Hotels in Lonavala
Maharashtra
Monsoon waterfalls, ancient Buddhist caves, mist-kissed Sahyadri peaks, and the legendary Lonavala Chikki. Maharashtra's most beloved hill station is about to welcome Fidato Hotels.
Discover Lonavala
Lonavala is the jewel of Maharashtra's Western Ghats (Sahyadri range), perched at 622 metres (2,041 ft) in Pune district, straddling the ancient Bhor and Khandala Ghats that have connected the Deccan Plateau to the Konkan coast for millennia. Set almost equidistant between Pune (65 km) and Mumbai (83 km) on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, it is Maharashtra's most accessible hill station and a year-round weekend retreat for millions. During the monsoon (June–September), the hills erupt in a thousand shades of green, waterfalls cascade from every cliff, and the legendary Bhushi Dam turns into a natural waterpark. In winter (October–February), the weather turns crisp and perfect for trekking to ancient Deccan forts and exploring Buddhist rock-cut caves. The town is also famous across India for its Chikki, the irresistible sugarcane jaggery and nut brittle, and for rich chocolate fudge shops lining the market.
Hills and Lakes
By Fidato Hotels · Lonavala
Fidato Hotels is launching Hills and Lakes By Fidato Hotels in Lonavala on 15 June. Register your interest to receive exclusive early-bird rates and first-guest privileges.
Top Attractions
in & around Lonavala
Monsoon waterfalls, ancient Buddhist caves, Deccan forts, dramatic viewpoints, serene lakes, and legendary sweet shops. Lonavala has something extraordinary for every traveller.
Bhushi Dam
Lonavala's most iconic monsoon experience, the Bhushi Dam's overflowing stone steps create a natural waterfall cascade where visitors wade and splash in the rushing water. During July and August, the dam overflow transforms the stepped weir into a spectacular sight. Surrounded by lush green hills and misty clouds, Bhushi Dam is the heart of Lonavala's monsoon magic.
📍 3 km from Lonavala townKarla & Bhaja Caves
Two of India's most remarkable ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves, dating from the 2nd century BCE. Karla features the largest surviving Chaitya (prayer hall) from this period, with towering wooden ribs and magnificent carved facades. Bhaja, set high on a cliff 3 km away, has 22 rock-cut caves with intricate relief carvings and a peaceful location above the Sahyadri plains.
📍 12 km from LonavalaLohagad Fort
One of Maharashtra's great Sahyadri hillforts, Lohagad (Iron Fort) rises dramatically above the Sahyadri plateau at 1,033 m. The fort's famous Vinchukata (scorpion's tail) bastion is one of the most photographed fortification features in the Western Ghats. The trek up winds through monsoon-green meadows and ancient stone steps, rewarding climbers with panoramic views of the Pawna Lake and surrounding valleys.
📍 20 km from LonavalaTiger's Leap (Waghdari)
A dramatic cliffside viewpoint in Khandala where a rocky promontory juts out over the Sahyadri valley 650 m below, resembling a leaping tiger, hence the name Tiger's Leap. The viewing platform offers a sheer drop view into the forested Ulhas River valley. During the monsoon, clouds swirl in the valley far below, creating a breathtaking aerial perspective. Especially spectacular at sunrise and during the rains.
📍 6 km from Lonavala (Khandala)Lonavala & Tungarli Lakes
Two scenic reservoirs in and around Lonavala offer serene lakeside experiences. Lonavala Lake (the town's main reservoir) is flanked by green hills and offers a peaceful picnic spot. Tungarli Lake, slightly beyond, is set deeper in the Sahyadri hills and features a quieter, more natural ambience with rowing boats and surrounding walking trails, perfect for a tranquil evening stroll.
📍 1–4 km from town centreRajmachi Fort
A remarkable twin-peaked Deccan fortress comprising the twin bastions of Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, Rajmachi Fort is perched deep in the Sahyadri at 2,710 ft. Accessible via a scenic 15 km trek from Lonavala through dense forest and waterfall-laden gullies, it is one of Maharashtra's favourite overnight trek destinations. The fort offers commanding views of the Ulhas valley, Pawna, and the Konkan coast on clear days.
📍 15 km trek from LonavalaHow to Reach Lonavala
Lonavala is one of India's best-connected hill stations, 65 km from Pune and 83 km from Mumbai, with excellent expressway access and direct train connectivity from both cities.
By Air
Pune International Airport (PNQ) at Lohegaon is the nearest airport, approximately 65 km from Lonavala (~1 hour by car via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway). Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) is ~100 km away (~1.5–2 hrs). Pune Airport is well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and other major cities.
