Lonavala, India: travel guide
Waterfalls, caves and misty viewpoints in the Western Ghats
A breezy Western Ghats hill station of cascading waterfalls, ancient Karla and Bhaja caves, and misty viewpoints above the Deccan plains.
About Lonavala
Lonavala is a small hill station on the Western Ghats between Mumbai and Pune, popular for quick escapes from both. Its character changes with the seasons, turning green and wet in the monsoon and clear and breezy in winter.
Things to do in Lonavala include visiting the rock-cut Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves, both of which date back to ancient Buddhist times, and walking up to Lohagad Fort. Viewpoints such as Tiger's Leap look over the valley, while Bhushi Dam and Lonavala Lake are where crowds gather when the rains arrive. Chikki, the local nut brittle, is the usual souvenir.
Lonavala suits short weekend breaks, families and easy hikers. The best time to visit Lonavala is from June to September for waterfalls, though weekends can be crowded.
- Country
- India
- Currency
- INR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
Last updated
Top places to visit in Lonavala
Bhushi Dam
Waterfall · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A hugely popular monsoon spot where water cascades down the dam's stone steps and crowds wade in the spray — a quintessential Lonavala rainy-season scene.
Tiger's Leap (Tiger Point)
Viewpoint · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A cliff-top viewpoint with a sheer drop and a tiger-shaped promontory, offering sweeping valley vistas and a seasonal echo point and waterfall.
Della Adventure Park
Activity · 4.2 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
India's largest adventure park with zip-lines, ATV trails, rappelling, bungee-style rides and go-karting — a thrill hub for families and groups.
Lohagad Fort
Fort · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · entry ₹30
A robust Maratha hill fort reached by a short trek, with the spiralling "Vinchu Kata" rampart and grand monsoon views over the Sahyadris.
Karla Caves
Heritage · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A superb 2nd-century-BCE Buddhist rock-cut complex with India's largest chaitya hall, fronted by a great horseshoe window and carved pillars.
Pawna Lake
Nature · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A scenic reservoir framed by forts and hills, hugely popular for lakeside camping, sunsets and starry nights ~25 km from town.
Lonavala Lake
Nature · 4.0 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A tranquil lake on the town's edge, brimming and scenic in the monsoon, a pleasant spot for a quiet walk and photographs.
Bhaja Caves
Heritage · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A serene group of 22 ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves with a chaitya, stupas and carved reliefs, set on a green hillside near Malavli.
Duke's Nose (Nagphani)
Viewpoint · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A distinctive cliff resembling a nose (named for the Duke of Wellington), a rewarding short trek and a hotspot for rappelling and valley views.
Rajmachi Point
Viewpoint · 4.1 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A roadside viewpoint on the Khandala plateau overlooking the deep Shirota valley and the distant Rajmachi fort, lovely at sunset.
Things to do
- Lohagad Fort Trek Activity · 4 h · from INR 800 per person
- Pawna Lakeside Camping Activity · 18 h · from INR 1,500 per person
- Della Adventure Park Day Pass Activity · 5 h · from INR 1,500 per person
- Karla & Bhaja Caves Tour Cultural · 3 h · from INR 900 per person
Day trips and tours
- Pawna Lake Camping Overnight 20 h · from INR 2,200
- Lonavala–Khandala Sightseeing 8 h · from INR 1,500
- Forts & Caves Trek Day 8 h · from INR 1,800
Where to stay in Lonavala
- Station Road about INR 2,500 per night
Main area with hill station accommodation
Hotels
- The Machan 5-star · INR 14,000 to INR 28,000 per night
- Della Resorts 5-star · INR 11,000 to INR 22,000 per night
- Fariyas Resort Lonavala 4-star · INR 7,000 to INR 13,000 per night
- Pawna Lake Camping 2-star · INR 1,200 to INR 2,800 per night
- Rhythm Lonavala 4-star · INR 6,000 to INR 11,000 per night
- Hotel Chandralok 3-star · INR 2,800 to INR 5,000 per night
Where to eat
- Kinara Village Dhaba North Indian, Punjabi, Tandoor · about INR 600 per person
- Rama Krishna Restaurant North Indian, Chinese, Seafood · about INR 550 per person
- Cooper's Chikki & Fudge Sweets, Snacks · about INR 150 per person
- Sunny Da Dhaba North Indian, Punjabi · about INR 500 per person
- Guru Krupa Hotel Maharashtrian, North Indian · about INR 250 per person
- German Bakery Lonavala Continental, Cafe, Italian · about INR 450 per person
- Maganlal Chikki Counter Sweets, Snacks · about INR 150 per person
- The Bawa Kitchen Parsi, Continental, North Indian · about INR 550 per person
Getting to Lonavala
Nearest airport: Pune (PNQ), about 57 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Auto Rickshaw
- Taxi
- Walking
More in India
Frequently asked questions about Lonavala
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Lonavala?
- The highest-rated places in our Lonavala guide are Lohagad Fort, Tiger's Leap (Tiger Point), Karla Caves, Pawna Lake, Bhaja Caves.
- Where should I stay in Lonavala?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Lonavala: Station Road.
- How do I get around Lonavala?
- Ways to get around Lonavala covered in our guide: Auto-rickshaw, Taxi, Walking.