Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar? Mahabaleshwar or Lonavala? Are you confused to choose from one of these places? If you are looking for answers you will find ample information below to help you make your decision.
Over the years, these two hill stations have remained the most popular hill stations in Maharashtra. If you are looking for destinations for a weekend getaway close to Mumbai you can choose from these two. Also, if you are looking for weekend holiday places close to Pune these two are fairly good options.
While both hill stations can offer you a great holiday experience, understandably, different people have different needs. Additionally, both these places have unique character and charm. Hence, you must evaluate both places before you make a choice.
Note: This is an updated version of my 2018 post.
Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar: Which is Better and How to Choose?
To make it convenient I have further divided this post into six parts.
- Travel Time
- Accommodation
- Best Time to Visit
- Local Attractions
- Food and Shopping
- Conclusion
TRAVEL TIME
When you are planning a weekend holiday trip you want to look for destinations close to your location. If you are in Mumbai or Pune, you can choose from Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar which allows you to reach your accommodation in a short time.
Lonavala:
How far is Lonavala from Mumbai via road?
On Google Maps, the distance from Mumbai to Lonavala is approximately 81 km (50 miles) to 85 km (53 miles). This depends on what route you choose. The time to cover this distance is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
How far is Lonavala from Pune via road?
On Google Maps, the distance from Pune to Lonavala is approximately 65 km (40 miles) to 70 km (44 miles). This depends on what route you choose. The time to cover this distance is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 90 minutes.
How to reach Lonavala from Mumbai by train?
There are ample trains that can help you travel from Mumbai to Lonavala. Hence, you can choose from all the options you can find.
Best Trains from Mumbai to Lonavala
- Intercity Express (12127)
Starts at CSTM: 06:40
Reaches Lonavala: 08:48
Total Duration of the Journey: 2 Hours 8 Minutes
This is the best train option from Mumbai to Lonavala during the early morning hours.
- Deccan Queen (12123)
Starts at CSTM: 17:10
Reaches Lonavala: 19:18
Total Duration of the Journey: 2 Hours 8 Minutes
This is the best train option from Mumbai to Lonavala during the evening hours.
How to reach Lonavala from Pune by train?
- Pragati Express (12126)
Starts at Pune Jn: 07:50
Reaches Lonavala: 08:38
Total Duration of the Journey: 48 Minutes
This is the best train option from Mumbai to Lonavala during the morning hours.
- Deccan Queen (12124)
Starts at Pune Jn: 07:15
Reaches Lonavala: 08:06
Total Duration of the Journey: 51 Minutes
- Intercity Express (12128)
Starts at Pune Jn: 17:55
Reaches Lonavala: 18:47
Total Duration of the Journey: 52 Minutes
This is the best train option from Mumbai to Lonavala during the evening hours.
Mahabaleshwar:
How far is Mahabaleshwar from Mumbai?
On Google Maps, the distance from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar is approximately 230 km (143 miles) to 261 km (162 miles). This depends on what route you choose. The time to cover this distance is approximately 5 hours 40 minutes to 6 hours.
How far is Mahabaleshwar from Pune?
On Google Maps, the distance from Pune to Mahabaleshwar is approximately 118 km (73 miles) to 133 km (83 miles). This depends on what route you choose. The time to cover this distance is approximately 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes.
How to reach Mahabaleshwar from Mumbai or Pune by train?
There are no direct trains from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar. Similarly, there are no direct trains from Pune to Mahabaleshwar.
VERDICT: If you are in Mumbai, Lonavala is a better option if you want to save time. It takes less time to travel from Mumbai to Lonavala than from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar.
On the other hand, if you are in Pune, you can still choose Lonavala to save time. However, you also have to option to travel to Mahabaleshwar.
ACCOMMODATION
In terms of accommodation, both Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar offer a variety of options. This includes resorts, hotels, rental rooms and apartments, and even Airbnb properties. Hence, you can choose from the list of accommodations available.
If you prefer to stay in Lonavala you can choose from a list of Lonavala hotels, villas in Lonavala, and even Lonavala resorts. This means that you can decide where you should stay in Lonavala based on your preferences and choices. However, the cost of accommodation in Lonavala is mostly higher than in Mahabaleshwar, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Similarly, you can choose from various hotels in Mahabaleshwar and family resorts for holidays in Mahabaleshwar. You can also choose various Airbnb properties in and around Mahabaleshwar.
