8 Places to Visit in Lonavala: A Peaceful Retreat Away from City Life

Lonavala is a gorgeous hill station in Mumbai, which offers a breather from the dizzying pace of the city. Even though this place is famous as the “City of Caves,” there’s more to it than just caves. The places to visit in Lonavala are abundant with beauty and natural wonders, so you can rest assured that you’ll have an incredibly wonderful time here. From tranquil lakes to mesmerizing waterfalls, you’ll get to witness all these tourist attractions in this charming hill station.

Best Places to Visit in Lonavala: Spend Time Amidst the Mountains

We’re all aware of the cosmopolitan city, Mumbai being the hub of activity, but have you ever explored the serene hill station near it? Lonavala is an underrated tourist destination that is worth visiting at least once in your life. The lush green mountains, religious attractions, mystical caves, and much more await your arrival, so let’s look at some of the places to visit in Lonavala in summer.

1. Tiger’s Leap
2. Rajmachi Fort
3. Pawna Lake
4. Duke’s Nose
5. Tikona Fort
6. Narayani Dham Temple
7. Aamby Valley
8. Reverse Waterfall

1. Tiger’s Leap: Enjoy the View from the Top

You might be wondering why this attraction is known as Tiger’s Leap. Well, the shape of the vantage point here resembles that of a Tiger leaping into the valley; therefore, it’s named as such. The breathtaking views of the verdant valleys from the clifftop with a drop of over 650 m would enamor you, and this place is also an excellent location for indulging in adventure activities, like hiking, trekking, and so on. You can visit the echo point for some enchanting views or sit by the flowing stream, enjoying a picnic. There’s even a waterfall near this viewpoint that is only active during monsoon. If you’re planning on visiting this place, then sunrise or sunset is an ideal time because you’ll get to witness an alluring view of the entire place.

Best time to visit: Monsoon season

Distance from Lonavala Railway Station: Approx. 10 km

Distance from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport: Approx. 101 km

Attractions near Tiger’s Leap: Kune Waterfalls, Rajmachi, I.N.S Shivaji Base, Della Adventure Park

Restaurants near Tiger’s Leap: Triose Plaza, Rama Krishna, Picadore, Broccoli

Hotels near Tiger’s Leap: Meritas Picaddle Resort, Regenta SG’s Greenotel, Meritas Crystal Resort, Chandralok Hotel

How to reach Tiger’s Leap: Take the INS Shivaji or Bhooshi Dam route. Cross the Lonavala bus stand and reach the next junction at Kumar Resort. Take a left and drive till the first T junction, now take a right and continue straight till Tiger Point

2. Rajmachi Fort: Explore this Astounding Historical Fort

Rajmachi Fort is one of the places to visit in Lonavala and Khandala that would leave you spellbound with its magnificence and glorious past. Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Maratha ruler, this fort has seen the turbulent history of India and the change of power from Chhatrapati Shivaji to Aurangzeb to Shahu Maharaj, and to the British rule. There are two fortresses here actually, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan that are situated at a height of 3000 ft. Therefore, it’s ideal for trekkers and other adventure/nature enthusiasts. You’ll come across the Kal Bhairava Mandir, Kondhane Caves, Buddhist Caves, and many more gorgeous attractions here.

Best time to visit: June to September

Timings: 9 A.M to 6 P.M

Distance from Lonavala Railway Station: Approx. 231 km

Distance from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport: Approx. 320 km

Attractions near Rajmachi Fort: Bushi Dam, Ekvira Temple, Karla Caves, Lohgad Fort

Restaurants near Rajmachi Fort: Parsi Dhaba, PNF Restaurant and Bar, Crème Della, Café 24

Hotels near Rajmachi Fort: DATA Resort by Della Adventure, Radisson Blu Resort and Spa Karjat, Della Adventure Resorts, Radisson Blu Resort and Spa Lonavala

How to reach Rajmachi Fort: You could either trek to the fort from Lonavala, which is roughly a 15 minutes' walk, or you can trek from Karjat for approx. 5km. If not trekking, then driving in an SUV is a convenient option

