Lonavala is a one-stop destination in Maharashtra to escape from the chaos of daily life and enjoy a weekend away in peace and calmness. This popular hill station in Maharashtra has many captivating locations ranging from wonderful waterfalls, old-age forts, lakes, and many more. Lonavala caters to all types of audiences from a group of friends, couples, solo travelers, or enthusiastic bike riders, there is something for everyone.

Tiger’s Leap is one of the most visited places in Lonavala. The place got its name from the resemblance of a tiger leaping into the valley. The valley is 650m above overlooking the view of the mountain, valley, and the daily hustle and bustle of Lonavala city. The valley is known for its green mountains and panoramic views from the top. It’s a paradise during monsoons, hence many hikers and trekkers like to go up the hill to enjoy the golden sunrise. You must not miss the natural bliss of monsoon from Tiger’s bliss

Timings:

All day (Must visit to experience the sunrise and sunset)

Close to Bhaja Caves is a famous tourist attraction, Karla Caves. The Karla caves are 15m tall with 35 pillars surrounding all the caves with ancient motifs, sculptures, inscriptions, and stupas engraved on them. Carved on the rocky hillside, the Karla caves date back to the 2nd century. Associated with the Mahasamghika sect of Buddhism, these are the oldest rock-cut caves in India. Beside this oldest Buddhist shrine is the temple of Goddess Ekvira Devi. You must visit the Karla caves to explore more about the ancient history of Buddhism.

Timings:

09.00 am to 06.00 pm

Lohagard is situated at a height of 3400ft surrounded by natural beauty and ancient culture. Lohagad is one of the forts where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj kept his treasure. Lohagad Fort has four doors on its peak namely, “Ganesh Darwaja”, “Narayan Darwaja”, “Hanuman Darwaja” and “Maha Darwaja”. To get a deep knowledge of the history of the Fort, a local guide can accompany you throughout your trip.

Lohagad Fort is known for treks and hikes as it is a pretty easy trek and great for first-timers to experience the thrill of a trek and picturesque landscapes. Always carry a water bottle, comfortable clothes, and a first aid kit when you plan a trek. After a tiring trek, you can enjoy local Maharashtrian cuisine at nearby restaurants.

Timings:

Morning to Sunset 

(9:00 AM – 6:00 PM usually)

When you are visiting Lonavala, you must visit Rajmachi Fort. Rajmachi Fort is tucked between the lush greenery of the Sahyadri mountains and introduces the twin forts of Maharashtra, Shriwardhan Balekilla, and Manaranjan Balekilla. At the base of the fort is a small village named Udhewadi which has a rich history from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s era. Rajmachi Fort is most visited in monsoon by nature admirers, trek enthusiasts, and bike riders as the plateau is surrounded by nature and a waterfall and gives an enchanting experience for a trek.

Timing:

09.00 am to 06.00 pm

After a busy week in the city, you must take a weekend off in Amby Valley. 100 acres of mountain terrain is now a beautiful township developed by Sahara Parivar to give you a lavish experience of fun and relaxation in the lap of nature. Of many places to visit in Lonavala, Amby Valley stands different for its scenic beauty, urban amenities, and outdoor sports. The township offers a bunch of activities like Jet skiing, Pontoon Boating, Pirate Ship, Waterfall Safari, Speed Boating in their artificial lakes, Trekking, hiking, Zorbing, and many more.

You will never have a dull moment at Amby Valley as it has something for everyone of all age groups. You can enjoy the spa or can attend the “Enchanted Valley Carnival” which is Asia’s biggest multi-genre musical festival filled with fun and entertainment and the “Fountain of Fortune” event which is a musical fountain is held every evening. To enjoy the majestic nature and pleasant weather, June to October is the best time to visit Amby Valley.

