Best Time to Visit Lonavala with Family

Lonavala in Monsoon: Best Time to Visit Monsoon

Monsoon and Lonavala are like a match made in heaven; the best time to visit Lonavala is June to September, which is during the monsoon months. The arrival of the fresh showers during the monsoon season increases the tourist appeal of the hill station. The greenery of Lonavala and its natural beauty makes monsoon the much-loved season for the people of Maharashtra, especially the city dwellers. As soon as the first showers hit the ground, Mumbaikars, Punekars, and people from nearby cities escape to Lonavala to enjoy a relaxing weekend in the laps of nature and enjoy the refreshing showers.  

For some enthusiastic travellers of Maharashtra, the monsoon season nudges them to step out and head to one of the most loved monsoon places in the state, Lonavala. While you can visit this hill station anytime of the year, monsoon is the best season to visit Lonavala for more than one reason. During this time, the hills are decked up in all the shades of green you can possibly imagine, there are waterfalls and streams at every corner in the ghats, and the view from the top is just picture perfect!

About Lonavala

Lonavala, nestled in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra, is a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and lush green landscapes. It serves as a perfect weekend getaway. Lonavala is renowned for its picturesque valleys, misty hills, and serene lakes, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Location: Pune District, Maharashtra.

Altitude: 624 m (2047 ft)

Weather in Lonavala: 

Lonavala in Monsoon

Monsoon and Lonavala are like a match made in heaven; monsoon is the best time to visit Lonavala. The arrival of the fresh showers during the monsoon season increases the tourist appeal of the hill station. The greenery of Lonavala and its natural beauty makes monsoon the much-loved season for the people of Maharashtra, especially the city dwellers. As soon as the first showers hit the ground, Mumbaikars, Punekars, and people from nearby cities escape to Lonavala to enjoy a relaxing weekend in the laps of nature and enjoy the refreshing showers.  

For some enthusiastic travellers of Maharashtra, the monsoon season nudges them to step out and head to one of the most loved monsoon places in the state, Lonavala. While you can visit this hill station anytime of the year, monsoon is the best season to visit Lonavala for more than one reason. During this time, the hills are decked up in all the shades of green you can possibly imagine, there are waterfalls and streams at every corner in the ghats, and the view from the top is just picture perfect!

Let us look at some of the best experiences that await you at Lonavala during monsoon. 

Go on a trekking expedition and enjoy a scenic view from the top:

Embarking on a monsoon trek is a beloved activity for avid trekkers and those with a daring spirit. The rains enhance the experience, making each trek more exhilarating and memorable. Here are some of the most notable treks to explore in Lonavala:

Rajmachi Fort

Rajmachi Fort, located between Lonavala and Khandala, is a popular trekking destination. The fort offers a stunning view of the Sahyadri mountains and the Shirota Dam. The trek to Rajmachi Fort is approximately 15 km from Lonavala and is relatively easy, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned trekkers.

Highlights:

• Scenic trails through dense forests and rolling hills.
• Breathtaking views from the fort, especially during sunrise and sunset.
• The fort complex consists of two fortified structures – Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts

Lohagad Fort

Lohagad Fort, known as the Iron Fort, is another popular trekking destination in Lonavala. The fort stands at an elevation of 1,033 meters and is famous for its sturdy architecture and historical significance. The trek to Lohagad is about 5 km and is moderately easy.

Highlights:

• The stunning Vinchu Kata (Scorpion’s Tail) structure.
• Panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and Pawna Lake.
• Lush greenery and small streams along the trekking route.

Visapur Fort

Visapur Fort, located near Lohagad Fort, is larger and offers a more challenging trek. The fort stands at an elevation of 1,084 meters and provides a panoramic view of the Sahyadri range. The trek to Visapur Fort is about 6 km and involves climbing rocky terrain.

Highlights:

• Ruins of old houses, water cisterns, and temples within the fort.
• Stunning views of Lohagad Fort and the surrounding landscape.
• The fort’s plateau, which becomes lush green and misty during the monsoon.

Duke's Nose (Nagphani)

Duke's Nose, also known as Nagphani, is a cliff near Lonavala that offers one of the most exhilarating trekking experiences. The cliff is named after the Duke of Wellington and resembles a snake's hood, hence the name Nagphani. The trek to Duke's Nose is about 7 km and is moderately challenging.

