Why is Monsoon the Best Time to Visit Lonavala?

Lonavala in Monsoon: Best Time to Visit Monsoon

Monsoon and Lonavala are like a match made in heaven; monsoon is the best time to visit Lonavala. The arrival of the fresh showers during the monsoon season increases the tourist appeal of the hill station. The greenery of Lonavala and its natural beauty makes monsoon the much-loved season for the people of Maharashtra, especially the city dwellers. As soon as the first showers hit the ground, Mumbaikars, Punekars, and people from nearby cities escape to Lonavala to enjoy a relaxing weekend in the laps of nature and enjoy the refreshing showers.  

For some enthusiastic travellers of Maharashtra, the monsoon season nudges them to step out and head to one of the most loved monsoon places in the state, Lonavala. While you can visit this hill station anytime of the year, monsoon is the best season to visit Lonavala for more than one reason. During this time, the hills are decked up in all the shades of green you can possibly imagine, there are waterfalls and streams at every corner in the ghats, and the view from the top is just picture perfect!

Let us look at some of the best experiences that await you at Lonavala during monsoon. 

Go on a trekking expedition and enjoy a scenic view from the top:

Going on a monsoon trek is a favourite activity for hardcore trekking enthusiasts and people with a daring spirit. Lonavala, being a hill town, is known to have several trekking trails, but the best time to go Lonavala for trekking is during the monsoon season. The rain adds more charm to the experience and makes trekking more interesting than ever.  

One of the best trekking trails in Lonavala is Duke's Point. Located just about 7 km from Lonavala, the trekking route takes you through thick forest that turns green in the monsoon. Some beginners may find the trail challenging, but once you get on top, you will be greeted by the most stunning views of the gorgeous Sahyadri mountains ranges with clouds settling on top of it. It is a sight that you must not miss.  

Another popular trekking site in Lonavala during monsoon is the Rajmachi Fort. An ancient fort, which has seen many rulers from Aurangzeb to Shivaji Maharaj and the British, is comfortably nestled in the Sahyadri mountain ranges. The trek up to the fort is not very difficult and from the top you get the most endearing view of the rain drenched Karnala hills, Matheran hills and Ulhas River.  

Spend a peaceful evening around the dams in Lonavala

If you love nature, and like to go outdoors in the rains, Lonavala is one of the best places to visit in Monsoon in Maharashtra. Typically, a quaint hill town, it comes alive during the rains and buzzes with tourists coming in from all over Maharashtra and other nearby states.  

There are many things to do in Lonavala in the rains, but if you are looking for some unique experience, you can go on a family holiday and explore the beautiful dams in the region. Lonavala has some of the most scenic dams you may see in the western part of the Indian peninsula and during the monsoon their beauty multiples manifold as they fill up to the brim. 

Unlike the forts of Lonavala, which are frequented by the youngsters and trekking enthusiasts, the dams here provide an ideal spot for a family picnic. One of the most popular dams in Lonavala is the Bhushi Dam. Built over the mighty Indrayani River, it is a go-to destination for Mumbaikars to get drenched in the water and have a gala time. One glance around the dam, and you would find elders and children gathering with their families, enjoying the rains. 

Another dam that sits pretty on the Indrayani River is the Valvan Dam, which is famous for its striking beauty and the stunning views around it. Located close to Lonavala railway station, it makes for a perfect one-day picnic spot for families. Here, if the weather is good, you can enjoy the most magnificent view of the sunset before you head back home.  

Get drenched under the gushing waterfalls

One of the most significant reasons why monsoon is the best time to visit Lonavala is because the rains decorate the hills here with many natural streams and waterfalls. Amongst the host of waterfalls in the region, the Kune Falls deserves a special mention. It is the 14th highest waterfall in India and gushes down from a height of about 200 metres. Just witnessing these falls in the monsoon and enjoying the soothing sound of the water as it comes down from the top is a wonderful experience that leaves your mind and body feeling refreshed.  

There are also other waterfalls in the region like Bhivpuri and Kataldhar Falls that are equally alluring and worth exploring. Both these falls provide a perfect setting for you to get drenched under the falls and feel the gushing waters on your body. When the force is good, the water feels like a relaxing massage and is quite rejuvenating.  

