Lonavala

Lonavala is a hill station surrounded by green valleys in western India near Mumbai. The Karla Caves and the Bhaja Caves are ancient Buddhist shrines carved out of the rock. They feature massive pillars and intricate relief sculptures. South of the Bhaja Caves sits the imposing Lohagad Fort, with its 4 gates. West of here is Bhushi Dam, where water overflows onto a set of steps during rainy season.
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Top attractions in Lonavala

Adventure Park Rides
1. Adventure Park Rides
4.9
(8)
Water & Amusement Parks
Theme Parks
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Lions tiger Point lonavla
2. Lions tiger Point lonavla
4.4
(1003)
Sights & Landmarks
Lookouts
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It’s a beautiful place for nature lovers. You have the view of whole length and breadth of mountains. Lakes and valleys look so unreal from this view point and local food is just yumm. I know some of you may feel the hygiene issue but that is true for all the tourist spots. I know the iron fences ruin the view but they are a must as they ensure safety of selfie crazy people. Just like any other place people have littered this place as well, so many empty chips packets, glass bottles will ruin your pictures. Someone should take this responsibility to clean this area and then impose fines on people who are caught littering this beautiful place. Now that the monsoon has started the greenery has returned and weather was just awesome. However since we went on weekend there were long queues of car in the whole Lonavala city and This view point. You can also enjoy the scenic route and numerous waterfalls on the way.
Lion's Point and Tiger's Point in Lonavala are two popular viewpoints that offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills. While they're often confused with each other, they're actually two distinct spots along the same ridge, providing similar experiences. *Key Features:* *Scenic Views*: Both points offer stunning views of lush green hills, waterfalls, and lakes, especially during the monsoon season.*Sunrise and Sunset*: These points are perfect for watching the sunrise and sunset, with the sky's hues reflecting off the landscape.*Adventure Activities*: Visitors can enjoy horse and camel rides, paragliding, and trekking in the surrounding areas. - *Food and Drinks*: food costly Local vendors sell tea, corn, vada pav, and other snacks, making it a great spot to indulge in local cuisine. *Location and Timings:* - *Location*: Lion's Point is 12 km from Lonavala Railway Station, while Tiger's Point is located near Lion's Point, about 12 km from Lonavala Railway Station. - *Timings*: Both points are open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. *Best Time to Visit:* *Monsoon Season*: June to September is ideal for witnessing lush greenery and waterfalls. *Post-Monsoon*: October to February offers pleasant weather, making it perfect for trekking and outdoor activities *Tips and Precautions:* *Safety*: Be cautious near cliff edges, and watch out for broken glass bottles and sharp objects. *Weather*: Carry a light jacket or windcheater, and stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities. -*Responsible Tourism*: Respect the environment, and take back any trash or waste to preserve the natural beauty
Tiger Point in Lonavala is a calm and peaceful spot, perfect for spending some relaxing time. The view is truly enjoyable, especially when it’s cloudy or raining. On a sunny day, it might feel a bit uncomfortable due to the heat and sweat, but otherwise it’s a great experience. There is ample parking space available, and plenty of local shops around offering tea, coffee, maggi, fruits, and other snacks. A nice place to stop by if you’re visiting Lonavala.
Absolutely ridiculous experience. You have to climb all the way up from Lonavla city just to see this view. The view is lovely but not as worth it to come. This place must be crowded in the monsoons due to waterfalls but I think it would not be great to visit in monsoons as well. I did not get why this is called as the lions point. Seriously! The worst part is that the staff took ₹50/- for parking. We just stayed for around 5 min but still. They should keep a time limit of the parking of vehicles. Overall the experience is not worth it and I recommend you to go here if you have plenty of time. —————————————————————— 😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑
Had a wonderful visit to Lion’s Point & Tiger’s Point, Lonavala. The rainy weather added a magical touch to the surroundings—misty hills, cool breeze, and lush greenery all around. The environment was extremely pleasing and refreshing, making it a perfect monsoon getaway. Highly recommended for nature lovers and photographers!
One of the best point to visit at Lonavala. Just take care of your belongings and loved while having food from Cow. Plan in day light for see clearly surroundings views.
1. Don't trust shopkeeper they charge you 8 times the normal rate while billing ( ask before purchase) 2. Even bone fire was charged for 1400₹. 3. Views are awesome (both tiger and lion point) 4. Must visit place in pune
Both Lion and Tiger points view are really too good and names are due shape of mountains resemble animal in valley. But the view point is little dirty and area is fenced. Just 5 minit is enough to see. May be more attractive in early mornings.
