12 Best Things To Do In Lonavala, India

1. Trekking at the Lohagad Fort

Lohagad Fort is a historical monument located on the top of a hill near Malavali in Khandala near Lonavala. It is quite popular among trekkers who visit here for a day’s tryst with nature and history. It was built in the 18th century and many weekend holidayers from Mumbai and Pune come here to trek and rejuvenate among nature. This fort is surrounded by nature at its best with green grasslands, great views, and clean fresh air. The Visapur Fort is also nearby which is a popular trekking spot so if you are looking for some good adventure when in Lonavala then this is a good place to experience it.

Lohagad Fort

Address: Near Visapur Fort, Khandala, Lonavala, India

2. Della Adventure Park

Della Adventure Park in Kunegaon is India’s largest adventure park which covers a total area of around 2 hectares (5 acres). There are more than 70 activities for adults and kids. it’s a perfect place to just unwind and rejuvenate for the rat race of life.

Della Adventure Park also offers uber luxurious resort facilities where you can enjoy an overnight stay with your family. You can unwind and laze around near the pool or just pamper yourself crazy at the 24-hour spa. It has 5-star dining facilities with cuisines from all around the world. So come to Della Adventure Park in Kunegaon and live like a king!

Della Adventure Park

Address: Kunegaon, 410401 Lonavala, Maharashtra

Website: Della Adventure Park

3. Paragliding at Kamshet

Kamshet near Lonavala is a very interesting place to visit. It is located at a height of 650 meters (2200 feet) above sea level and people who love paragliding and other adventures would be happy to come here. This ideal place is a quick getaway for the people living in the twin cities of Mumbai and Pune. Besides paragliding, it also has many architectural gems and historical sites which will leave you spell blinded. There are thick forests surrounding the region which give it a magical charm. Check out Fly Nirvana, a company that offers paragliding lessons in Kamshet.

Fly Nirvana

Address: Golden Glades,Vadivali Lake, Uksan village, 410415 Kamshet, Taluka Maval, District Pune

Website: Fly Nirvana

4. Visit the Pawna Dam

Pawana Dam in Lonavala is an excellent place for a one-day outing. There are famous forts like Lohgad, Tikona, Tung, and Visapur around the dam, which are added attractions for tourists visiting Pawna Dam. This spot is visited by tourists from nearby Mumbai and Pune, especially during the rainy season. Near the dam, there is the Baba Maharaj Satarkar math which is a cheap place to stay and you will also get your lunch as a mahaprasad between 12 and 2 p.m.

Pawna Dam

Address: 410406 Lonavala, Pune, India

5. Ghangad-Tailbaila with Narayani Dham Temple

Ghangad Trek and Tailbaila forts expeditions are very popular among the trekkers. It begins early at 6:30 a.m. where you meet at Shaniwar Peth. You have to be armed with trekking gear and the safety equipment. After that, you will embark on a short drive to Mulshi by around 8 a.m. After you arrive at the destination, you will see the backwaters of the Mulshi Dam. Then after a short tea and breakfast break between 8 and 8:45 a.m., you will go to the camp at Ghangad Fort.

Once here, you will start climbing on the steep inclines of the fort to reach its summit. After having lunch from 1 to 2 p.m., you will head to the base of the Tailbaila Fort by around 2:30 p.m. Here you will enjoy the scenery of the whole region. After trekking for 2.5 hours, at the fort, you can relax over tea and biscuits before ending the day’s trek and returning back to your hotel.

The Narayani temple is very close to the Ghangad-Tailbaila area in Lonavala. It is a Hindu temple built for the goddess Narayani. The temple is reconstructed by the Agrawal community. There is an arrangement to stay here and also have breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a reasonable price.

Ghangad-Tailbaila with Narayani Dham Temple

Address: Lonavala

Website: Ghangad-Tailbaila with Narayani Dham Temple

6. Adventure at the Visapur Fort

Visapur Fort was built during 1713 to 1720 by Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa. It is situated at a height of 1,200 meters (4,000 ft) above the sea level in Lonavala. You will have to trek to reach the fort. The great Maratha king Chathrapthi Shivaji used this place to watch the entire place.

The fort now lies in ruins, and the stunning scenery and panoramic view of the plains are the best attractions of this place. Visapur Fort lies between Lohagad and Bedse Caves. There is a huge cannon in the Visapur Fort and has an impression of the royal crown on it. From here you can see Purandar, Sinhagad, Tung, and Tikona.