The best of all waterfalls in Lonavala is the Reverse Waterfalls, which is located near Lohagad Fort. Here you get to witness one of the most amazing natural phenomena that happens only during the monsoon; the water from these falls defies gravity and flows upwards. This happens because of the high-pressure wind blowing in the region. It is a wonderful sight that you must not miss for anything.  

Enjoy camping amidst divine landscapes

Lonavala is a popular camping site in Maharashtra. People love going on a camping expedition on the hills and by the lakes. Imagine spending a night with your loved ones out in nature, sleeping on the beds of grass and surrounded by trees and as you wake up, you are greeted by the most majestic view of a lake and the mountains beyond.  

For the best camping experience, the monsoon season, i.e., from June to September are the best months to visit Lonavala and camp on the banks of Tungarli Lake. It is a place where you can feel one with mother nature. As soon as the rains arrive, the mist settles over the lake, and even as you wake up, the beautiful sight in front of you makes you feel you are living in a dream. 

Another popular camping site in Maharashtra is near the Aundholi village in Lonavala. Here you get an uninterrupted view of the stunning Sahyadri mountain ranges. You can sit by your tents, light up a bonfire at night and enjoy seeing the silhouettes of the mountains at a distance. The rain drizzling fills the air with a dose of freshness and coolness to make your night the best! 

Explore the beautiful history of the ancient caves in and around Lonavala

You may have heard or even seen several sacred Buddhist shrines and relics in the northern parts of India like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand or in the extreme eastern states like Sikkim, Meghalaya, etc. However, the north and the northeast are not the only places in India where the ancient Buddhist teachers, travellers and monks have left their forever mark.  

Maharashtra also houses several Buddhist shrines and caves that date back to the 1st century. Karla Caves, which is located near Lonavala, is one such fine example of the Buddhist influence and presence in the region. These caves are more than 2000 years old and still stand as proud as they may have once been back in time.  

These caves have some of the finest carvings and inscriptions on the walls and the pillars and massive halls are just awe-inspiring. While these caves are magnificent, the arrival of the monsoons uplift their beauty to another level. The lush green cover around the caves make them an unforgettable sight!  

So, if you are into exploring caves and are fascinated by the rich history behind them, follow this Lonavala best time to visit guide and explore the caves in the region.  

Not far away from Karla Caves are the Bhaja Caves, a group of 22 rock-cut caves that are from the 16th century BCE. One of the finest pieces of architecture, the beauty of the caves are sure to leave you in a state of trance and transport you back in time.  

How to reach Lonavala?

Lonavala is a popular hill town in Maharashtra, and it is well-connected to all the major cities in the state. If you are travelling from outside of Maharashtra, you can easily reach here by train; it has its own railway station and majority of the trains coming in and going out of Maharashtra pass through Lonavala and take a halt here. Travelling to Lonavala by train is also a great way to enjoy the majestic beauty of the town, especially during the rains.  

Monsoon is the best Lonavala visit time because enroute your journey, you get the majestic view of the hills decorated with waterfalls and the valleys. But the best way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Lonavala is to travel by road. A bike or a car ride to Lonavala will take you through the winding roads up the hills. You can stop over at various viewpoints to enjoy the beauty of the place while sipping a cup of chai in a kullad (a cup made of clay) and gorging on the local delicacy, vada pav. The experience is pure bliss! 

Best places to stay in Lonavala

Now you know why monsoon is the best time to go Lonavala, right? You get to have the amazing experiences mentioned above. 

A perfect haven to spend a delightful monsoon holiday with your family in Lonavala is the Club Mahindra Tungi Resort. Located just a few kilometres from the main Lonavala city, this resort provides you an idyllic setting to escape the city chaos and get wonderfully lost in the arms of nature. 

The resort boasts spacious rooms, and the most premium amenities you can imagine. Not to mention, each of the rooms promises to offer you an unhindered view of the spectacular countryside, making it one of the best resorts in monsoon. Not to mention, throughout your stay here, you get to indulge in various activities curated specially for you and your family to give you an unforgettable holiday experience!

Activities in Club Mahindra Tungi Resort:

1. Kids Adventure Park (rope activity, climbing wall, archery, air rifle shooting, bull ride, ring cycle, bungy trampoline) 
2. Lek trek 
3. ATV ride with lights and sound 
4. Pool side dining 
5. Rooftop dining 
6. Amara Pan Asian restaurant