Lonavala, surrounded by the Sahayadri range of Maharashtra, is a popular hill station and a heaven for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts. Lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, misty hills and lakes in Lonavala offer a magnificent retreat for a relaxing getaway. From trekking, hiking and boating to flying fox, ATV rides and bungee jumping, there is plenty to boost your adrenaline rush.
It also holds historical significance dating back to the Maratha rule. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj used the forts in Lonavala, like Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi Fort, and Visapur Fort, as watchtowers and defence structures against invaders. During the British colonial era, the officers discovered the place’s charm and developed it into a hill station.
Being part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Western Ghats, Lonavala is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including medicinal plants, rare species of trees and wild animals like leopards, barking deer, wild boars and monkeys. The place is also a haven for birdwatchers, as you witness Indian hornbills, Malabar whistling thrushes and many migratory birds.
Below, we will explore the lakes in Lonavala and activities you can do around these sparkling lakes, but before we start our journey, let’s learn about the best time to visit and how to reach Lonavala.
Lonavala offers a diverse range of activities for visitors, be it historic exploration, spiritual journey, adventure, or just soaking in the beauty of the place. The waterfalls, hills and lakes of Lonavala, along with all-year-round pleasant weather and its proximity to Mumbai and Pune, make it a popular tourist destination throughout the year.
Lonavala experiences mainly three seasons, each offering unique experiences to the visitors. Let’s learn more about these seasons to know which season will be the best time for you to explore places to visit in Lonavala:
- Summer Season (March to May): The daytime temperature in Lonavala during the summer season can rise up to 33 degrees Celsius, but the mornings and evenings are perfect to enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquil ambience of the place. You can enjoy your relaxing stay at the air-conditioned rooms of the hotels in Lonavala during the daytime.
- Monsoon Season (June to September): The rainfall during the monsoon season, with the temperature ranging between 22 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius, adds a misty blanket to the place, making it look like paradise. The lush greenery, cascading waterfalls and lakes in Lonavala are at their peak beauty during the season, making it the best time to visit the place. Since most of the travellers visit the place in the monsoon season, it is recommended to book your stay in advance through online booking.
- Winter Season (October to February): During the season, temperatures fall to 11 degrees Celsius, making the weather cool and pleasant for adventure activities during the daytime. You can enjoy trekking, sightseeing and boating in the lakes in Lonavala. The season also brings along festivities like Navratri and Vijayadashami, during which the locals gather and perform rituals on the streets. While visiting Lonavala in November, you can also enjoy the Winter Fire Festival in Pawna Lake. This three-day festival marks the celebrations of music and art through healing workshops, including music, Warli Art and Quilling.
Lonavala is well-connected to the two major cities, Mumbai and Pune, through roads and railways.
If you are taking a train, you can board any local train running every two hours.
- By Road: Lonavala is well-connected by expressway and is a two-hour drive from Mumbai (83 kms) and Pune (65 kms). The expressway is also popular for its breathtaking scenery. You can either take a state or private bus or enjoy a drive on the scenic highway.
- By Rail: With frequent trains running between Mumbai and Pune, you can take one to reach Lonavala Railway Station.
- By Air: Pune International Airport (65 kms) and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai (90 kms) are the nearest airports. From there, you can easily reach Lonavala by taking a taxi or a bus. Moreover, there are numerous hotels in Lonavala offering private cab services to the airports.
Lonavala, blessed with breathtaking views of misty hills and cascading waterfalls, is also adorned with many small lakes offering a relaxing and adventurous time to the visitors. Here are some of the popular lakes in Lonavala that you cannot miss on your next trip to the hill station:
1. Tungarli Lake
The lake, formed due to the construction of Tungarli Dam in the Rajmachi region, has now become a popular camping site. While spending an evening by the lake, you can enjoy the mesmerising views of the entire city. The place is also perfect for leisure walks and a short trek to the Tungarli Dam. The best time to visit Tungarli Lake is during the monsoon season when its beauty is at its peak.
You can look for hotels in Lonavala near Tungarli Lake, to enjoy morning and evening walks while admiring the beauty of one of the most beautiful lakes.
Lonavala Lake, located around 1.6 kms away from the city centre, is one of the best lakes in Lonavala, which you cannot skip. The lake is a popular tourist attraction for food hopping, birdwatching, swimming and angling. While visiting the place, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains on one side and the lake on the other side. The lake is also a gateway to the famous treks to Tiger Point, Lion Point and Aamby Valley, making it a popular lake among tourists to take a break on their journey.
Although it is a monsoon lake but you can also enjoy the views of flowers, grazing animals and lush greenery post monsoon season.
3. Pawna Lake
For all the adventure seekers, Pawna Lake is one of the popular lakes in Lonavala for offbeat experiences. Located near Tigers Point and 20 kms away from the city centre, Pawna Lake is a man-made lake surrounded by the magnificent Sahyadri Ranges.
The lake offers plenty of activities, including camping, stargazing and water sports activities like kayaking, boating and speed boating while immersing in the spectacular beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
Therefore, if you are looking for an incredible adventure with your friends and family, this is the perfect place.
4. Valvan Lake
Valvan Lake, formed due to the Valvan Dam, is among the lakes in Lonavala for picnics. Located just 2 kms away from the city centre, at the foothills of the Sahyadris, it offers breathtaking views of the dam and the garden. You can enjoy photography sessions or just relax while admiring the greenery and water around you.
Due to its close proximity to the city, it is a popular choice among tourists to relax and rejuvenate. You can book a stay at family-friendly hotels near Valvan Dam, Lonavala.
5. Shirota Lake
Located 25 kms away from the city centre in the foothills of Rajmachi Fort, Shirota Lake is one of the offbeat lakes in Lonavala. The lake is surrounded by hills and lush green landscape, offering a retreat in nature’s lap and a break from daily hustle.
The journey to Shirota Lake is no less than an adventure, as you get to cross through the dense jungles. Once you reach the lake, you can enjoy swimming, picnicking, camping or night treks.
6. Salter Lake
Located amidst the dense forests around 30 kms away from the city centre, Salter Lake is a hidden gem behind the rolling hills of Aamby Valley. This is one of the campsite lakes in Lonavala, which is still untouched by commercialisation. On the journey to the lake, you also get to see Bhushi Dam, INS Shivaji Lonavala and Tiger Point.
So, if you are looking for a less crowded site to relax and enjoy natural beauty, Salter Lake is an ideal place for every nature lover.
These lakes in Lonavala are a must-visit for every traveller, whether looking for a peaceful atmosphere, pleasant weather, scenic beauty or adventure. Moreover, for a comfortable stay on your relaxing getaway, you can book your stay on Treebo Club’s website or app for budget-friendly, couple-friendly or family-friendly hotels in Lonavala.
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