Places To Visit On A One-Day Trip To Lonavala - Updated 2024

How to reach Lonavala

Lonavala is well connected to Mumbai and Pune by rail and road. Board a train from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus if you’re coming from Mumbai, and you’ll reach Lonavala in around two hours. Meanwhile, several local trains are running between Lonavala and Pune, and the journey would take about 1 hour and 35 minutes.

If you’re up for a drive, take the Eastern Freeway if you’re coming from the southern end of Mumbai or the Eastern Express Highway via BKC if you’re coming from the suburbs, as both will take you to the Mumbai - Pune Expressway. The road journey will take around two to three hours, and you’ll have to pay a toll tax of approximately 310 INR (3.74 USD) for this route.

The best part is that Lonavala is 622 meters (2040.68 feet) above sea level, and both rail and road offer thrilling experiences and panoramic views as you ascend the ghats, especially during the monsoon.

Things to do in Lonavala in a day

1. Savour delicious breakfast at Buvachi Misal

Start your day on the right note by relishing a scrumptious breakfast of misal pav (sprouts curry) garnished with onions and farsan (fried savory mixture) and served hot with bread. You can try this spicy Maharashtrian dish at the famous Buvachi Misal and pair it with a cup of tea or a spicy vada pav (fried potato dumplings).

They also have Jain options (no onion or garlic) in case you need one like me, and I suggest trying out their Jain vada pav. Note that this place is very crowded on weekends, and the wait time can go up to 45 minutes or an hour, so plan accordingly. Alternatively, you can also visit Rama Krishna Veg & Non Vegetarian or Udipi Vihar, which are in the main market and next to Kumar Resort.

Meanwhile, you can also halt at the Food Mall on the Mumbai - Pune Expressway and order something at Shree Datta Snacks.

Buvachi Misal

Address: Behind Fariya’s Resort, Lonavala, Maharashtra 410302, India

Website: Buvachi Misal

Opening hours: 9am - 7:30pm (daily)

2. Trek you way to Lohagad Fort

After filling up your belly, I recommend visiting Lohagad Fort, around 15.6 kilometers (9.69 miles) away from Buvanchi Misal, for a short trek. In case you’ve not eaten anything, fret not! There are several eateries at the starting point, along with washroom facilities.

Nestled at an altitude of 1050 meters (3444.88 feet), Lohagad Fort was built in the 16th century as a prison. Later, it was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century and was used to store his treasures.

The trek to Lohagad Fort is quite simple, and at the top, you’ll find a small mosque, a temple, and panoramic views of the surroundings. I had visited here during the late monsoon and was awe-struck by the lush greenery but the downside was that it was too crowded due to peak season. Also, you can bring your car here as parking is available for free.

Lohagad Fort

Address: Lohagad Trek Road, Pune, Maharashtra 410406

Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)

Price: Free entry

3. Relish delicious lunch at Papa's Village - Pure Veg Restaurant

After sweating out at Lohagad Fort, make sure to stop by Papa’s Village - Pure Veg Restaurant for lunch, around 8.7 kilometers (5.41 miles) away. Here you’ll be treated to delicious Indian, Italian, and Chinese food along with a beautiful ambiance. This has been my go-to place in Lonavala, and I love clicking pictures at the various settings here, which include swings and the pool. The best part is that the service is quick and parking is available here.

Alternatively, you can also stop by Mapro Garden to have sandwiches, pizzas, and delicious fresh strawberry cream with ice cream, which is my personal favorite. Another place I liked recently was Oven Fresh 1993 , Lonavala. Here, you can savor Indian and European cuisine. I tried Indian dishes and although I waited for almost an hour to get a table on a Saturday, the food was worth the wait! They also have a small bakery where you can purchase cheese, pastries, coffee, and cookies.

However, note that all these places get very crowded during the weekends, so plan accordingly.

Papa's Village - Pure Veg Restaurant

Address: Karla, Old Mumbai - Pune Hwy, Lonavala, Maharashtra 410405, India

Website: Papa’s Village - Pure Veg Restaurant

Opening hours: 12pm - 11pm (daily)

4. Jump high at Mr. Been Trampoline Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Lonavala has several outdoor options for adults as well as the little ones. If you’re traveling to Lonavala with your kids, they will surely love visiting Mr. Been Trampoline Park. It has two types of trampoline, a climbing wall, and a ball pool, which will keep your little ones entertained. The ticket prices are on an hourly basis, and you’ll also have to pay an additional 80 INR (0.96 USD) for the socks, which is mandatory. Moreover, a parking facility is available here.

Mr. Been Trampoline Park comes just before the Varsoli Toll Naka on Old Mumbai - Pune Hwy, and I liked this unique concept where you can spend fun time with your family.

Mr. Been Trampoline Park

Address: Mr Been Trampoline Park, near Lonavala Toll Naka, Varsoli, Old - Pune Mumbai Highway-Lonavala.

Website: Mr. Been Trampoline Park

Opening hours: 10am - 11pm (daily)

Price: From 7.19 USD

5. Chant your prayers at Shree Narayani Dham Temple

Spread across 4.5 acres (1.82 hectares) of land, this vast temple complex is a famous religious place in the Tungarli area of Lonavala. The temple is devoted to Narayani Devi and houses beautiful idols of Lord Hanuman, Lord Krishna, Goddess Radha, and Lord Ganesha. I love this place for its peaceful vibes, colorful fountains in the evening, and ample space to lounge.

Your kids can also have fun in the garden with swings and slides. Also, auto rickshaws are available outside should you need a ride.

Shree Narayani Dham Temple

Address: Yoga Center, Plot No 28/199, Near Kaivalyadhama, Tungarli Rd, Tungarli, Lonavala, Maharashtra 410401

Website: Shree Narayani Dham Temple

Opening hours: : Mon - Fri: 7am - 12pm & 3:15pm - 7:30pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 1pm & 3:15pm - 7:30pm

Price: Free

6. Capture the scenic beauty at Shivling Point

After saying your prayers, you can head straight to view the beauty of this hill station. While Lonavala is famous for its scenic Tiger Point Lonavala and Lions Point Lonavala, I usually skip these two as they are always crowded and stop at a much quieter Shivling Point. Here, you can rest under the blue sky and watch the views ahead while relishing the ginger tea and piping hot cheese and onion fritters.

The best time to visit here is during the monsoon when the entire place is covered with fog. Free parking is easily available here, but the cell network is almost nil. You can spend some time here and click beautiful pictures before heading to the next destination.

Shivling Point

Address: M9PQ+M39, Lonavala, Kurvande, Maharashtra 412108, India

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

7. Explore the local market

Once you descend the slopes of Shivling Point, stop by PRAGATI FOODS for its famous coffee and make your way to Main Bazar Rd. This lane runs parallel to Lonavala railway station and houses Maganlal & Sons, The Legacy Chikki Store, the OG shop. After that, you can also visit Municipal Market to buy fresh vegetables and fruits at reasonable rates. The best part is public transport and bus stands are nearby, allowing you to take your ride back home!

Main Bazar Rd

Address: Lonavala, Maharashtra 410401

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

Explore the beauty of Lonavala in one day

This quaint hill station offers a serene escape from the busy life. In recent years, it has grown incredibly in terms of food, entertainment, and tourist attractions. So, plan a day trip now and use this list to prepare your itinerary to Lonavala.