Things To Do In Lonavala: The Only Itinerary You'll Need For This Getaway

The drive to Lonavala is a trip on its own, to be honest. Early morning is the best time to start the journey as you can skip the traffic which comes later. Once you get out of traffic and hit the highway, it’s all about looking out the window and breathing in the fresh air.

If you're already hungry on your road trip to Lonavala, there are a couple of vendors on the highway where you can enjoy amazing chai, poha, and pakoras. It's low-key but is full of authentic flavours and spices. You can also stop at Shree Datta Snacks Corner where you can gorge on poha and piping hot batata vada followed by tea for breakfast. Pair it with red chutney or with fried green chilly. 

Google Ratings: 4.1/5

Timings: 7 AM to 10 PM

Price: Up to INR 200 per person

Must-try Dishes: Thalipeeth, Misal Pav, Vada Pav, Sabudana Khichdi

Best Time To Visit: Anytime

Mornings are the best time to trek in Lonavala or explore a fort. Head to Karla Caves, a Buddhist rock-cut cave shrine located in Karli. You’ll need to climb steps and there are small hills in the vicinity. Characterized by large horseshoe-shaped windows lighting the interiors, the caves have vaulted interiors and attract tourists in hoards. It’s better to reach this attraction early.  It's approximately 10 km away from Lonavala, so make sure you map it correctly. 

Other Popular Places For Trekking In Lonavala: Lohagad Fort, Visapur Fort, Rajmachi, Duke's Nose, Tikona Fort, Bhimashankar. 

Google Rating: 4.4/5

Price: INR 250 per person

Best Time To Visit: Mornings for the best views. 

Tucked away in the old Mumbai-Pune highway, a bright red door reading Mapro Garden welcomes you in. A lot like the one in Mahabaleshwar, this Mapro garden too has got amazing strawberry themed decor, lots of greens and huge space allotted for Mapro products. Spend a good one hour exploring the garden, shopping for jams, chocolates, syrups, and taking endless images. Once done you can enjoy an amazing lunch here. For those who aren't aware, Mapro Garden serves heavenly wood-fired pizzas.

Google Rating: 4.2/5 

Timings: 9 AM to 10 PM

Price: INR 1000 for two

Must-try Dishes: Italian Delight Pizza, Classic Sandwich, Fresh Strawberry Ice-cream, Thick shakes

Best Time To Visit: Spring and winter season for the best strawberries otherwise lunch-time in all seasons. 

Want to experience all the feels of a Jurassic Park in India? Well, brace yourself because there's an amazing dinosaur-theme park right here in Lonavala called Dinosaur Park. Sprawling across a whopping 6.5 acres of land, this amusement park consists of animatronic dinosaurs, games and events themed around dinosaurs.

Google Rating: 3.6/5

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM

Price: INR 300 for adults

Best Time To Visit: All year round!

LBB Tip: Note that it's little ahead of Lonavala (near the Pawna dam), so plan your route accordingly. 

A zillion boards of Maganlal Chikki, local spice markets and tiny food joints - welcome to the super busy Lonavala market. While there's not a lot to shop for in Lonavala, you can always fill up your bags with chikki from Maganlal and the iconic chocolate fudge from Cooper's. Up for some evening snack? We'd highly recommend munching on vada pav, pakoras and samosas from Golden Vada Pav. Located at the heart of the market, this one's easy to spot thanks to a huge number of foodies lining up outside the tiny shop.

Google Rating: 4.0/5

Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM

Price: INR 50 onwards

Must-try Dishes: Chikki, Fudge, Vada Pav

Best Time To Visit: All year round!

LBB Tip: Not many are aware about this, but there's a fun gaming zone in the Lonavala market called the Kumar Resort Game Zone. There's dashing cars and tons of video games. Once done, you can redeem all the won coupons and get yourself cute gift hampers.

You can end your trip inside Lonavala with a cup of chai at Jay Shiv Shankar Tea House. We hear the locals swear by this place, and it apparently serves around 20 varieties of tea. We really loved the lemon tea with honey and mint. For those who love milk, the kesari ukala, which they highly recommend, is one of the best things on their menu. A special cutting chai comes for INR 10 and the most expensive (if you can call it that) item on their menu is the ice tea which comes for INR 30. 

Google Rating: 4.0/5

Timings: 7 AM to 11 PM

Price: INR 10 onwards

Must-try Dishes: Lemon Tea, Cutting Chai, Kesari Ukala

Best Time To Visit: Evenings

The highway is blessed with some really amazing Dhabas that whip up hot and delicious butter chicken, dal makhani, buttery naans, kebabs, and so much more. While heading back to Mumbai, we'd suggest that you dine at a dhaba instead of a fancy restaurant or cafe. Sunny Da Dhaba and Kinara Village Dhaba are our favorites! 

