Why Visiting Lonavala in Monsoon Is a Must?

Visiting Lonavala in monsoon is truly magical. Nestled in the beautiful Sahyadri mountain range, Lonavala and Khandala are my two favorite hill stations, primarily because of their proximity to Mumbai. For most Mumbaikars and Punekars, it’s a tradition to visit these charming hill stations during the monsoon.

Spending a day marveling at the beauty of the Sahyadri range and then heading back to the hustle and bustle of daily life is a cherished experience. Although the crowd during the monsoon season can be quite daunting, the romance of Lonavala makes it worthwhile. As soon as the first showers hit the city, a road trip to Lonavala becomes a popular choice. The rush at each small and big point or restaurant can be maddening. Nonetheless, I still feel it’s worth a visit.

The best time to go is on weekdays, allowing you to peacefully enjoy the lush greenery and misty hills, adorned with numerous cascading waterfalls. The peak monsoon period, from June to September, is ideal for experiencing Lonavala at its most enchanting. Must-Visit

Lonavala in monsoon: Top points to visit

I have never been to Lonavala with a particular destination in mind. As soon as we take the exit to Lonavala on the Mumbai-Pune expressway, everything seems picture-perfect like a painting. Monsoons in Lonavala are romantic, magical, and spellbound. From my innumerable Lonavala trips, I am listing here some of the famous points in Lonavala that you can visit.

• Tiger’s Point: Perhaps the only viewpoint in Lonavala that most people visit during the monsoon to capture photos of the sublime mountains enveloped in fog. Kids can also enjoy horse and camel rides here.
• Bhushi Dam: The most crowded place to visit in Lonavala during the monsoon is Bhushi Dam. It is important to stay safe as you enjoy a dip here, as the force of the water can be quite heavy during this season.
• Bhaja Caves: These Buddhist caves are visited throughout the year for their ancient architecture.
• Kune Waterfalls: Situated between Khandala and Lonavala, this beautiful waterfall can be explored on a day trip with your family.
• Forts: Lonavala is home to many forts that narrate the story of Maratha’s pride and valor. If you enjoy trekking, you should consider hiking to Lohagad and Rajmachi Forts during the monsoon.
• Pawana Lake: There are several forts located around Pawana Lake that you might want to visit.

It’s best to explore Lonavala in your vehicle so you can stop and enjoy the views at famous spots like Lion Point, Duke’s Nose, Sunset Point, and Monkey Point, among others.

Accommodation Options in Lonavala

From budget to luxurious resorts, there are several accommodation options depending on your budget. Here’s a list of resorts I have stayed in over the years, ranked from luxury to affordable.

Club Mahindra Tungi Resort Lonavala: This resort in Pavana has captured my heart. I have stayed at this property multiple times, and each visit has been marked by the luxury and natural beauty it offers. Although reaching this resort can be daunting due to its distance from Lonavala city, once you arrive, you won’t want to leave. The food is delicious, and the facilities are top-notch.

• Meritas Crystal Resort Lonavala: This budget hotel is located right in the center of Lonavala. The rooms are clean, and the buffet is quite good. The resort features an indoor play area with games such as table tennis, carrom, and ludo, as well as a swimming pool.
• Hotel Gautam Lonavala: This Rajasthani-themed palace resort is located near the Lonavala bus stand. While it does offer charming Udaipur vibes, I can’t vouch for much beyond that. The food (purely vegetarian) and rooms were just okay considering the high cost.

  

  There is no indoor play area, which could be problematic during the monsoon, as kids might not have much to do. Although they have a small garden with a few slides, continuous rain made it difficult to use. However, it is one of the most Instagram-worthy hotels in Lonavala, so it’s worth a visit for some great photos and reels.

• Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli: Another beautiful property near Lonavala, this hotel is an excellent choice if you plan to visit the Imagicaa amusement park. The food is delicious, the rooms are luxurious, and the swimming pool is well-maintained. Additionally, the hotel offers a variety of indoor activities to keep kids engaged.
• Bhumi Villa: Located just behind the Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala, this standalone 3BHK villa with a pool is perfect for a group stay with family and friends. For an additional cost, they offer home-cooked non-veg and veg meals at the villa. The food is delicious and well worth every penny.

  

Conclusion:

For people from Mumbai and Pune, a day’s visit is usually sufficient to explore Lonavala in monsoon. Although the hill station has become quite crowded over the years, its beauty during the monsoon season remains irresistible. Don’t forget to pick up some famous Lonavala chikki and fudge on your way back.