Visapur Fort

Address: 410406 Malavli, Maharashtra

Website: Visapur fort

7. Visit the Lion's Point

Lion’s Point is situated near Lonavala and the Amby Valley. It has a majestic and panoramic view from where you can see dozens of waterfalls on the hills during monsoon season. There is a lingam near the left side of Lion’s Point.

Lion's Point

Address: Aamby Valley Road, Dattawadi Road, Lonavala, Maharashtra, India

Website: Lion’s point

8. Sunil's Celebrity Wax Museum

Sunil Kandalloor is a Mumbai-based celebrity artist who is an expert in wax sculptures. He is a well-known wax sculpture expert and has wax museums in Lonavala and Kochi, Kerala. He has made wax sculptures of famous personalities, like Mahatma Gandhi, Narendra Modi, V R Krishna Iyer, and Amitabh Bachchan. The museum located in Lonavala has 45 sculptures and the museum in Kochi has 36 sculptures.

Sunil's Celebrity Wax Museum

Address: Old Mumbai Pune Hwy, Gautam Park Society, 410401 Pune, Maharashtra

Website: Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum

9. Have a fun-filled day at Wet N Joy Water Park

The Wet N Joy Water Park is a fantastic water park where families can enjoy the rides and have plenty of enjoyment and joy. The Wave pool is really awesome and has different types of waves. There are different rides like boomerang, tornado, the skyfall, a free fall ride, and so much more. The visitors here love the crazy river as well. The food sold here is varied and scrumptious.

Wet N Joy Water Park

Address: Magic Kingdom, Wet N Joy Waterpark, Old Pune Mumbai Highway-NH-4, At-Mundhaware, 410405 Post-Takve Pune

Website: Wet N Joy Water Park

10. Ancient Buddhist Bhaja Caves

Bhaja caves are examples of old Buddhist caves and are located near Lonavala, Maharashtra and are considered to be the most beautiful caves in this region. It is definitely a worthwhile place to see and attract huge numbers of tourists every year. It is a total of 22 rock-cut caves, which are believed to be from the Hinayana phase of the Buddhist religion.

The carved caves can be reached after a strenuous climb of 150 to 200 large steps from Bhaja Village. The caves have Buddhist stupas as well. The rainy season is the best time to visit these places as the greenery is in full bloom everywhere and the whole place comes alive.

Bhaja Caves

Address: Baje Caves road, Near Bhaja Village, Maval District, 412106 Lonavala, Maharashtra

Website: Bhaja Caves

11. Feed the monkeys at Rajmachi Park

Rajmachi Park is on the main Mumbai-Lonavala Road. The park has beautiful lookout points and you can walk from one to the other. It’s a popular destination for families with kids because of the monkeys which are used to being fed.

From up there you can see over Ghat. Sometimes, you’re so high that you’re in the clouds, and you can visit during the rains. Pick up some Indian corn or fresh mangos and have a picnic. The main attraction is the splendid view from up there, so take along a camera. The misty valleys and jungle make for good shots.

Rajmachi Park

Address: Mumbai-Lonavala Road | Near Lonavala, Khandala, Lonavala, India

12. Enjoy local cuisine in a village themed dhaba

Try out some local food at a village-themed restaurant. There’s usually a wait of about half an hour for a table and on weekends, a longer wait. However, they have other attractions to occupy you while you wait. The Kinara Village Dhabha has a camel and a horse that kids enjoy. Plus there’s an astrologer, pottery and other amusements.

Furnishings include some lovely antiques. Try some of the alebi rabdi and tandoori chai. They serve beer if you’d like to relax and enjoy the Indian ambiance. Seating arrangements accommodate both couples and larger groups. In the evenings, you may watch a show.

Kinara Village Dhabha

Address: Vaksai Naka, Old Mumbai Pune Highway, Lonavala 410401, India

Website: Kinara Village Dhabha

Refreshing and rejuvenating Lonavala

Of course, Lonavala! The most obvious choice of the holiday destination for people from megacity Mumbai. This hill station is the first name that comes to mind for people of this region as it is so cool and comfortable throughout the year.

In this one place, you can see and do so many different things. You can paraglide at Kamshet, enjoy the water at Pawna Dam, see the ancient Bhaja Caves, or trek at Lohagad Fort. So come here and fall in love with Lonavala once again.