Karla Caves
3. Karla Caves
4.4
(29558)
Historical landmark
Nature & Parks
Ancient rock-carved cave temples housing a monastery, soaring halls, statues & intricate columns.
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Amazing experience exploring these caves! The natural beauty, ancient carvings, and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect getaway. The area is clean, well maintained, and easy to access. Highly recommended for nature and history lovers.”
Karla Caves is a nice place to visit if you are in Lonavala. We went on a weekend, so finding parking was a bit tricky. From the halfway parking lot, we had to climb around 200 steps a little tiring with bags on our shoulder but totally doable ( beginner level). The caves are really beautiful and the view from the top is just amazing. Overall, it was a very good experience
Karla Caves in Lonavala are a must-visit for history and architecture lovers, offering a serene and awe-inspiring experience with ancient Buddhist rock-cut architecture. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect: 🏛️ Highlights of Karla Caves - Ancient Buddhist Heritage: The caves date back to the 2nd century BCE and are among the oldest rock-cut Buddhist shrines in India. - Main Attraction: The grand Chaitya (prayer hall) with its intricately carved pillars and a wooden ribbed ceiling is the star of the site. It’s one of the largest and best-preserved of its kind. - Mesmerizing Carvings: Visitors are often struck by the detailed sculptures of elephants, lions, and Buddhist motifs that adorn the cave walls. 🌟 Visitor Experience - What People Love: - The peaceful atmosphere and spiritual vibe. - The impressive scale and craftsmanship of the caves. - A good mix of history, nature, and light trekking. - Things to Note: - Climb Required: You’ll need to hike up a moderate incline (15–20 minutes) to reach the caves. Wear shoes with good grip. - Weather Tips: It can get hot, especially in summer, so carry water and avoid mid-day visits. - Connectivity: Mobile network may be weak in the area. 🕘 Timings & Entry - Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. - Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indian citizens, ₹300 for foreign nationals, and free for children under 15. 📍 Location - Situated near the Ekvira Devi Temple in Karla, about 60 km from Pune and easily accessible from Lonavala.
We stayed overnight near Karla Caves and visited early the next morning, 9 o’clock is opening time — the perfect way to enjoy this ancient site without the usual crowd. The short trek to the caves is easy, around 350 stone steps surrounded by lush green hills and fresh morning air. At the top, the magnificent Chaitya Hall welcomes you — one of the largest and most impressive rock-cut prayer halls in India, dating back to the 2nd century BCE. The wooden arch inside, still intact after centuries, adds a rare charm to the stone-carved space. As sunlight filters through the arched entrance, it creates a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. Don’t miss exploring the darker corners of the pillars — if you look closely, you’ll notice faint traces of ancient paintings hidden in the shadows, telling silent stories of the past. Karla Caves are not just about history; they offer a quiet connection with nature and art. Visiting early morning is highly recommended to experience the calm and detail of this heritage site before the tourist rush begins. A must-visit for history lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking serenity amid ancient craftsmanship.
Karla Caves, about 11 km from Lonavala, are ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BCE. The highlight is the Grand Chaitya Hall, one of India’s largest and best-preserved prayer halls, with a massive stupa, wooden ribbed ceiling, and beautifully carved pillars. Next to the caves stands the Ekvira Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ekvira. The temple remains active and attracts many devotees, especially during Navratri. Perched on a hill with scenic views, the site blends ancient Buddhist heritage and Temple.
It was a nice place, but have to keep in mind that you will have to climb a lot of stairs to get there(around 10 floors) But the view along the trail is very beautiful. I would say that the view and the walk along tht trail up the hill is better than the caves😅
The caves were really nice! We visited the first floor, which was great. The area on the right-hand side was restricted due to heavy leakage. The main attraction, located just behind the Ekvira Temple, is peaceful and definitely worth a visit. Entry fees 25 for indians.
An amazing historical site showcasing the efforts and craftsmanship of the people that lived in the past thousands of years ago, even without the technological advantages that we enjoy right now. A must visit. I still am reducing one star, because the place is not very well maintained and you can find areas vandalized by people writing their own names on the rocks or littered areas with rubbish, which honestly should be shameful for the people managing the place and even more shameful for the idiots who did the vandalizing. And next to it is also a temple with the exact same path which worsens matters a lot more related to managing the crowds and people. A site with such historical significance should be handled and preserved better.
Lohagad Fort
4. Lohagad Fort
Building
Sights & Landmarks
Architecturally significant, ancient fort atop a hill, popular for hiking, exploring & picnicking.
Pawna Lake
5. Pawna Lake
4.5
(5418)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Large artificial lake & dam popular for camping, picnics, photography & nearby fortress ruins.