Highlights:

• Thrilling climb with steep ascents and rocky terrain.
• Spectacular views of the Western Ghats and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
• Ideal spot for rock climbing, rappelling, and adventure photography.

  Spend a peaceful evening around the dams in Lonavala

If you love nature, and like to go outdoors in the rains, Lonavala is one of the best places to visit in Monsoon in Maharashtra. Typically, a quaint hill town, it comes alive during the rains and buzzes with tourists coming in from all over Maharashtra and other nearby states.  

There are many things to do in Lonavala in the rains, but if you are looking for some unique experience, you can go on a family holiday and explore the beautiful dams in the region. Lonavala has some of the most scenic dams you may see in the western part of the Indian peninsula and during the monsoon their beauty multiples manifold as they fill up to the brim. 

Unlike the forts of Lonavala, which are frequented by the youngsters and trekking enthusiasts, the dams here provide an ideal spot for a family picnic. One of the most popular dams in Lonavala is the Bhushi Dam. Built over the mighty Indrayani River, it is a go-to destination for Mumbaikars to get drenched in the water and have a gala time. One glance around the dam, and you would find elders and children gathering with their families, enjoying the rains. 

Another dam that sits pretty on the Indrayani River is the Valvan Dam, which is famous for its striking beauty and the stunning views around it. Located close to Lonavala railway station, it makes for a perfect one-day picnic spot for families. Here, if the weather is good, you can enjoy the most magnificent view of the sunset before you head back home.  

Get drenched under the gushing waterfalls

Kune Falls

Kune Falls, located in the heart of Lonavala, is one of the highest waterfalls in India, cascading down from a height of 200 meters. This three-tiered waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a picturesque destination.

Highlights:

• The waterfall provides a perfect backdrop for photography and nature lovers.
• Ideal for a refreshing dip in the cool, clear water and a perfect spot for picnicking.

Bhivpuri Falls

Bhivpuri Falls is another mesmerizing waterfall  cascading from a height 65 m. This waterfall is a popular destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts, especially during the monsoon season.

Highlights:

• The falls are popular for water rappelling and trekking, offering an adrenaline rush for adventure seekers.
• The trek to the falls passes through beautiful trails, lush greenery, and small streams.

Kataldhar Falls

Kataldhar Falls is a hidden gem in the Lonavala region. This waterfall, 122 m in height, is lesser-known but offers a thrilling experience for those who seek solitude and adventure.

Highlights:

• The trek to this waterfall involves steep descents, dense forests, and rocky terrain.
• Due to its challenging accessibility, the falls are less crowded, providing a peaceful environment.

Reverse Waterfall

The Reverse Waterfall at Naneghat, near Lonavala, is a unique natural phenomenon that attracts visitors from far and wide. During the monsoon season, the strong winds cause the waterfall to flow upwards, creating a mesmerizing sight.

Highlights:

• The waterfall appears to flow in reverse due to the strong winds pushing the water upwards.

Enjoy camping amidst divine landscapes

Lonavala is a popular camping site in Maharashtra. People love going on a camping expedition on the hills and by the lakes. Imagine spending a night with your loved ones out in nature, sleeping on the beds of grass and surrounded by trees and as you wake up, you are greeted by the most majestic view of a lake and the mountains beyond.  

Tungarli Lake

It is a place where you can feel one with mother nature. As soon as the rains arrive, the mist settles over the lake, and even as you wake up, the beautiful sight in front of you makes you feel you are living in a dream. 

Aundholi village

Another popular camping site in Maharashtra is near the Aundholi village in Lonavala. Here you get an uninterrupted view of the stunning Sahyadri mountain ranges. You can sit by your tents, light up a bonfire at night and enjoy seeing the silhouettes of the mountains at a distance. The rain drizzling fills the air with a dose of freshness and coolness to make your night the best!

Explore the beautiful history of the ancient caves in and around Lonavala

You may have heard or even seen several sacred Buddhist shrines and relics in the northern parts of India like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand or in the extreme eastern states like Sikkim, Meghalaya, etc. However, the north and the northeast are not the only places in India where the ancient Buddhist teachers, travellers and monks have left their forever mark.  

