Climate condition : Similing the other hill resort's climate, Lonavla also experiences very pleasant climate. During summers (April-June) it is temperate, and in winters (November-February) it is a bit colder.
Best time to visit : October-May. Monsoon season (June-September) is best to be avoided.
Thing to do
Plenty of lakes, peaks and waterfalls of Lonavla make tourists enmesh into oodles of Eco activities like nature viewing around the lakes, peaks and waterfalls, angling, swimming trekking and hanging out at some of famous eating point.
Places of Interests
Bushy Dam : This small dam is located 6 km from Lonavla, and is most famous picnic spot of Lonavla. During the monsoons on weekends, the dam is heavily crowded by picnic goers. Swimming is though restricted but bathing under the steps of dam that create a downfall is very pleasant experience.
Ryewood Park : This large park similes a botanical garden, and is very spacious making favourite place for picnic goers. Close to the park there is an old Christian cemetery having some of the gravestones hundred years old.
Duke's Nose : Favourite among nature lovers, Duke's Nose is also favouite spot for trekkers as its peculiar peak makes suitable trail for trekkers.
Karla Hills : The Karla Hills are another joy for trekkers as its fine trekking terrain is worth to enjoy trekking, rock-climbing and hiking.
Karla and Bhaja caves : Dating back to 2nd century BC, Karla and Bhaja caves lying just 15 km from Lonavla are the Karla and Bhaja caves. Believed to be one of the best preserved Buddhist rock-cut caves, these cave complexes are must visit while being at Lonavla.
Lakes of Lonavla : Considered to be the lake district of Western India, Lonavla has many of lakes which are tourist fascination. Though all these lakes are artificial but many of its like Tungarli Lake, Valvan Lake, Lonavla Lake, Monsoon Lake, and Pawna Lake are very pleasant for nature viewing and spending leisure.
Forts of Lonavla : Many of popular forts like Rajmachi Fort, Lohagad Fort, Tikona Fort, Tung Fort, Visapur Fort and Koregad Fort are located amidst the rich natural landscapes giving amazing exploration of historical insight of the province.
Eco attraction/Eco excursion
Said to be the Lake district of India, Lonavla is abode to many of beautiful lakes. These lakes by giving tourist a very fine opportunity to enjoy excursion, also let them enjoy Eco activities like angling, swimming and nature viewing. Lakes like Tungarli Lake, Valvan Lake, Lonavla Lake, Monsoon Lake, and Pawna Lake are some of the favourite excursion spots at Lonavla. Not all but some of these lakes are fine treat for anglers.
Few of the trekking trails of Lonavla are not arduous, and are horded by adventure sports lovers. Trekking terrains like Kalri Hills and Duke's Nose are two of the favourite trekking terrains, where one can enjoy hiking , rock-climbing and trekking.
Many of the scenic lakes like Tungarli Lake, Valvan Lake, Lonavla Lake, Monsoon Lake, and Pawna Lake are favourite location to be hanged out mostly by picnic goers. Some of the lakes getting less footfalls are reclusive, and attract honeymooners to relish the tranquil moments together with their soul mate. The rich natural ambiance of popular locations like Ryewood Park and bushy dam are sought after for enjoying picnic.
Popular forts like Rajmachi Fort, Lohagad Fort, Tikona Fort, Tung Fort, Visapur Fort and Koregad Fort open up a rich historical insight of the region. Plus a visit to world famous rock-cut Buddhist caves like Karla and Bhaja deserve a thorough penetration as it is believed to be one of the best conserved rock-cut caves.
Reaching there
By Air : Mumbai International Airport (110 km) and Pune Domestic Airport (66 km) are very well connected to all major international and national airports, respectively. Reaching Khandala from these two location is quite comfortable by driving via Mumbai-Pune express highway.
By Rail : Lonavla lying on main rail line between Mumbai-Pune is the nearest railhead from Khandala. Catching Indrayani Express from Mumbai CST at 5:40 am is the best option.
By Road : From both Mumbai and Pune, Khandala is very well connected. Three hours of smooth drive on Mumbai-Pune highway lead you to Khandala. Driving after the evening 8 pm is not safe as the express way has been turning into robbers hub.
Accommodation
Fariyas Holiday Resort Frichley Hills, Tungarli, Lonavla Ph: 91-2114-273852
Bijis Hill Reatreat New Tungarli Road, Off Mumbai-Pune Highway Lonavla, Ph: 91-2114-273025
Treasure Island Resort Mumbai-Pune Highway, Lonavla Ph: 91-2114-282505
Hotel Rainbow Retreat Mumbai-Pune Highway, Lonavla Ph: 91-2114-273445
Eating Out
Quite famous for its Chikki, Lonavla is better called as Chikki capital of India. So, it is better not to forget buying it from any one of the many famous stops like Maganlals, A1, Coopers, Frends and Shakti foods. At many of restaurants and hotels, Gujrati thalis, Udipi-style Dosa and Sambar are worth relishing.
Tourist information centres
- MTDC Karla Ph: 91-2114-282230, 282064
- MTDC Mumbai Ph: 91-22-22026713, 22027762
