caves: You can also explore the Bhaja Caves that dates back to the 2^nd Century B.C.

Karla Caves: Karla Caves near Malavli is another local attraction that you shouldn’t miss.

Lohagad Fort: If you enjoy exploring the forts of Maharashtra, a trek to Lohagad Fort would be an adventure for sure. Similarly, you can also explore the Visapur Fort in the same vicinity. You can also explore the Rajmachi Fort in Lonavala.

Also, if you’re in Khandala you must explore Rajmachi Point and Duke’s Nose.

NOTE: Rajmachi Fort (in Lonavala) and Rajmachi Point (in Khandala) are two different places.

Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar?

The comparison between Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar is an obvious one. However, both these places offer unique experiences. Hence, it depends entirely on what you prefer.

Read my post: Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar for Winter? for more detailed analysis.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that Lonavala is the most common hill station for Mumbai and Pune residents. Over the years, it has seen tremendous growth and has commercialized as well. It is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. The gradual increase of Lonavala tourism offers plenty of options for the tourists.

The best parts about visiting Lonavala are:

• Close proximity to Mumbai and Pune

• Ease of Transport

• Plenty of Accommodation options

• Plenty of Restaurants

• Breathtaking Natural Landscapes

The not-so-good parts about visiting Lonavala are:

• Overcrowded on weekends

• Slow moving traffic / Traffic Jams

• Accommodation is Expensive

• Unavailability of rented motorcycles and scooties