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My friends and I visited this place recently. The first thing that you will notice once you are there is the beautiful water of the lake. The place was really quiet and filled with nice bird 🕊️ sounds. There are multiple camps set up at the side of the lake. At the camps there were many activities such as badminton, cricket, caram board, chess, archery, etc. also there were boat rides inside the lake. The sunset at the lake was a must watch thing. The only thing was the worst of the place was food as there were no food stalls and the camp we stayed in didn't provide us good food. Which was only bummer. Rest all was great. I would really recommend this place for couples, family and friends. Also it can be a good spot for a picnic. All and all had a great time. NOTE: Carry something dry to eat as there is no shop near the place of camp.
Best for Camp piece full place enjoy and relax. It is a very good place, you will get good roads to reach there, you may have to climb a little mountain, it is good for nature activities, you just have to find a good camp which is near the lake, you can also take a bath in it
Such a peaceful and refreshing camping spot! The lake is absolutely beautiful, surrounded by stunning mountain views that make mornings and evenings magical. Perfect place to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. Boating on the lake was an amazing experience — calm waters and breathtaking scenery all around. The atmosphere is quiet, clean, and very family-friendly. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a peaceful getaway in the lap of nature!
Pawna Lake: Beautiful, yes, but monsoon is the best time to visit! The water is a stunning blue from above, then silent and peaceful when you walk to the edge. 🌅 Sunset is a must-see! 🛶 Enjoy a boat ride or try kayaking. An unforgettable experience!
Absolutely worth visiting in the monsoon, especially if you're looking for a peaceful getaway as lesser crowd and surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The vibrant green scenery, misty hills, and seasonal waterfalls create a unique and magical atmosphere that you need.
Amazing view of sunset. Best time to visit is Saturday.
📍 Pawna Lake – Maharashtra’s Most Loved Camping Spot! ⛺🌌 If you’re looking for a peaceful lakeside escape with starry nights, crackling bonfires, and pure mountain vibes — Pawna Lake is your perfect getaway. Just 2 hours from Pune and 3 hours from Mumbai, this serene lake is surrounded by forts, greenery, and scenic hills. 🏞️ I visited Pawna recently, and I can confidently say — it’s one of the best chill spots to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature or your people 🧘‍♂️✨ --- 🛏️ Camping Experience The best way to enjoy Pawna is to stay overnight in a tent. Most campsites offer a full package — including dinner, BBQ, breakfast, music, games, and sometimes kayaking or boating. 🔥 Imagine this: Bonfire + friends + music + stargazing + sound of water = perfect night vibes! Tents are usually lakeside and come with sleeping mats, pillows, and common clean washrooms. (Pro tip: Check reviews before booking!) --- 🍽️ Food & BBQ The typical dinner includes veg/non-veg thali with chapati, rice, dal, and sabji. Some camps offer BBQ starters like paneer tikka or chicken kababs. Nothing fancy — but fresh, local, and satisfying under the stars! 😋🌌 ☕ Don’t forget the evening tea and morning poha – simple but soulful. --- 🛶 Things to Do Around Pawna: ✔️ Chill by the lake with your feet in the water ✔️ Enjoy boating or kayaking at select camps ✔️ Play outdoor games – volleyball, cricket, archery ✔️ Visit nearby forts: Tung, Tikona, Lohagad, Visapur 🏯 ✔️ Ride around scenic roads for cool photo spots 📸 --- 🗺️ How to Reach: From Pune: Via Paud Road or Old Mumbai-Pune Highway From Mumbai: Via Lonavala (exit at Kamshet) 4-wheelers and bikes easily accessible. Roads are okay, but a bit patchy near the lake — drive slowly. --- 📝 My Tips: 🔹 Book a campsite with good reviews (some allow pets too!) 🔹 Carry warm clothes – it gets cold at night, even in summer 🔹 Don’t play loud music after 10 PM – respect the silence 🔹 Bring a power bank & flashlight 🔋 🔹 Avoid monsoon if you don’t like muddy areas --- 🔥 My Opinion: Pawna Lake is not just about water and tents — it’s an experience. You disconnect from the noise and connect with peace. Whether you're going with friends, your partner, or solo, the calm vibes and natural beauty leave you feeling refreshed.
It was a calm & rejuvenating visit!! Surrounded by Sahyadri mountains, this lake is a serene getaway for anyone looking to enjoy a slow, lake-town weekend. We tried a boat ride here & it was a good experience.