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3. Pawna Lake: Bask in the Scenic Beauty of this Lake

You might have heard of this famous lake in Lonavala. This artificial lake is among the Lonavala places to visit in one day because of its serene beauty and tranquil atmosphere. This place would remind you of why you decided to vacation in this peaceful hill station. Sitting by this lake would feel like being in the lap of nature with lush greenery surrounding you and a refreshing breeze calming you. The picture-perfect view would urge you to capture this moment in your mind and your camera, which is why this lake plays a role in acting as an ideal destination for a weekend getaway for the locals and makes Lonavala a romantic destination for honeymoon in India. It’s one of the perfect places to visit in Lonavala in monsoon as you can enjoy camping, sightseeing, and picnics here.

Best time to visit: Monsoon season

Distance from Lonavala Railway Station: Approx. 33 km

Distance from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport: Approx. 122 km

Attractions near Pawna Lake: Karla Caves, Narayani Dham Temple, Visapur Fort, Bhaja Buddhist Caves

Restaurants near Pawna Lake: Mabruk, Chandralok, Tikona Picnic, Café Vindhyas

Hotels near Pawna Lake: The Machan, Cloud 9 Hills Resort, Meritas Countryside Resort, Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa

How to reach Pawna Lake: You can either travel by bus from Mumbai to Lonavala and then hire a cab to the lake or drive via the Kamshet route and Dudhiware Khind route

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4. Duke’s Nose: Get a Bird’s Eye View of the City

Lonavala is full of vantage points that offer an exhilarating experience to the visitors who trek to these locations. The view they get to witness is worth the effort, and the same goes for this viewpoint. Duke’s Nose, named after the Duke of Wellington’s nose because of its resemblance in shape, has become one of the popular places to visit in Lonavala. Some locals also call it Nagphani because the shape resembles a snake’s hood and there’s also a Mahadev temple at the top of the cliff. Imagine having a picnic here with the Sahyadri range in front of you covered in lush greenery, clear blue sky, and natural beauty as far as the eyes can see. You can also go rock climbing, trekking, hiking, and indulge in other adventurous activities.

Best time to visit: October to February

Timings: 7 A.M to 6 P.M

Distance from Lonavala Railway Station: Approx. 5 km

Distance from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport: Approx. 95 km

Attractions near Duke’s Nose: Kune Falls, Narayani Dham Temple, Imagica, Tiger Point

Restaurants near Duke’s Nose: Parsi Dhaba, Villa Bistro, PNF Restaurant and Bar, Crème Della

Hotels near Duke’s Nose: The Duke’s Retreat, Meritas Crystal Resort Lonavala, Fariyas Resort Lonavala, Meritas Picaddle Resort

How to reach Duke’s Nose: You can take a cab, taxi or drive there yourself via the Main Bazar Road

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5. Tikona Fort: Explore this Intimidating Triangular Fort

When it comes to this fort, you can bet that it’s one of the famous places to visit in India because of its location and historical significance. This fort got its name due to its triangular shape, but this shape is what makes it imposing and majestic. Perched at an altitude of 1066 m above sea level, this fort has seen a turbulent history. It was under the rule of Shivaji Maharaj, then it was captured by the Mughals, but Shivaji Maharaj regained control over it. The best part is the journey to this fort, which requires you to trek through the rich greenery and natural beauty. So, don’t miss out on this exquisite attraction in Lonavala.

Best time to visit: June to September

Timings: 9 A.M to 5 P.M

Distance from Lonavala Railway Station: Approx. 37 km

Distance from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport: Approx. 126 km

Attractions near Tikona Fort: Tung Fort, Bhatrashi Hill, Lohagad, Fagne Dam

Restaurants near Tikona Fort: Tikona Picnic, Mabruk, Mountain Bar and Bistro, Woodstock Foodall and Heliport

Hotels near Tikona Fort: The Machan, Canary Island Resort and Spa, Aamby Valley City, Cloud 9 Hills Resort

How to reach Tikona Fort: You can visit this fort via a cab or taxi and then trek to the fort

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6. Narayani Dham Temple: Seek Blessings of Maa Narayani

It’s imperative that you visit the temples in this hill station to understand the local traditions better. Therefore, the Narayani Dham Temple is a tourist point in Lonavala that you must visit for soaking in the spiritual vibes and serene atmosphere. The main deity in this temple is Goddess Durga or Narayani, but it also houses shrines of Lord Ganesh and Lord Hanuman. The beauty of this temple is accentuated by the fountains and glorious architecture that will allure you. The idols of the deities are decorated with glittering jewelry and the moment you step in, you’ll be greeted by the ringing of the temple bells and sound of prayers that will transport you to a happy place.

