Travel to Lonavala

Lonavala Tourism



Not far from the bustling crowd of Mumbai, the hilly region of Lonavala invites nature lovers and footloose travelers alike. The natural beauty here is splendid, and it is also a place where trekking enthusiasts gather. There are plenty of sightseeing options as well.

Best Time to Visit Lonavala

While Lonavala is a place where temperature remains around 40 degrees Celsius for most of the year, it rarely wears a deserted look. The time between March and May is a little harsh; therefore, the remaining months are recommended for a trip. But perhaps the best time is during the monsoon months. The beautiful greenery looks even more breathtaking during the rains. One also gets respite from the dust. If monsoon is not your favorite season, you may plan for a trip to Lonavala during the winter months. The months between October and March are ideal, with less rain and lower temperature.

Local Transport

The two cities from where you can reach Lonavala easily are Pune and Mumbai. The hill station is connected by road to both the cities, while the train route is another alternative. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is ideal to reach Lonavala if you want a smooth ride and do not mind paying the toll tax. The two-wheelers and auto rickshaws are not allowed here, and visitors using such vehicles will have to use Mumbai-Pune road NH4. The trains that can be used to reach the place are Deccan Express, Koyna Express, Indrayani Express etc. To travel in and around Lonavala, you can go for rented bicycles.

Food

In Lonavala, you can find some of the popular fasts food chains, but there are regional eating joints to delight your taste buds as well. After exploring the sightseeing options and walking around, you can gorge on local Gujarati dishes, a huge hit with visitors. The popular delicacies are strong masala chai and vada pao. The brittle candy, Chikki, is another regional dish that people savor. Of course, if you are not fond of gorging on street food, try some of Lonavala's famous restaurants that offer plethora of Chinese and Continental dishes. Popular restaurants include Kamat's, Fiesta and Fusion.

Popular Things

From forts to water bodies and mountains covered with lush greenery, there are many things to explore in Lonavala.
  • The ancient Bhaja Caves, with an origin dating back to 200 BC, attract plenty of visitors. Stretched over a vast region, the caves extend all the way to Arabian Sea.
  • Set up during the British India, the Tungarli Lake is a major attraction in Lonavala. It serves as source of drinking water to people in the region.
  • Adjacent to the Lonavala market, the Ryewood Park was made as a botanical garden initially. Its flower plants and large trees attract nature lovers.
  • Iron Fort or Lohagad Fort is just 10 km from Lonavala. This 16th century citadel was used as a prison. It was under the possession of legendary the Marathi emperor Shivaji. Another major Fort near the region is the Visapur Fort, which is liked much by trekkers owing to its high altitude.
Cost to Travel

The cost to travel to Lonavala and explore its sights depends on your priorities and budget. The duration of your stay is another important factor in this context. If you don't mind spending, you can hire taxis from Mumbai, which will cost around Rs. 2,500 or so, depending on the season. A cheaper transport option is non-AC Volvo buses from Mumbai, offering a trip for Rs. 200.

How many days are enough to travel?

While there are visitors from Pune and Mumbai who go for weekend trips to Lonavala and the adjacent Khandala, you will need more than two days to explore all attractions in Lonavala and savor its culinary delights. The forts near Lonavala will take up much of your time, and the same can be said about the parks. Photography buffs will find plenty of things to keep themselves busy for a couple of days at Lonavala. The outskirts attractions, like the Rajmachi Point and Valvan Dam can also take up much time in exploration. To explore the place and refresh your mind, 2-4 days are recommended.

Tourism Department Contacts

While you can pick form various hotels and transport options for staying in Lonavala and reaching there, it is better that you contact the MTDC authorities for added convenience. There is an MTDC-run tourist resort named MTDC Karla on the Mumbai-Pune road that you can consider for staying. It is barely 3 km from Lonavala. Its booking can be done online at the MTDC website www.maharashtratourism.gov.in. The website also mentions that advance booking is prudent to get accommodation, especially in peak seasons. You can email for further queries at [email protected] and call at 1800-229930 (toll free) for booking information.

Emergency Contact Numbers

Lonavala is a place that can rejuvenate your mind and body but it's always good to know the emergency contact numbers. The police station number is +91-2114-273033. For any medical emergency you can call up +91-2114-273672 to get the Municipal Hospital's ambulance service. There are two police stations in Lonavala. For any mishap, you may seek help from Pune-Mumbai Expressway Highway Helpline by calling the number 09822498224.



Last Updated on : January 14, 2014