With rising temperatures, heat waves, boiling and cooking are becoming the new normal. Unless we have to turn on the magic lights and ask Jinn to bring it down, we need to find alternative and effective solutions to this global climate tragedy. Here are the hot yet cool tourist spots and top things to do in Lonavala and Khandala in 2024, the twin hill stations are a perfect summer destination we have curated them for you. Book your schedule and book your tickets for listings.
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What do you know about Lonavala and Khandala?
It is a municipal council as well as a hill station in Pune, Maharashtra, 64 km drive west of Pune and 96 km east of Mumbai. Although the city of Mumbai has a reputation for ugly traffic conditions if we dig beyond the deep and peeling layers, there are places that nature has created for the people of Maharashtra and serves the state’s tourism sector.
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Weather condition of Lonavala and Khandala
| Climate Report of Lonavala | |||||||||||||
| month | January | February | March | April | may | June | july | August | September | October | November | December | year |
| Average Daily Max | 27.9
(82.2) |
30.3
(86.5) |
33.6
(92.5) |
37.8
(100.0) |
35.9
(96.6) |
31.6
(88.9) |
26.7
(80.1) |
24.5
(76.1) |
28.6
(83.5) |
31.4(88.5) | 30.1
(86.2) |
26.8
(80.2) |
30.4
(86.8) |
| everyday meaning | 18.9
(66.0) |
20.8
(69.4) |
24.1
(75.4) |
28.7
(83.7) |
29.6
(85.3) |
27.3
(81.1) |
24.4
(75.9) |
22.9
(73.2) |
24.3 (75.7) | 24.8
(76.6) |
22.3
(72.1) |
19.1(66.4) | 23.9
(75.1) |
| Average daily minimum | 9.9(49.8) | 11.4
(52.5) |
14.6
(58.3) |
19.6
(67.30 |
23.0
(73.4) |
23.0
(73.4) |
22.1
(71.8) |
21.3
(70.3) |
19.9
(67.8) |
18.2
(64.8) |
14.4
(57.9) |
11.5 (52.7) | 17.4
(63.4) |
| Average Rainfall mm (inches) | 4
(0.2) |
2
(0.1) |
3
(0.1) |
18
(0.7) |
67
(2.6) |
666(26.2) | 1733
(68.2) |
1147
(45.2) |
495
(19.5) |
111
(4.4) |
16
(0.6) |
3
(0.1) |
4,265
(167.9) |
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List of hot yet cool destinations in Lonavala and Khandala, the twin hill stations
1. Rajmachi Fort
Rajmachi Fort is one of the historical forts located near Lonavala which attracts the attention of major tourists and trekkers during the monsoon season. If you’re here for a good time, you might get a rare chance to see fireflies glowing around at night. Take a chance, take a leap of luck.
2. Rywood Park and Shivaji Udyan
Ryewook Park was once a botanical park and later turned into a public park. It is located near Lonavala Market and is a perfect family picnic spot with kids
3. Valwan Dam
Valvan Dam is a century-old garden built by the British people. The weather is usually around 25-33 degrees Celsius
Lush greenery and serene environment is what Valvan Dam offers, this place is a seclusion from the city busing crowds which makes up for the journey you have to make to reach here. Khopoli Power Station, which serves as the power house and generator for electricity, is owned by Tata Power, India’s leading sustainability practice company. You are in for good photographic practice.
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4. Della Adventure Park
It is a large water cum amusement park located at Lonavala hill station.
You’re invited to a variety of fun activities here, including aqua zorb, swoop swing, flying fox and rappelling, and you can’t risk missing the color and pain of paintball, buggy rides and bull rides because why does Texas have to have all the fun?
After all this, you can stay late for food and wine and enjoy what the nightlife here has to offer.
5. Lonavala Lake
1.6 km from the city on the outskirts of Lonavala is the Lonavala Lake where the river Inrayani joins the Vishal. Fascinated by the beauty of nature, it is known as monsoon lake because it dries up in the winter months. This place teems with many local food vendors and stalls and you don’t miss Vada Pao and Gola here or anywhere in Maharashtra.
6. Duke nose
If you are here in Lonavala you cannot miss Duke Nose. It is just 7km away from Lonavala and is a popular sight. It’s a paradise away from the city for hikers and a bountiful resource for photographers. But why is it called duke’s nose? Because it resembles the shape of the Duke of Wellington’s nose. What a way to pay tribute to Duke.
7. Carla Caves
The story of these caves is as old as the time they were built by Buddhist monks in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. An interesting story about this temple is that it is believed to have been built by the Pandavas in their exile.