Timings:

Weekdays – 7 A.M to 12 P.M and 3:15 P.M to 7:30 P.M

Weekends – 7 A.M to 1 P.M and 3:15 P.M to 7:30 P.M

Distance from Lonavala Railway Station: Approx. 3 km

Distance from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport: Approx. 92 km

Attractions near Narayani Dham Temple: Miniature World Museum, Tungarli Lake, Bhaja Caves, Tiger’s Leap

Restaurants near Narayani Dham Temple: Hirkani, Anglo Indian Café and Bistro, Treehouse Café, Panchvati Gaurav

Hotels near Narayani Dham Temple: Rhythm Lonavala, Regenta SG’s Greenotel, Meritas Adore Resort, Meritas Crystal Resort Lonavala

How to reach Narayani Dham Temple: You can either walk to the temple or take an auto-rickshaw

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7. Aamby Valley: Enjoy a Full Day of Entertainment

Aamby Valley is a township that retains the simplistic natural beauty while also developing into an urban destination. The infrastructure here boasts of modern development whereas set against lush greenery. It’s among the ideal places in Lonavala for couples because of the gorgeous landscape, shimmering lakes, and the imposing Sahyadri Mountains. You can immerse yourself in this township’s landscape by indulging in recreational activities and peaceful downtime. It’s one of those places to visit in India in summer because that’s when you can enjoy the pleasant weather here. A picnic in this location is among the famous activities here; apart from that water sports and outdoor activities on land are also available.

Best time to visit: October to March

Distance from Lonavala Railway Station: Approx. 23 km

Distance from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport: Approx. 114 km

Attractions near Aamby Valley: Koraigad Fort, Narayani Dham Temple, Bhaja Buddhist Caves, Karla Caves

Restaurants near Aamby Valley: Mabruk, Mountain Bar and Bistro, Sports Bar

Hotels near Aamby Valley: Aveda Suites, Canvas Resort, Aamby Valley Supreme Cottages, Juvana Resort and Spa

How to reach Aamby Valley: You can take a bus from Mumbai, Lonavala, or Pune to visit this city. A cab or taxi is also a convenient option

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8. Reverse Waterfall: Marvel at Nature’s Wonders

One of the adventures in India is visiting this unique attraction in Lonavala. The reason it’s unique is that instead of the water cascading down the hill, it appears to be flowing in the upward direction. This magical phenomenon happens because of the force with which the water falls from the waterfall. Witnessing this view is among the most memorable things that you’ll do here because this is an offbeat attraction that isn’t common in other parts of India. So, make the most of this opportunity and enjoy this natural wonder. A picnic near this waterfall is a common activity people indulge in.

Best time to visit: Monsoon season

Distance from Lonavala Railway Station: Approx. 7 km

Distance from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport: Approx. 160 km

Hotels near Reverse Waterfall: Meritas Adore Resort, Rhythm Lonavala, Meritas Picaddle Resort, Treebo Trend Five Elements

How to reach Reverse Waterfall: You can either drive to the waterfall from Lonavala by taking the Mumbai-Pune express highway or trek to this location by reaching the base of Lohagad Fort

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Now that you’re well acquainted with this hill station in Maharashtra, your feet must be itching to travel to this destination. So, when you do take a trip to this city, don’t miss out on the places to visit in Lonavala mentioned above. These gorgeous attractions would help you navigate to this hill station’s finest locations that would make your trip more memorable. Therefore, our Lonavala tour packages are the best way to explore this place and its many tourist spots in the most amazing way possible.

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