Timing:

Open throughout the year

Pawna Lake was built as an artificial water reservoir and is now the most visited place for camping. You can enjoy the wonder of nature, soothing climate, and a bonfire night while camping at Pawna. Close to Pawna Lake are various forts and other attractions like Lohgad Fort, Tikona Fort, Tung Fort, and Visapur Fort. Pawna is a perfect destination to spend your weekend away from the city chaos and rest in nature for the weekend. You can camp there with your friends or can go for a hike and enjoy the beauty. The monsoon is the best time of the year to visit Pawna as you can experience a blanket of greenery all over the place.

Timing:

During monsoon

Bhushi dam is built on the beautiful Indrayani River. The dam is surrounded by alluring landscapes and rocky terrains. The dam prohibits any visitor from swimming in it but has steps built where you can enjoy yourselves. The dam has rocky terrain and uneven roads making it difficult to walk. When you plan to visit don’t forget to carry the necessary equipment like a water bottle, first aid kits, snacks, etc. The dam is crowded during monsoon as you can see the dam overflowing and forming a small waterfall where you can enjoy. It tends to get so crowded that you can’t even find a decent spot to sit and enjoy the view.

Timing:

9 AM to 5 PM (During Monsoon)

To all history lovers, Bhaja Caves is a place you must visit. Located in Lonavala is the rock-cut Bhaja Cave which is a group of 14 stupas from which 9 of them are carved inside and 5 are visible from outside. Bhaja Cave is also known for its magnificent architecture which is known to date back to 160BC. You can see an intricate carving of the names of monks of stupas with their titles. This historic cave is managed by the Archeological Survey of India. After visiting these significant caves, you can visit the waterfall nearby and take a refreshing dip.

Timing:

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Climb through the stairs with water gushing down the rocks in monsoons with surreal greenery & a blissful environment. Visapur Fort is a trek you must visit during monsoon to experience a foggy atmosphere, and cold climate and get to know about the history of the fort. Starting from Bhaje village, the hike is around 3hr long and is elevated at a height of 3556ft. There are a lot of temples on the Fort but one majorly paying homage to Lord Hanuman. You will also find remains of the old Mahadev shrine in the fort vicinity.

The fort is decorated with beautiful architecture, including an old stone-built house which is called the Peshwa’s house. You can take a trip on your own or can get assisted by a professional trek guide to have a hassle-free experience. Visapur Fort is a place you must visit on your next trip to Lonavala.

Timing:

05.00 am to 06.30 pm

Della Adventure Park is among the many places to visit in Lonavala you must not miss it to experience the adrenaline rush. The Park is a waterpark cum amusement park with a variety of thrilling activities. The park’s main attraction is the country’s one and only Snoop Swing and the country’s longest Flying Fox at 1250 feet. Della Adventure Park is the country’s largest amusement park with a variety of activities like motocross dirt bike riding, buggy ride, paintball, Rappelling, and many more. The park has games and activities for everyone including games for kids like virtual dancing, foosball, carom, chess, and many more. The Della Adventure Park is a perfect destination in Lonavala for a one-day visit.

Timing:

11.00 am to 09.00 pm

Valvan Dam is a perfect location to enjoy the rainy climate and chill winds of nature. The dam is situated on the beautiful Kundali river which attracts a lot of photography enthusiasts. The Valvan Dam is a huge water barrage that serves as the water source for the generation of electricity at the Khopoli Power Station, which is owned by Tata Power. The emerald green garden and mesmerizing backwaters of the dam make it a romantic picnic place to visit in Lonavala for couples.

Timing:

9 AM to 5 PM (During Monsoon)

Located in the heart of the city is Ryewood Park. The park was initially a botanical garden which is now developed into a park. You can come here and enjoy a picnic or a day out with your friends and family. You can explore various species of plants, a flower garden, a kid’s play area, and a temple in the vicinity of the park. Ryewood Park is a perfect place in Lonavala for a one-day trip with your loved ones.

Tikona Fort is perched at a height of 3500 feet and is named after its triangular shape. The fort is preferred majorly by trekkers due to its large doors, Trambakeshwar Mahadev, seven water tanks, Satvahan caves, and many other attractions. The fort is also known for its historic events marked by many Maratha dynasties. The fort also has Buddhist caves and a Mahadev temple inside it.