- Pune Airport (PNQ): ~65 km, ~1 hr
- Mumbai Airport (BOM): ~100 km, ~1.5–2 hrs
- Cab easily available from both airports
- Pre-book for hassle-free transfer
By Train
Lonavala Railway Station is a major halt on the Mumbai–Pune main line, making it one of India's most train-accessible hill stations. Intercity expresses including the Shatabdi Express, Deccan Express, and Pragati Express stop here. Suburban slow trains (Pune–CSMT locals) also connect both cities, ideal for day-trippers.
- From Mumbai CST: ~2 hrs (express trains)
- From Pune Junction: ~1 hr (express trains)
- Frequent services daily from both cities
- Shatabdi, Deccan Express, Pragati Express
By Road
Lonavala sits directly on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (NH-48), India's busiest expressway, making it one of the easiest hill stations to reach by road. From Pune it's a smooth 65 km (1 hour); from Mumbai a scenic 83 km (1.5–2 hours). The Old Mumbai-Pune Highway via Khopoli offers a more winding, scenic drive through the Sahyadri ghats.
- Pune → Lonavala: 65 km, ~1 hr (Expressway)
- Mumbai → Lonavala: 83 km, ~1.5–2 hrs
- Old Pune–Mumbai Highway: scenic ghat route
- MSRTC buses from Pune & Mumbai regularly
Hotels & Travel
in Lonavala: Your Questions Answered
Yes. Fidato Hotels is launching Hills and Lakes By Fidato Hotels in Lonavala, Maharashtra on 15 June. Register your interest at info@fidatohotels.com to receive exclusive early-bird launch rates, room availability updates, and first-guest privileges. You can also call us at +91 8010 527783 for more information.
Lonavala is Maharashtra's most celebrated hill station, famous for its spectacular monsoon waterfalls and greenery, the overflowing Bhushi Dam experience, ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves at Karla (2nd century BCE) and Bhaja, historic Deccan forts including Lohagad and Rajmachi, the Tiger's Leap cliffside viewpoint in Khandala, and the iconic Lonavala Chikki (jaggery nut brittle) and chocolate fudge. It sits in the Sahyadri (Western Ghats) at 2,041 ft, Maharashtra's most accessible hill station from both Pune and Mumbai.
June to September is the monsoon season and Lonavala's most dramatic time, when the hills turn a brilliant emerald, Bhushi Dam overflows, and waterfalls cascade from every Sahyadri cliff. This is the busiest tourist period. October to February offers cool, pleasant weather ideal for trekking to Lohagad and Rajmachi forts, exploring the Buddhist caves, and sightseeing without rain. March to May is warmer but still offers a respite from the scorching Pune and Mumbai plains, with less tourist crowds. Each season reveals a different facet of Lonavala's natural beauty.
Lonavala is approximately 65 km from Pune (about 1 hour by car via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway) and approximately 83 km from Mumbai (about 1.5 to 2 hours by road). This near-equidistant location between Maharashtra's two largest cities makes Lonavala ideal for day trips and weekend getaways from both. By train, direct intercity express trains run from both Pune Junction and Mumbai CST, taking approximately 1 hour from Pune and 2 hours from Mumbai.
By road: The Mumbai-Pune Expressway (NH-48) is the fastest option, about 1 hour from Pune (65 km) or 1.5–2 hours from Mumbai (83 km). The picturesque Old Mumbai-Pune Highway via Khopoli is a scenic ghat alternative. By train: Lonavala Railway Station is a major halt on the Mumbai-Pune main line with frequent intercity express trains (Shatabdi, Deccan Express, Pragati Express) and suburban locals from both cities. Nearest airport: Pune International Airport (PNQ) at ~65 km (~1 hour by cab).
Lonavala offers a wealth of activities: monsoon waterfall experiences at Bhushi Dam, trekking to Lohagad Fort (20 km) and Rajmachi Fort (15 km trek), exploring the 2nd-century BCE Karla and Bhaja Buddhist caves, visiting Tiger's Leap viewpoint in Khandala, boating on Lonavala and Tungarli Lakes, camping and stargazing in the Sahyadri meadows, paragliding (seasonal), and the essential Chikki and chocolate fudge shopping on Market Road. Nearby Imagica Theme Park is a popular family attraction. The Pawna Lake is ideal for lakeside camping and night stays.
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at Hills and Lakes By Fidato Hotels
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