Maharashtra also houses several Buddhist shrines and caves that date back to the 1st century. Karla Caves, which is located near Lonavala, is one such fine example of the Buddhist influence and presence in the region. These caves are more than 2000 years old and still stand as proud as they may have once been back in time.  

These caves have some of the finest carvings and inscriptions on the walls and the pillars and massive halls are just awe-inspiring. While these caves are magnificent, the arrival of the monsoons uplift their beauty to another level. The lush green cover around the caves make them an unforgettable sight!  

So, if you are into exploring caves and are fascinated by the rich history behind them, follow this Lonavala best time to visit guide and explore the caves in the region.  

Not far away from Karla Caves are the Bhaja Caves, a group of 22 rock-cut caves that are from the 16th century BCE. One of the finest pieces of architecture, the beauty of the caves are sure to leave you in a state of trance and transport you back in time.  

How to reach Lonavala?

Lonavala, a popular hill station in Maharashtra, is well-connected by road, rail, and air. Here's a detailed guide on how to reach Lonavala:

• By Road

From Mumbai

• Distance: 83 km
• Route: Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, offering scenic views of the Western Ghats.

From Pune

• Distance: 65 km
• Route: Use the Mumbai-Pune Expressway or the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH4). The journey typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
• By Rail

Lonavala has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities like Mumbai and Pune.

From Mumbai

• Trains: Several express and local trains run between Mumbai and Lonavala daily. The journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Examples: Intercity Express, Deccan Express, and various local trains on the Central Line.

From Pune

• Trains: Multiple trains operate daily between Pune and Lonavala, taking about 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Examples: Pune-Lonavala Local, Intercity Express, and Deccan Express.
• By Air

The nearest airports to Lonavala are in Mumbai and Pune.

From Mumbai Airport (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport)

• Distance: 90 km
• Travel Options: Hire a taxi or take a bus to Lonavala. The drive takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.

From Pune Airport (Pune International Airport)

• Distance: 70 km
• Travel Options: Hire a taxi or take a bus to Lonavala. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• By Bus

Numerous state-run and private buses operate from Mumbai and Pune to Lonavala.

From Mumbai

• Bus Types: MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) and private buses.
• Duration: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.

From Pune

• Bus Types: MSRTC and private buses.
• Duration: About 1.5 to 2 hours
• Local Transport in Lonavala- Once in Lonavala, you can use local transport options such as auto-rickshaws, taxis, and rental bikes to explore the town and nearby attractions.

Lonavala is a popular hill town in Maharashtra, and it is well-connected to all the major cities in the state. If you are travelling from outside of Maharashtra, you can easily reach here by train; it has its own railway station and majority of the trains coming in and going out of Maharashtra pass through Lonavala and take a halt here. Travelling to Lonavala by train is also a great way to enjoy the majestic beauty of the town, especially during the rains.  

Monsoon is the best Lonavala visit time because enroute your journey, you get the majestic view of the hills decorated with waterfalls and the valleys. But the best way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Lonavala is to travel by road. A bike or a car ride to Lonavala will take you through the winding roads up the hills. You can stop over at various viewpoints to enjoy the beauty of the place while sipping a cup of chai in a kullad (a cup made of clay) and gorging on the local delicacy, vada pav. The experience is pure bliss! 

Best places to stay in Lonavala

Club Mahindra Tungi Resort, a Club Mahindra Managed Resort

Club Mahindra Tungi, overlooking Lake Pawna, offers a tranquil getaway from city life. The resort provides stunning countryside views and a vibrant vacation filled with unique experiences.

Resort Highlights

• Outdoor Activities: Swimming, ATV rides, adventure games, and shooting games.
• Relaxation: Svaastha Spa for rejuvenating treatments.
• Entertainment: Evening shows and delicious dinners at the resort restaurant.
• Craft Workshops: Puppet-making workshops.

Nearby Attractions

• Water sports at Pawna Lake
• Paragliding at Tungi
• Visits to Tungi Fort, Lohagad Fort, and Bhaja Caves

Experience Club Mahindra's signature hospitality with modern amenities, meticulous attention to detail, and service with a smile, making your stay at Club Mahindra Tungi truly memorable.