VERDICT: If you are looking for accommodations based on budget you should choose Mahabaleshwar. Accommodations in Lonavala are generally expensive owing to the constant demand. However, if budget is not an issue and you want more accommodation variety you may choose Lonavala.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
If you are unsure about choosing between Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar based on weather conditions you need not worry much. This is because both places have identical weather conditions.
Geographically, both Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala are part of the Western Ghat. This means that they are practically located on the same mountain range. Both places have similar climate patterns. In terms of elevation from the sea, Lonavala is 624 metres above sea level. On the other hand, Mahabaleshwar is 1429 metres above sea level.
What is the best time to visit Lonavala?
The best time to visit Lonavala is from July to mid-March.
While July is one of the wettest months many people head to Lonavala during the rainy season. Visiting the Bhushi Dam is one of the main activities then as visitors love to enjoy the monsoon vibe. Also, the Western Ghats turn into a beautiful oasis of greenery. You can find many waterfalls and tiny streams all along the Bhor Ghat as you drive through it. You can enjoy them even when you travel via train.
However, please note that Lonavala receives very heavy rainfall from July to September. This can lead to unexpected road blockage due to various natural and man-made circumstances. If you want to visit Lonavala during the monsoons you should ideally choose a train over a car or a bus.
If you don’t want to get wet but still enjoy the green landscape you should visit Lonavala in late October or early November.
December is a time when the weather begins to get pleasant and you can do more outdoor activities like hiking to Bhaja Caves and trekking the Lohagad Fort. If you prefer cold weather conditions you can visit Lonavala in January and February.
Lonavala experiences summer from mid-March to mid-June. This is when the weather is hot and dry. The lush green landscape you see during the monsoon season is missing. The waterfalls are absent. With plenty of daylight hours, you can do more outdoor activities. However, the heat can make things difficult for you.
Throughout the year, Lonavala remains busy and crowded on weekends. If you want to quiet holiday trip in Lonavala you should ideally choose a working weekday.
What is the best time to visit Mahabaleshwar?
The best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is from October to March.
This coincides with the peak strawberry season. Mahabaleshwar is called the Strawberry Capital of India. This is one of the reasons why many people visit Mahabaleshwar during this time of the year.
Apart from the peak strawberry season, the cool climate during the winter months offers a great holiday experience. Hence, it is a perfect time for couples and newlyweds. Also, this is one of the reasons why Mahabaleshwar is a popular honeymoon destination in Maharashtra.
You can also visit Mahabaleshwar during the summer months. However, you need to manage the heat especially when you are touring local attractions in Mahabaleshwar.
Similarly, during the monsoon season from July to October, you need to know how to plan your trip. If you prefer to enjoy more greenery you can visit Mahabaleshwar during November. This allows you to enjoy the landscape without heavy rainfall.
VERDICT: When you are choosing between Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar based on the weather you can visit both places. Lonavala gets most tourists during monsoon and winter months. Mahabaleshwar gets most visitors during the winter months.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
In terms of landscape and local attractions, both Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar offer a variety of attractions. Hence, you can explore these places based on your preferences.
Lonavala
Bhushi Dam
Rajmachi Garden
Karla Caves
Lohagad Fort
Pavana Lake
Della Adventure Park
Mahabaleshwar
Elephant’s Head Point
Krishnabai Temple
Venna Lake
Elphinstone Point
Wilson Point
Arthur’s Point
Kate’s Point
Arthur’s Seat
Pratapgad Fort
VERDICT: Both Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar offer a fair share of local attractions. When you are visiting Lonavala you can also explore Khandala. Similarly, when you are visiting Mahabaleshwar you can visit Panchgani and Wai to make your trip memorable.
FOOD & SHOPPING
When you are heading out for holidays you would also want to shop a bit. While Lonavala is known for its chikkis, Mahabaleshwar is the strawberry capital of the country.
A chikki is a traditional Indian sweet made from jaggery and sugar and blended with various nuts. When you are in Lonavala you will find tons of chikki flavours to choose from. Throughout Lonavala, you will find hundreds of chikki shops to shop from. However, popular chikki shops in Lonavala are Maganlal Chikki, National Chikki, Cooper’s Chikki and A1 Chikki.