Bhushi Dam
6. Bhushi Dam
4.2
(4039)
Reservoir
Nature & Parks
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🌧️ Scenic Appeal & Experience • A masonry dam on the Indrayani River, built in the late 1860s to supply water to steam trains and now popular among tourists for weekend outings . • During monsoons (July–September), it overflows into  rocky cascading steps, creating a picturesque “natural waterfall”—perfect for splashing around and photography . • The lush Western Ghats backdrop and reservoir views draw large crowds from Pune and Mumbai . ⸻ 👍 Pros • Free entry—no charges for access . • Vibrant atmosphere with stalls selling corn, pakoras, chai, and snacks along the steps . • Great for group outings—ideal for families, friends, and couples seeking a fun monsoon excursion . ⸻ ⚠️ Cons & Safety Concerns • Very crowded in peak season (especially Aug weekends, festival times); September weekdays offer a calmer experience (). • Slippery rocks, wet terrain, and occasional litter; non-slip footwear is advised . • **Safety risks: Several incidents of drowning—about 25 deaths in a 5-year span—and recent tragedies involving families swept away by flash floods . • Time restrictions: Entry generally allowed from 9 AM to 3–5 PM due to early bans and flood control efforts . • Tourist bans during heavy rains: Temporary closures enforced by police when water flow becomes unsafe . ⸻ 🕒 Tips Before You Visit 1. Go early or prefer weekdays, especially in September, to avoid crowds (). 2. Wear good grip shoes, avoid beer bottles or broken glass . 3. Stay near the steps, don’t venture into deep water (). 4. Pack snacks and water—vendor prices can be steep . 5. Follow local warnings and prohibitory signs, especially during monsoons . 6. Keep valuables secure and waterproofed, cameras and phones might get wet .
My first and recent visit to Bhushi dam was a little disappointing. Even on a week day it was crowded and the tourists visiting the place litter around the place making it filthy and dirty. The view is good no doubt but the tourists visiting need to be more responsible and take away the snack packages and bottle back with them when they go and it would be a much cleaner place to visit.
It's beautiful here. I just wish locals and visitors would keep the place clean or is it an Indian thing to always have the place looking dirty and littering? That's the only reason why I rated this 3 stars.
This is very good place to explore in rainy season. I visited here 16th july 2025. Water is good enough on the stairs so its awesome to enjoy here. Try to come with good grip shoes or with crocs so you get better adventure to walk. Avoid this place on weekends as its too crowded, try to visit in weekdays early morning so you will get less crowded so good for enjoy and photography. You can get snacks here from multiple stalls but you can try corn as its good at that time. Changing rooms are available in the near stalls which cost 10/- pp. Bike and car parking is available near this place which cost 50/- and 100/- respectively.
Overhyped and Overcrowded. Can be managed better. Hard to access the dam area. It's a 15 minute walk from the parking area, it's a walkway filled with swampwater, mud, broken stairs from which you could fall off, and paan spat everywhere. It's dangerours as the stairs to reach the top is very narrow and overcrowded. During monsoon, waterflow is very high and can fall easily. Overall, a very gross and dangerous experience.
Bushi Dam is one of the most popular tourist spots in Lonavala, especially during the monsoon season. The dam looks beautiful when the water overflows, creating natural streams and small waterfalls where people love to sit and enjoy. It’s a great place to relax with friends and family, dip your feet in the water, and feel the refreshing flow. That said, it does get very crowded on weekends and holidays, so if you’re looking for peace and quiet, weekdays are a better option. The steps and rocks can be slippery, so wearing proper footwear is a must. Street food stalls nearby serve corn, tea, and snacks, which adds to the fun monsoon vibe. The natural beauty is worth experiencing, but parking and traffic around the area can be chaotic during peak times. Also, safety is important — it’s best not to go too deep into the water as the current can get strong. Overall, Bushi Dam is a lively, scenic spot to enjoy the rains and the charm of Lonavala, but be prepared for crowds if you go during the season
**Bhushi Dam** (Indrayani River, Lonavala) is a quintessential monsoon attraction—especially between June and September—known for its overflowing waters cascading down stone steps, creating a natural mini waterfall. A lively, visual treat, it’s perfect for cooling off with friends or family. **✨ Highlights** * **Scenic charm**: The dam transforms during monsoons into a flowing stairway of water, nestled within lush green hills—ideal for pictures and chilling in waist‑deep water. * **Street‑food vibe**: Look forward to vendors selling chai, bhutta, kanda bhaji, vada pav, and more right on the steps—adds to the experience. * **Accessibility**: About 6 km from Lonavala station, accessible by road (open roughly 9 AM–6 PM, though vehicle entry often closes at 3 PM on busy days). **⚠️ Drawbacks** * **Overcrowding**: Expect huge weekend crowds; by 3 PM on holidays, authorities may close dam access due to congestion. * **Parking chaos**: Limited and chaotic parking, with high charges (even ₹500 for group parking) and poor organization. * **Safety concerns**: Reports of drownings—25 between 2007–2012, a major tragedy in June 2024 killed five—highlight hidden currents and fluctuating depths . * **Lack of restraints**: No fencing or barriers around deep water areas; weekend crowd behavior often careless. **💡 Local Tips** * Visit early—before 10 AM—on a weekday for quieter, safer flow . * Wear sturdy, non‑slip shoes. * Avoid climbing into deeper zones—stay on lower steps. * Always monitor children and stay clear of swift currents. * Carry water‑resistant bags and keep trash with you to avoid littering. --- **Final Verdict**: Bhushi Dam delivers exhilarating monsoon fun and scenic beauty—but only for the alert. Ideal for a short, early‑morning weekday outing. If you're after a lively splash-and-snack experience—but safety-conscious and realistic about crowds—it’s worth a stop. Nonetheless, treat it more like a flowing natural spa than a playground or pool—and respect the water’s power.
