Must Visit Places in Lonavala – Love for Rains!

In the first place, whoever doesn’t know where lonavala is, has no right to live in Mumbai or Pune. It is not just a place, it is paradise and  one of the most spectacular hill station between Mumbai and Pune. Wearing a cloak of serenity and mostly covered with a layer of mist during monsoon, this little hill town has been a perfect hideaway for mountains and monsoons lovers.

There are many places to visit in Lonavala in the rainy season for all those who want to experience the season of love and romance in the beautiful Western Ghats. All of them have different things to offer and are great spots for a day tour from Mumbai and Pune; even the eating joints are worth the drive. From eating to trekking, here are few places that you must visit when in Lonavala

1. Bhushi Dam

This has to be the first in list. This is a scenic spot and its vivacious water running down the dam makes it look stunning during monsoon. Young and old, everybody enjoys splashing in it, sitting on the steps, and bathe in rainwater. Built on the Indrayani River, Bhushi Dam is amongst the most popular places to visit in Lonavala in rainy season.

Things to do near Bhushi Dam: Cherish rain splashes while enjoying hot tea and cornpakodas from local stalls.

Ideal for: Nature seekers and photographers

2. Pawna Dam

This is also one of the most lovely places to visit in Lonavala for couples to enjoy strolls around the lake, hiking, and boating together. Monsoon enhances the freshness and the beauty of the place and lets you live in the moments of peace. You can enjoy the day around the dam, chill out with family and friends, and try exciting watersports. It’s the best place to visit in Lonavala in monsoon. Surrounded by forests of Lohagad, Visapur, and Tikona, the picturesque Pawna dam and lake are must-visit places when the town is drenched in rain.

Things to do near Pawna Dam: Parasailing, jet skiing, and boating

Ideal for: Group of friends and photographers

3. Tungarli Lake

This is truly the best place to visit for peace seekers in Lonavala in rainy season. Sit on the bridge with an umbrella and let your feet dangle, as you cherish the verdant backdrop, sparkling water, and the cold raindrops. When the lake is filled with water, it looks absolutely romantic, which then attracts photographers and couples from nearby cities.

Ideal for: Family and couples

4. Tiger’s Leap

Resembling a tiger jumping off a cliff, this is a popular tourist spot in Lonavala. The plush green, eye-soothing views of the valley, misty mornings, and cool breeze make Tiger’s Leap make it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lonavala in rainy season for hikers and adventure lovers.

Ideal for: Nature seekers and photographers

Tip: Wear sturdy shoes in monsoons.

5. Lion’s Point

Lion’s Point is a mesmeric and one of the most frequently visited viewpoints in Lonavala. Perched on a cliff, the place offers amazing sunset views. The list of places to visit in Lonavala in rainy season isn’t complete without Lion’s Point. Known for evening and night trekking, Lion’s Point is amongst the best places to visit in Lonavala at night for adventure lovers.
Things to do near Lion’s Point: You can enjoy a camel ride

Ideal for: Group of friends, nature seeker, mountaineer, and photographer

6. Rajmachi Fort

A popular place to visit in Lonavala in rainy season, Rajmachi Fort offers stunning and fabulous scenery. The rustic surrounding looks even greener and luxuriant during monsoon. It also offers splendid views of verdant Western Ghats and Shirota Dam. Hikers and trekkers love visiting Rajmachi Fort during monsoon and some adventure freaks ride their bikes up to the fort as it rains, which is why it tops every list of the Lonavala visiting places.

Ideal for: Hikers, group of friends, photographers, spiritual seekers, and nature seekers

7. Tikona

If you want to enjoy hiking in rains without much effort, then nothing can beat Tikona Fort hike. The mind-blowing view of Pawna Lake during rains and the heritage temples, caves, and stone wheel on top of the fort allure tourists from Mumbai and Pune.

Ideal for: Trekkers and nature seekers

Tip: Don’t visit after dark.

8. Visapur

Love the Lonavala rain? Make sure you visit this fort in Pune which is said to be a part of the Lohagad Visapur fortification. Reaching it is incredibly easy, as it’s located near the Malavli Railway Station. Set at an elevation of 1084 meters above sea level, this ancient fort has stood the test of time alongside Lohagad that is situated on the same plateau as this fort. One of the best scenic Lonavala points, it also provides great views of the huge carving of Hanuman and multiple temples dedicated to him all around this place.

Ideal for: History lovers, trekkers

9. Golden Vada Pav

A combination of a cup of piping hot tea and sumptuous vada pav is the best one on a rainy day. Golden Vada Pav is one of the oldest restaurants serving delicious vada pav and moong dal bhajia. This is probably one of the best eateries you’ll find in Lonavala.

Must try: Garlic free (Jain) vada pav, moong dal pakoda, samosa, and jalebi.
Cost for two: INR 150 approximately

Ideal for: Food lovers and explorers

10. El Taj

To enjoy a romantic rainy day and taste sumptuous North Indian cuisines, you must book a table in El Taj. This is an old and traditional restaurant recommended by locals. Eat good food, relish the splendid weather, and experience the best of Lonavala’s monsoons.

Must try: Reshmi tikka, butter chicken and junglee kebabs
Cost for two: INR 500 approximately

Ideal for: Gastronomers, street food lovers, and explorers

11. Rudra

Rated as one of the most popular places to dine, Rudra overjoys the heart of many food lovers. Located by the poolside of Kailash Parvat Hotel, this multi-cuisine restaurant boasts of wide varieties of Indian delicacies, Thai gourmet, and Chinese specialties. It is also one of the most beautiful Lonavala points to go on a candle-lit dinner on a rainy day with your partner.

Must try: Thai curry with steamed rice, tandoori salad in pudina paste, and Chinese bhel
Cost for two: INR 1200 approximately

Ideal for: Foodies and gourmet enthusiasts

Well this is a small list I know, please don’t freak out if you know more and better places in lonavala. Help us to develop this list further. Do comment for more places and we will come back with more suggestions. Plan a lonavala trip this weekend and enjoy the rain. Remember, time will never come back to you.