You must visit Tikona Fort on your next Lonavala vacation to experience the thrill of trekking, and stories of history and revive your spiritual beliefs.

Timing:

All-day

You must have visited a normal waterfall but have you heard of a reverse waterfall? This waterfall fall in Lonavala has its unique magic where you can see the waterfall flowing upwards due to the water pressure. The reverse waterfall is a perfect spot for a picnic with your friends and family. Surrounded by lush greenery, this waterfall is a place you should visit in the monsoon to enjoy the chilled weather and some hot Chai and Pakoda.

Timing:

All-day

Not too far from Lonavala city is this beautiful Tungarli Dam. Tungarli dam is built on the Tungarli River in Rajmachi Village. The dam was built in the British era and still provides water supply to nearby regions. Tungarli Dam is a location where you can rest and camp after a long trek alongside the panoramic views and sweet sound of water. During the rainy season, many trekkers, campers, and photography enthusiasts visit the dam to capture its beauty.

Timings:

All-day

At an amazing height of 200 is a three-tiered Kune fall. The waterfall is counted as the 14th largest waterfall in the country and is separated into two sections. The waterfall is a go-to destination for a picnic on a weekend. You can enjoy a refreshing swim in a pool at the base of the waterfall. Of many places to visit in Lonavala, Kune waterfall is the one to have a day out to get away from the daily hustle of city life.

Timings:

All-day

The name of the Duke of Wellington, whose nose resembled the shape of a cliff, Duke’s Nose is famous for hiking. Visit the Duke’s Nose to disconnect from the city and enjoy blue skies and green mountains. The cliff provides tents where you can camp and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere overseeing the peaks of the Sahyadri range. You can book a trekking package with gives you a chance to do adventure activities like rappelling. You can enjoy a bonfire in the evening with other trekkers, sing songs, and share stories with other trekkers.

Timings:

All-day

Unwind the beauty of nature and enjoy time with yourselves at this secluded lake. Shirota lake is nestled away from Lonavala city where hikers camp to enjoy the serenity of nature. You can set up your tent and build a bonfire alongside the lake and enjoy golden sunsets, you can go on a night trek and explore places nearby or you can just spend your night peacefully under the stars.

Timing:

All-day

Kaivalyadhama Ashram is a combination of Healthcare, Yogic educational institute, and naturopathy in a single place. You can get to learn about Yoga, naturopathy, and Modern Science. The ashram offers a unique education on yogic arts and how they are important in life. There are over 2500 books available in Ashram and students from all around the country take admissions.

Timing:

8 AM to 6 PM

Aundoli is one of the best places to visit in Lonavala and gets away from everything urban and related to city life. The campsite is made to disconnect from your daily life and reconnect you to nature. The camp offers countless activities like horse-riding, jungle treks, nature walks, rock climbing, and so many more. There are many kid’s activities as well which include those led by professional instructors like map reading, night camping and surviving on bare necessities, treasure hunts, and outdoor sports. You can spend an entire day at Aundoli learning and having fun around nature. After a fun-filled day, you can enjoy home-cooked meals under the blanket of stars alongside a bonfire.

Timing:

All-day

FAQs about places to visit in Lonavala

Q1) What are the must-visit places in Lonavala?

Q2) What are the best picnic spots in Lonavala?

Q3) What can we buy from Lonavala?

Lonavala does not have any big market but you can get small trinkets, souvenirs, wooden items, and handicrafts from Lonavala. Don’t forget to buy Chikki from the famous Maganlal’s Chikki.

Q4) What is the best time to visit Lonavala?

The best time to visit Lonavala is between October and June. These months are best because the weather and nature are at their best during this time. If you are a trekker or wish to take a trek to any forts you can plan a monsoon trek according to the weather.

Q5) Are there any amusement parks in Lonavala?

Della Adventure Park is one of the most exciting and thrilling amusement parks in Lonavala. You can enjoy various rides and they also have a water park if you wish to visit.

There are many other amusement parks around Lonavala like Imagica and Wet and Joy.