Destination: Lonavala (Approx. 84 kms from Mumbai)
Duration: 3 Days/2 Nights
Estimated Cost: INR 5000 -10000 (Per Person)
Lonavala, a beautiful hill-station on the Mumbai-Pune highway serves as an ideal destination for couples, families, or friends seeking a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. This travel location offers a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and adventure activities.
Best Time to Visit:
Monsoon Season (June to September) – Lush greenery & gushing waterfalls
Winter Season (October to February) – Pleasant weather
Lonavala: The Land of Nature, Nibbles & Nurture
Day 1: Friday
- Depart from Mumbai (8:00 AM)
Drive through the Mumbai-Pune Expressway with a quick breakfast en route.
- Reach Lonavala & Check-In (11:00 AM)
Suggested: Stay near Pawna Lake or a scenic hillside view.
Lunch (Around 1:00 PM)
Try Rama Krishna or Hotel German Bakery Wunderbar, as the popular eatery spots to relish some delicious lunch.
- Tiger’s Leap & Lion Point (Around 2:00 PM)
Enjoy breathtaking views, scenic beauty, light trekking and a waterfall depiction during the monsoon season typically.
- Bhushi Dam & Sunset View (Around 4:00-6:0 PM)
Walk through the water, click pictures, and feel the monsoon rush. Post the dam view, enjoy the beautiful sunset at Rajmachi Point. This spot is known to be an ideal for panoramic views and photography.
- Dinner & Bonfire (8:00 PM)
Many resorts in this hill station offer evening bonfires, live music and barbeque nights by the garden or pool area. This creates an ambience worth cherishing with some memorable pictures and videos.
Post dinner, rest and rejuvenate for Day 2.
Day 2: Saturday
- Morning: Adventure & Heritage
Begin your Day 2 with breakfast and some hot beverage to fuel yourself for an action-packed day.
- Trek to Lohagad Fort (8:30 AM)
An easy-to-moderate trek with ancient steps, lush views, and rich history.
- Visit to Karla Caves & Lunch (12:30 PM)
Post the trek completion, explore the next spot – Bhaja or Karla Caves. This site houses ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves with carvings and stupa halls. Post discovering cave site, Grab local thali or binge on authentic Maharashtrian cuisine at popular eatery spots in Lonavala Market.
- Lonavala + Tungarli Lake (4:00 PM)
After some shopping and local market exploration, it’s time to head towards the pristine lakes of Lonavala and Tungarli. These water bodies curate refreshing lakeside moments and are synonymous as ideal spots for relaxing or paddle boating.
- Lonavala Bazaar & Dinner (6:00 PM)
The local street-side bazaar area is the central hub where local artisans/shopkeepers and residents sell artisanal items. You can shop for chikkis, fudge, jams, local handicrafts and other things.
End the day with a sumptuous dinner at any of the eye-catchy or popular dining options and rest well after a long day.
Day 3: Sunday
- Morning: Wind Down in Nature’s Lap
Wake up to a beautiful sunrise, serenity and tranquility amidst the morning view at Pawna Lake, if you’re staying close to it, or you can visit early morning. This spot is ideal for some enviable pictures and meditation.
- Breakfast (8:30 AM)
Enjoy a delectable breakfast picnic by the lake, which will make your final morning truly an unmissable experience and highlight of the getaway.
- Return to Mumbai (12:00 PM)
After the comfortable weekend stay, depart for Mumbai/Pune by noon. Post check-out by 10:00, if time permits you can visit the Lonavala Wax Museum/Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum or Miniature World for some additional fun with family members/children.
USEFUL TIPS
Transportation: To and from Lonavala: (From Mumbai)
- Train or bus: INR 500 – 1,500 (round trip). It takes about 02 hours by train and is the fastest mode of transport.
- Car (sharing or private basis): INR 1,000 – 3,000 (round trip)
- Rickshaws or Taxis: INR 500 – INR 1,000 per day (Local commute is available pretty conveniently throughout the area)
Activities:
- Entry fees to Attraction Sites (e.g., Della Adventure Park, Wax Museum): INR 500 – 2,000 per day per person (depending on the number of sites visited)
- Adventure Activities (e.g., Ziplining, Rappelling): INR 1,000 – 3,000 per activity per person (approx.)
Food:
- A typical meal day would cost around INR 1000 per person, depending on the choice of the restaurant and season/time of the visit. There are budget eateries also available, which serve simple snacks and delights. Check-Out the Top 10 Restaurants in Lonavala – THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Lonavala (Updated June 2025)
Accommodation:
- Lonavala as a hill station offers a plethora of choices to pick from, when it comes to stay and accommodation. From budget to luxury, a myriad range of resorts and hotels are spread across the entire hill station. Airbnb budget stays are also available, if booked well in advance for prices as low as INR 990 per night. Check-Out the Top Budget accommodation options in Lonavala THE 10 BEST Budget Hotels in Lonavala 2025 (with Prices)