Bhushi Dam, located in Lonavala, Maharashtra, is a popular tourist attraction, especially during the monsoon season when the dam overflows, creating a picturesque scene. It has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Here's a summary of reviews and information about Bhushi Dam: What visitors liked: * Water Fun: The main attraction is the water flowing over the steps, creating a natural waterfall. Visitors enjoy splashing, swimming, or sitting on the rocks and feeling the cool, refreshing water. It's a great spot for taking photos and videos. * Scenic Beauty: The dam is surrounded by lush greenery and hills, offering a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and fresh air. * Activities and Amenities: There are food stalls selling local delicacies like vada pav, misal pav, corn pakoda, bhel puri, and Maggi noodles. You can also find shops selling clothes, accessories, handicrafts, and souvenirs. * Overall Experience: Many find it a great place for fun with family and friends, especially during the monsoon. What can be improved / Things to be aware of: * Crowd: It can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during the monsoon season. Some reviewers mentioned it can be difficult to find a decent standing spot. It's recommended to visit on weekdays to avoid heavy rush. * Cleanliness and Maintenance: Some reviewers noted issues with cleanliness and littering. There are also mentions of slipperiness and safety concerns due to non-maintenance. * Safety: Swimming is prohibited due to the inconsistent flow of water. Visitors are advised to be cautious as rocks can be slippery. Access might be restricted during heavy monsoons for safety reasons. * Accessibility: It might not be suitable for aged people and young kids due to the crowded and potentially slippery conditions. Tips for visiting: * Wear appropriate footwear with good grip as the rocks can be slippery. * Check for access restrictions, especially during the monsoon. * Carry water and snacks as options might be limited. * Follow safety guidelines provided at the site. * Avoid making loud noises. * It's better to visit in groups for safety and convenience. Nearby Attractions: * Tiger's Leap (2 km from Bhushi Dam) * Lion's Point (12 km from Bhushi Dam)
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Other notable attractions

Bhaja Budhhist Caves Ancient Buddhist Heritage
Historical landmark
Nature & Parks
22 landmark rock-cut caves featuring old carvings & a large shrine, dating to the 2nd century BCE.
Sunil's Celebrity Wax Museum
Wax museum
Modern art museum
Family-friendly museum featuring lifelike wax replicas of Indian & international celebrities.
Bhushi Dam
Reservoir
Nature & Parks
Shree Narayani Dham Temple
Hindu temple
Sights & Landmarks
Tranquil Hindu temple with marble floors, a spacious hall , a fountain, rose gardens & onsite rooms.
Aadishakti aai Ekvira Devi Temple
Hindu temple
Sights & Landmarks
Hillside Hindu temple dating to the 2nd century BCE & offering sweeping valley views.
Wet’nJoy Water Park & Amusement Park
Water park
Water & Amusement Parks
Water park featuring slides with twists & turns, a wave pool & a tubing river, plus eateries.
MOUNTAIN TOP CAMPING
Permanently Closed
Camping farm
Sights & Landmarks
Tiger Valley
Sights & Landmarks
Lookouts
Rajmachi Garden public toilet
Public bathroom
Nature & Parks
Tikona Fort
Building
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient stone fort on a hill that offers sweeping views of Pawana lake & the surrounding area.

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Weather in Lonavala

Here's the historical average temperature in Lonavala over a full year based on data compiled by NASA: for more details by month, see the weather in Lonavala in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, or December
Monthly temperature highs and lows in Lonavala
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