The Best Season to Visit Lonavala’s Striking Tourist Places

Nestled in the Sahayadri ranges of the Western Ghats, Lonavala is one of the most popular hill stations in India. Also known as the City of Caves, Lonavala attracts tourists with panoramic views, majestic waterfalls, lush green valleys, misty landscapes, and a peaceful ambience. Located at an elevation of 622 metres (2,041 ft) above sea level, Lonavala is just 100 km from the Mumbai metro and 64 km from Pune. It is an ideal weekend getaway for travellers from these cities.

With a serene environment, coupled with many interesting and fun-filled outdoor activities and attractions, Lonavala allows visitors to find some relaxed moments and relieve the stress of daily life. Whether you are a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or just looking for a beautiful and serene place, Lonavala has something for everyone. This gorgeous hill station has pleasant weather throughout the year. Let’s dig more into the best season to visit Lonavala.

Monsoon (July - September)

Lonavala turns into a painting during the rainy season, with dark clouds covering the green lush trees to make a striking contrast. The lush surroundings and gushing waterfalls make the rainy season the best time to visit Lonavala. The mountains, waterfalls, and lakes come alive during the monsoon, attracting nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts to explore the hill station at its best. While you may have to cancel your sightseeing and outdoor activities plan during your visit to Lonavala in the rainy season, you can still enjoy the mesmerising view from the comfort of your room at your favourite resort.  Make sure you carry an umbrella, rain jacket, waterproof shoes, and an extra pair of change of clothes if you plan to step out when the rain pours.

Winter (October - February)

Winter is also the best season for Lonavala trips. In this season, water streams become extremely photogenic and dewy, and foggy mountain peaks invite tourists to go for a trek. With temperatures hovering between 11 to 25 degrees Celsius, winter months between October and February make sightseeing and exploration comfortable and suitable for all. Driving through the cloudy and unfamiliar paths is one of the most adventurous things to do in Lonavala during winter. A few days right after the rainy season in Lonavala ends is the perfect time to plan a trip to this striking hill station. This is the time when the greenery is around, but no clouds to restrict the sights. Whether you are a solo traveller or enjoying a trip with friends and family, the months from October to February are the best months to visit Lonavala.

Summer (March - June)

With temperatures hovering between 32 and 34 degrees during the daytime and dropping to 18 -19 degrees Celsius at night, Summers in Lonavala are mildly hot and humid. However, it does not mean that summers are unfavourable for tourists. The lush greenery of hills in summer is totally a different sight. Lonavala witnesses the most visitors during the summer vacations since it is a quick weekend getaway for people living in Mumbai and Pune.  While its elevation does not provide cooler temperatures during summers like other hill stations, the climate is still pleasant compared to the lower plain areas. Often, the breezy winds cool down the heat and pave the way for tourists to enjoy a great time in Lonavala. Thus, summer is also an ideal time to visit Lonavala.

How to Reach Lonavala

Lonavala is easily accessible and connected to all major cities in Maharashtra and other cities in India. Different modes of transportation to reach this hill station include: -

By Train

The railway station in Lonavala is well-connected to cities like Pune and Mumbai. There are many express and passenger trains operating between these cities on a regular basis, making train journeys a convenient transportation mode for tourists.

By Air

Lonavala does not have direct flight connectivity. However, Pune International Airport is the nearest airport which is just 65 km away. You can book or hire a cab or taxi from the airport to reach Lonavala comfortably via road.

By Road

Located on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Lonavala is easily accessible via road from Pune and Mumbai. The easiest and most convenient way to reach Lonavala is to book Mumbai or Pune to Lonavala cabs.

The driving route passes through the gorgeous mountains and valleys of the Western Ghats, letting you enjoy the fascinating drive with a breathtaking backdrop. A road trip from Pune or Mumbai to Lonavala is quite popular among nature and adventure lovers.

Getting Around in Lonavala

The hill station has good connectivity with convenient transportation options like shared autos, private taxis, and rented cycles. However, the taxis and autos in Lonavala do not charge as per metre readings. So, it is wise to fix the fare in advance.

Places to Visit in Lonavala

Tiger’s Leap

Locally known as Waghdari, Tiger’s Leap is a major sightseeing attraction in Lonavala. This 650-meter-high hilltop has a resemblance to the shape of a leaping tiger, thus this place got the name Tiger’s Leap or Tiger’s Point. With clouds soaring above magnificent hills and stunning valleys, this spectacular hilltop provides a panoramic view of the surrounding lakes, waterfalls, and lush greenery. Monsoon is the best season to visit Tiger’s Leap in Lonavala, as there is a small waterfall in the vicinity, which flows at its peak during monsoon, creating a spectacular sight with its roaring cascades surrounded by green valleys and hills.

Lohagad fort

Another point of interest for tourists in Lonavala is Lohagad Fort.  It is an architectural marvel of the Marathas, making it a popular and must-visit attraction for history buffs and nature enthusiasts. The Lohagad fort also attracts adventure lovers as they have to reach this spot through a trek. One of the most striking forts of Maharashtra, Lohagad Fort, comprises of a Shiv temple, two artificial ponds, two natural ponds, and a Dargah. Perched at a height of 3,400 feet, Lohagad Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Bhaja Caves

One of the oldest caves in India, Bhaja Caves, belongs to the 1 and 2 centuries BCE. A national monument of India, Bhaja Caves is a must-visit place for history buffs. You may need to travel through a beautiful zig-zag road to reach Bhaja village, the base point to reach these caves. Monsoon is the best time to visit Bhaja Caves, Lonavala as you can enjoy the spectacular sights.

Tikona fort

A Visit to Lonavala would be incomplete without visiting this gorgeous fort. Also famous as the Vitandgad Fort, Tikona Fort is a perfect destination for history lovers and trekking enthusiasts, especially for new trekkers or beginners to make a foray into the Sahyadris range. Situated at an altitude of 1066 m above sea level, this beautiful fort has got its name due to its triangular shape. The entrance of the Tikona fort is through a small cave, leading visitors to a cluster of five caves and a tower. There is a ruined temple and a giant stone wheel inside the fort. Winter is the best time to go for the Tikona Fort trek in Lonavala, as the temperatures remain pleasant and comfortable.

Duke’s Nose

Another one in the list of striking places to visit in Lonavala, Duke’s Nose was named after the Duke of Wellington due to the similarity in shape of the nose of the Duke. This place is also called Nagphani, as it looks like a flared hood of a snake. The ideal time to visit Duke’s Nose in Lonavala is between October and February. Duke’s Nose is an ideal place to enjoy a wide range of activities like trekking, camping, rappelling, etc. Also, there is a temple at the top, which is dedicated to lord Shiva.

A tour of Lonavala will impress you with its outstanding scenery and historical destinations in any season or month. You can choose one of our intricately crafted Lonavala tour packages to make your trip hassle-free and enjoy an extraordinary vacation.