8. Lohagad Fort
Known as the Iron Fort, this fort is a masterpiece of Maharashtrian architecture of Maharashtrian style and elements. 11.2 km from Malvalli Railway Station will take you here.
9. Visapur Fort
Located near Lohagad Fort is Visapur Fort which was built by Balaji Vishwanath in 1713-1720 century. It is bigger in size and higher than Lohagad fort.
10. Leo point
This is another viewpoint between Bhushi and Ambi Valley. Despite the name, it does not have a lion but is so called because of its association with the Lion Club of Lonavala.
The view from this point is close to a heavenly experience with mesmerizing panoramic views of the neighboring hills and the valley below. Cascading waterfalls and hilltops surrounded by vibrant greenery add more charm to this heavenly landscape.
11. Narayani Dham
A mere 2 km drive from Lonavala railway station brings you to the Narayani Dham built in 2002 as a tribute to the Hindu Goddess Narayani.
12. Tungarli Dum
Just 2 km from the city center, one of the must-visit places includes Tungarli Dam which is built on the banks of Tungarli Lake in Rajmachi area. This dam is a major source of irrigation in the region. Enjoy the wilderness treat after a long track of trek trail camping beside this lake, which can add another new adventure surrounded by water and greenery.
13. Reverse waterfall
Have you heard that the waterfall flows in the opposite direction? Very few exist and the most famous reverse waterfall in the country. A visit to the reverse falls is highly recommended during monsoons. It is only 9 km from the city center.
14 eggs
Campsite location in the wilderness with high-altitude mountains in the background. Ondoli is spread over a vast area of land. Backpackers, couples on honeymoon, and family getaway trips stop here for a unique destination experience.
15. Which waterfall
Far away from the mediating city center are Kune Falls which is considered to be the 14th highest waterfall in the country located in Lonavala. These falls are three tiers high against the backdrop of the Sahyadri mountains.
16. Leap of the tiger
Tiger’s Leap is a precipitous cliff top of over 600 meters. Standing there you can get a 180-degree view of all the mountains and the famous Western Ghats right out of a geography textbook.
How to reach Lonavala and Khandala: A Brief Travel Guide
through roadways
When you reach Pune or other cities in Maharashtra you can find a travel agency for a tour bus to reach Lonavala and Khandala. There are also taxi services available and if you find it expensive you can go for ride sharing with other tourists
via airways
The nearby town of Aamby Valley, Lonavala has a private airport, but you also have other commercial airport options. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is just 104 km away from the destination and there Pune International Airport is just 64 km away. If you go for a different airway experience, a sea service flight is available between Juhu and Pavana Dam just 14 km from Lonavala. If your budget allows it is a must.
via railroad
Lonavala is well connected to many cities of Maharashtra through railways. Local trains come and go, crossing the destination, and you can always have a fascinating live experience of taking train routes.
Other Fun Things Not to Miss in Lonavala and Khandala in 2024
- Shopping at local markets and eating local delicacies like chicken and candied jam from local markets and roadside vendors is not to be missed. Get some packs to share with those waiting for you at home.
- There is no such thing as visiting a tourist spot and leaving home without stepping foot in the market or making a call.
- The local market has its own collection of handicrafts and clothes, though not branded, but of good quality.
- Another popular fact is tasting the 2 minute instant noodles, eating Maggi on the roadside at Misty Hill Station is another experience. Don’t think twice to try it.
Above all this walk the small town of Khandala, it really is a small place, and walk to remember while you are already here alone or with company.
Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum
Lonavala is also known for attracting the attention of many tourists with its wax museum which has wax figures of 100 famous people. It is the first wax museum in the country.
SPOILER ALERT! It has popular figures like Mr. Bean action figures waiting for you to get it!
Where to stay in Lonavala and Khandala?
The tourism department of Maharashtra and the locals serve the tourists who come to support them. There are resorts, homestays, campsites, hotels, and private villas open to welcome you at any hour of your arrival.
Lonavla and Khandala are home to many exciting adventures, tranquil retreats, and friends and family holiday getaways waiting to welcome tourists to savor the thrill of all the tourist destinations, it has in store and this summer is the perfect time to explore. Space, avoid heat waves. Water and amusement parks, deserted forts, trails of hiking tracks, and waterfalls that give the illusion of a vertical water bridge connecting heaven and earth await you to share magical moments in 2024. Get your camera ready, get your family and friends to pack their bags, and plan a package to explore and experience the unique wild beauty of Lonavala and Khandala. While you’re there, don’t forget to respect the place and its environment, and be mindful of littering here and there. Let’s respect service providers and maintain our integrity by participating in the Better Planet mission.