Lonavala is far more commercialized to cater to the growing Lonavala tourism. Hence, you will find global brands like Domino’s Pizza, McDonald’s and Starbucks present here.
Mahabaleshwar is known for its strawberries. Hence, visiting Mahabaleshwar mostly during the peak strawberry season would be beneficial. You can still shop jams, syrups and other items made from strawberries throughout the year.
In terms of food, Mahabaleshwar mostly has local food eateries, restaurants and cafes. This is why global brands like McDonald’s and Starbucks are absent.
VERDICT: If you are a foodie and want more food choices Lonavala is the place to go. Here you can find restaurants that serve traditional North Indian, South Indian and Maharashtrian cuisine. You also get to unwind at various cafes, and enjoy burgers and pizzas with friends and family.
Mahabaleshwar has restaurants that focus mainly on local food cuisine. Hence, there are fewer options compared to Lonavala.
CONCLUSION
So, is Mahabaleshwar better or Lonavala? Should you choose Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar? Well, there is no specific answer to this because each place has its own character. Also, it all depends on what you want to do and how you want to spend your time.
However, here are some details from personal observations.
If you have limited time, shortening your travel trip can help you enjoy more. In this case, Lonavala is a great option. It takes less time from both Mumbai and Pune to reach Lonavala than Mahabaleshwar.
If you are planning a 2 to 3-day trip, you may choose Lonavala. However, if you have more days to spare you should choose Mahabaleshwar.
Lonavala certainly gets more visitors than Mahabaleshwar. This is because of its proximity to Mumbai and Pune and easy connectivity options. However, it gets busier and more crowded on public holidays and weekends.
If you do not like crowds, Mahabaleshwar seems like a place you will enjoy. Mahabaleshwar offers a more laidback and surrounded-by-nature vibe.
Both, Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala offer ample accommodation choices but Lonavala can provide you with more variety. However, Lonavala accommodations are mostly pricier than Mahabaleshwar accommodations. So, if you are planning a budget trip to Lonavala you should book in advance when the prices are low or choose weekday dates.
In terms of local attractions, both offer decent choices. Also, while you are visiting Lonavala you have the option of visiting Khandala close by. Like Mahabaleshwar, there is Mapro Garden in Lonavala where you can enjoy their legendary Strawberry Cream with Ice Cream. You can also shop syrups, squashs, jams, spreads, sharbats, jellies, fruit chews and many other items.
Plus, various local attractions in Mahabaleshwar are at a distance from one another. This gives you very little time to explore Mahabaleshwar on such a tight weekend trip. Also, if Lonavala has Khandala, Mahabaleshwar has Panchgani and Wai that you can explore close by. Exploring Panchgani and Wai would need additional days.
Also, in terms of shopping and nightlife, Lonavala is a far better option than Mahabaleshwar. Most stores, restaurants and cafes are open until late at night to help you make the most of your weekend holidays. Hence, if you are unsure between Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar you can use these pointers to help you make the right choice.
If you have very little time to holiday why not try a staycation in Mumbai and save time and money.
6 comments
Loved your pictures. I have been to Mahabaleshwar long back when I was visiting my relatives in Panchgani. I loved Panchgani too. I think both with the heavy influx of tourists have become commercial destinations so it’s better to visit when there are no long weekends.
Again, loved your pictures Sharukh. Makes me think why I haven’t yet travelled. 🙂
Thanks for the comment, Parul. If you are really looking for the offseason February and March are the best months. It is a little bit warm, but I usually pick these months because there are not many tourists around. The hotels are available and offer discounts as well. These pictures of Mahabaleshwar you see are of March 2012. Also, it is the strawberry time in Mahabaleshwar so you get those really low prices.
The photos are stunning. These would be very nice places to visit and explore.
Both these places are close to Mumbai. Lonavala is much closer to Mumbai and a staple holiday destination for most Mumbai residents. It is just a 2-hour drive. Mahabaleshwar, on the other hand, is a bit far from Mumbai and also at a higher elevation than Lonavala. It is the Strawberry Capital of India. The only drawback of Mahabaleshwar is that it has no train option. You either take a car or a bus to climb up.
Sharukh, this is a great travel guide, packed full of useful details. Strawberry season sounds wonderful. Hugs.
Thank you for visiting, Teagan. Hugs.