Google Rating: 3.9/5

Timings: 11 AM to 1:30 AM

Price: INR 1,200 onward for two

Must-try Dishes: Rumali Papad, Chaas, Lassi, Kababs, Butter Naan, Dal Makhani

Best Time To Visit: All year round for dinner

If you love something thrilling and adventurous, Della is the place to be. Packed with activities like zorbing, zip-lining, rock-climbing, ATV rides and more, this place will fill out your day with the loads of activities that they have. If you're in a group, we'd suggest definitely heading here as their activities become even more fun with friends but do take out at least 5-6 hours to completely enjoy the adventures at Della. Since this is slightly more on the outskirts of Lonavala, it is a short drive from the centre of town. 

Google Rating: 4.3/5

Best Time To Visit: Anytime except monsoon to avoid closures of activity due to weather.

If you're visiting in the monsoon, you must head here to enjoy some overflowing water and hot corn cobs or vada pav. Pick up your windbreakers and bring a change of clothes as you will surely get drenched, but remember to not go in the places that are off limits as they are unsafe. Ever since they have revamped the area, it has become much more picturesque and beautiful, and they even have a small park you can go through as you get to the main dam. 

Google Rating: 4.2/5

Best Time To Visit: Start of monsoon to avoid too much crowd. 

Also known as Tiger Leap in Lonavala, this point is situated on a hilltop where you can view sunrise and sunset through a beautiful misty fog as you enjoy a hot cup of tea with some pakoras or Maggi. They have some huts here in case it rains and a viewpoint where you can avoid the crowds to snap some scenic pictures. 

Google Rating: 4.4/5

Best Time To Visit: Sunrise or sunset

Everyone's heard of Imagica. Their advertisement on the TV has made me hear their background music in my mind as soon as I hear the word. So, how can you miss going there? Divided into three zones – the Theme Park, Snow Park, and Water Park –  it offers many attractions, from exciting roller coasters to live performances. Dive in and splash about in the water park or enter into the icy wonderland of Snow World. You can also meet some crazy characters, watch the hip-hop movements, and enjoy some acrobatics there. And if you fancy a longer stay, Imagica has great accommodations, dining options, and plenty of retail therapy. Believe me, it is the ultimate fun getaway for kids and adults alike!

Google Rating: 4.4/5

Best Time To Visit: Every season is ideal to visit Imagica, apart from scorching heat and heavy rainfall.

Nestled just 24 km away from Lonavala, Aamby Valley is a peaceful yet thrilling getaway. It's a quaint township completely covered in lush greenery, calm artificial lakes, and winding roads. If you want a laid-back stroll or activities like water sports, Aamby Valley is a one-stop destination. It is perfect to chill, relax, and rejuvenate. And if you're planning to stay over the weekend, you will find villas or lakeside accommodations to make your stay worthy. A lot of people come here when they seek a peaceful retreat.

Best Time To Visit: September to May

If you love trekking, you have to visit Rajmachi Fort. Encircled by the mesmerising Sahyadri mountains, this fort is a mainstay amongst trekkers and adventure junkies. The trek from Udhewadi village is easy and great for beginners (just a 20-30 minute climb), while the pros can challenge themselves and go for the Kondhane Caves trail, which would take roughly 3-4 hours. At the top, you can see a breathtaking view, outstanding architecture, and the old Kal Bhairavi Temple, which comes alive during festive season.

Best Time To Visit: During monsoon season

LBB Tip: Don't forget to carry your trekking shoes and a camera for those breathtaking views.

The Bhaja Caves consist of 22 rock-cut Buddhist wonders from as early as the 2nd century BC. You can actually see the impressive India's rock-cut architecture that's displayed at the carving of stupas that tell stories of monks from long back. And did you know the caves have been declared a Monument of National Importance? These caves are like the quiet sanctuaries for historians as well as wanderers who seek escape from the city life.

Google Rating: 4.4/5

Best Time To Visit: October to March

Lohagad Fort is among the easier treks with plenty to see. Located atop one of the hills surrounding Malavali is this 18th century gem, famous for its historical significance combined with natural beauty. Once used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to store his treasure, this fort makes for a popular trekking spot, especially during the monsoons. Imagine misty trails, beautiful greenery, and cool breezes as you go up the stone steps to reach the ultimate top. Be it your first-ever trek or you're a pro at hiking, Lohagad Fort guarantees breathtaking scenic views that you won't forget.

Best Time To Visit: Monsoon and winter season.